In the rugged landscape of Indian automobiles, few names evoke as much respect and recognition as the Mahindra Bolero.
For decades, this sturdy workhorse has been a familiar sight on both urban streets and rural backroads, earning a reputation for reliability and versatility.
Now, as we look towards 2025, Mahindra has unveiled a new iteration of this iconic vehicle, blending its time-tested toughness with modern amenities and enhanced performance.
A Design Evolution
The 2025 Mahindra Bolero retains its boxy, no-nonsense silhouette, but with subtle refinements that bring it firmly into the modern era.
The front fascia has been redesigned with a more prominent grille, featuring vertical slats that pay homage to its rugged heritage while adding a touch of contemporary flair.
LED headlamps with integrated DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) flank the grille, providing improved visibility and a more premium look.
The side profile maintains the Bolero’s characteristic high stance and straight lines, but with more pronounced wheel arches housing larger 16-inch alloy wheels.
These not only enhance the vehicle’s aesthetic appeal but also improve its off-road capabilities. A subtle character line runs the length of the body, adding a touch of dynamism to the otherwise utilitarian design.
At the rear, LED taillights bring a modern touch, while the tailgate-mounted spare wheel – a Bolero trademark – remains, underlining the vehicle’s adventurous spirit.
The bumpers, both front and rear, have been redesigned for better approach and departure angles, crucial for off-road enthusiasts.
Power and Performance
Under the hood, the 2025 Bolero sees significant upgrades. The base model comes equipped with a refined version of Mahindra’s 1.5-liter mHawk diesel engine, now compliant with BS6 Phase II norms.
This powerplant churns out a respectable 100 bhp and 260 Nm of torque, providing ample grunt for both city driving and highway cruising.
For those seeking more power, Mahindra offers a 2.2-liter mHawk diesel engine option, borrowed from its more premium SUV lineup.
This engine produces 140 bhp and 320 Nm of torque, transforming the Bolero into a veritable powerhouse.
Both engines come mated to a 6-speed manual transmission as standard, with the option of a 6-speed automatic on higher trims – a first for the Bolero lineup.
In a nod to changing times and increasing environmental consciousness, Mahindra has also introduced a CNG variant.
This eco-friendly option is based on the 1.5-liter engine and offers an impressive balance of performance and efficiency, making it an attractive choice for both private owners and fleet operators.
Chassis and Suspension: Built to Last
The 2025 Bolero continues to be built on a robust ladder-frame chassis, reinforced to meet the latest safety norms while maintaining the vehicle’s legendary durability.
The suspension setup has been fine-tuned to offer a better balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability.
Independent front suspension with coil springs and a multi-link rear suspension provide improved ride quality without compromising the Bolero’s load-carrying capacity.
Ground clearance remains impressive at 220mm, allowing the Bolero to tackle rough terrain with ease.
The inclusion of an electronic locking differential on 4×4 variants (yes, 4×4 is now an option!) further enhances its off-road credentials, making the new Bolero as comfortable on mountain trails as it is on city streets.
Interior: Comfort Meets Functionality
Step inside the 2025 Bolero, and you’re greeted by an interior that’s a far cry from the utilitarian cabins of its predecessors.
The dashboard features a clean, modern design with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system taking center stage. This system supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, bringing modern connectivity to this rugged vehicle.
The instrument cluster is now a semi-digital unit, offering clear readability and a host of information at a glance.
Climate control comes standard on mid and high-tier variants, a welcome addition for those long drives in varied weather conditions.
Seating comfort has been significantly improved, with better cushioning and lumbar support. The second row now features a 60:40 split, enhancing versatility.
Higher trims offer leatherette upholstery, adding a touch of luxury to the otherwise functional interior.
Storage spaces abound, with numerous cubby holes, a large glovebox, and door pockets designed to hold 1-liter bottles.
The boot space remains generous, with the option to fold down the rear seats for additional cargo capacity.
Safety: No Compromises
Mahindra has made significant strides in the safety department with the 2025 Bolero. Standard safety features across all variants include:
Dual front airbags
ABS with EBD
Rear parking sensors
Speed alert system
Driver and co-driver seatbelt reminders
ISOFIX child seat anchors
Higher trims add side and curtain airbags, bringing the total count to six. Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill Hold Control, and a reverse camera are also available on top-end variants.
The body structure has been reinforced to better absorb and distribute impact forces, significantly improving crash protection. These enhancements are expected to result in a much-improved safety rating, addressing one of the key concerns of the previous generations.
Technology and Connectivity
The 2025 Bolero embraces the digital age with Mahindra’s AdrenoX connected car technology. This system offers features like:
Remote engine start/stop
Door lock/unlock
Climate control preconditioning
Vehicle location tracking
Geofencing
Driver behavior analysis
Over-the-air updates for the infotainment system
The infotainment system also includes built-in navigation, voice command functionality, and a host of apps designed to enhance the driving and ownership experience.
Variants and Pricing
The 2025 Mahindra Bolero is available in four trim levels:
B2 (Base)
B4
B6
B8 (Top)
Prices are expected to start from ₹9.5 lakhs for the base B2 variant, going up to ₹15 lakhs for the fully-loaded B8 4×4 model (all prices ex-showroom).
This pricing strategy positions the Bolero competitively in the compact SUV segment, offering a robust, feature-rich package at various price points.
Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Considerations
Despite its rugged build and powerful engines, the 2025 Bolero shows impressive fuel efficiency figures:
1.5L Diesel: 18.5 km/l (claimed)
2.2L Diesel: 16.5 km/l (claimed)
1.5L CNG: 24.5 km/kg (claimed)
These figures, coupled with the BS6 Phase II compliance, make the new Bolero a more environmentally conscious choice without compromising on performance.
The Bolero Experience: More Than Just a Vehicle
Owning a Bolero has always been about more than just having a means of transportation. It’s about being part of a legacy, a community of owners who value reliability, versatility, and the ability to go anywhere. The 2025 model builds on this legacy, offering a vehicle that’s as comfortable on a family outing as it is on a challenging off-road trail.
Mahindra’s extensive service network ensures that Bolero owners have access to quality maintenance and repairs, even in remote areas.
The company’s reputation for producing vehicles with low maintenance costs further adds to the Bolero’s appeal, especially for those looking for a long-term, value-for-money proposition.
Mahindra Bolero New Model : A Legend Reborn
The 2025 Mahindra Bolero represents a significant evolution of this iconic nameplate. It successfully bridges the gap between the rugged, no-nonsense utility vehicle of the past and the feature-rich, comfortable SUVs that modern consumers demand.
By retaining its core strengths of durability and versatility while embracing modern technology and safety features, the new Bolero positions itself as a compelling choice in an increasingly crowded market.
For urban dwellers looking for a weekend escape vehicle, rural customers needing a reliable workhorse, or adventure enthusiasts seeking a capable off-roader, the 2025 Bolero offers something for everyone. It’s a testament to Mahindra’s ability to evolve with the times while staying true to its roots.
As the automotive landscape continues to change, with a growing focus on electrification and autonomous driving, the Bolero stands as a reminder of the enduring appeal of a well-built, versatile vehicle. The 2025 model doesn’t just meet expectations; it exceeds them, setting a new standard for what a modern utility vehicle can be.
In a world of increasingly homogenized vehicle designs, the Mahindra Bolero remains distinctively itself – tough, capable, and now, more refined than ever.
It’s not just a new model; it’s a legend reborn, ready to write the next chapter in its storied history on Indian roads and beyond.