Mahindra’s big festive bet: deep cuts across SUVs, led by GST pass-through
It’s rare to see six-figure factory savings across an entire SUV range, but Mahindra is doing exactly that in 2025. The company is offering savings from ₹50,000 to over ₹3 lakh on popular models including the Bolero and Bolero Neo, Scorpio range, XUV 3XO, Thar, XUV700, and the XUV400 electric. Most deals apply to MY2024 and MY2025 stock and can change by city and dealership.
At the heart of this price reset is a GST 2.0 rate revision on internal-combustion SUVs that Mahindra says it has passed on fully to buyers. That alone knocked prices down sharply: the XUV 3XO Petrol saw about ₹1.40 lakh off, while the XUV 3XO Diesel dropped by roughly ₹1.56 lakh. Layer festival benefits on top, and drive-away prices look meaningfully lower than earlier this year.
The headline grabber remains the XUV400 EV, which carried a cash discount of up to ₹2.50 lakh on the EL Pro variant in June 2025—designed to pull fence-sitters into an electric while softening the upfront price shock. For value hunters eyeing the compact SUV space, the XUV 3XO continues to be the workhorse of Mahindra’s promotions: in September 2025, buyers can get combined benefits up to ₹89,000 (cash discounts of up to ₹45,000, a ₹20,000 scrappage bonus, ₹15,000 exchange benefits, and ₹9,000 worth of accessories). In August, total savings went even higher for select trims—up to ₹1.09 lakh on diesel and ₹94,000 on petrol.
Hardcore off-road fans aren’t left out. Depending on configuration, Thar variants are seeing between ₹1.01 lakh and ₹1.35 lakh off. Family workhorses like the Bolero and Bolero Neo get up to ₹1.27 lakh in benefits. Higher up the price ladder, selected Scorpio N variants attract up to ₹40,000, while certain XUV700 trims get up to ₹30,000. Actual savings depend on local inventory, color and trim availability, and dealer-level schemes.
These deals are a mix of factory discounts and stackable add-ons. The scrappage bonus—₹20,000 in most cases—rewards owners retiring older, inefficient vehicles, dovetailing with the government’s vehicle modernization push. Exchange bonuses (around ₹15,000) support trade-ins through dealer partners, while accessory packs (about ₹9,000) help cover essentials like mats, mud flaps, and basic styling parts. Depending on the dealership, you could also see corporate benefits, loyalty bonuses, or finance-linked incentives.
Why now? Festive-season buying typically peaks in India, and supply chains have stabilized enough for carmakers to push volume with sharper pricing. Add the GST reset and model-year changeover, and Mahindra has room to be aggressive without blowing up margins. Expect rivals to keep countering with their own offers—competition in the SUV space is intense.
What’s on the table and how to make the most of it
- XUV 3XO (Petrol/Diesel): September benefits up to ₹89,000 (cash up to ₹45,000 + ₹20,000 scrappage + ₹15,000 exchange + ₹9,000 accessories). In August, diesel savings went up to ₹1.09 lakh; petrol up to ₹94,000. GST 2.0 pass-through already cut ex-showroom prices by about ₹1.40 lakh (petrol) and ₹1.56 lakh (diesel).
- XUV400 EL Pro (EV): Cash discount up to ₹2.50 lakh in June 2025, aimed at lowering the entry barrier for EV buyers.
- Bolero/Bolero Neo: Discounts up to ₹1.27 lakh depending on city and stock.
- Thar: Depending on variant, savings between ₹1.01 lakh and ₹1.35 lakh.
- Scorpio N: Select variants with benefits up to ₹40,000.
- XUV700: Select variants with benefits up to ₹30,000.
What are these benefits made of? Mostly cash rebates, scrappage bonuses for retiring older vehicles, exchange bonuses via dealer partners, corporate/loyalty programs, and complimentary accessories. Some dealers also tie in finance schemes. Keep in mind: not every offer stacks—sometimes you’ll choose between higher cash discount and exchange bonus, for example.
How to squeeze the best deal:
- Target MY2024 stock if you can live with an earlier build. Dealers often add extra cash to clear last-year inventory. Verify the car’s VIN and manufacturing month.
- Stack benefits smartly. Ask your dealer to show two quotes—one with exchange bonus, one with a bigger cash discount. Pick the higher effective saving.
- Use the scrappage bonus right. If you’re scrapping an old car, you’ll usually need an official RTO scrappage certificate from an authorized recycler. Start paperwork early to avoid delivery delays.
- Compare exchange vs self-sale. You might get a better price selling your old car directly, then take the higher cash discount at the dealership.
- Shop finance outside the showroom. Get a pre-approval quote from your bank/NBFC and compare interest, processing fees, and prepayment charges with the dealer’s offer.
- Look at the on-road math. Discounts typically apply to ex-showroom; taxes and insurance can blur the final saving. Ask for an itemized quote and check for add-ons you don’t need.
- Check what the accessory pack actually includes. If it’s stuff you won’t use, ask to swap or convert part of it into cash.
- For EV buyers, ask about home charger supply, installation costs, and delivery timelines before booking.
- Lock color/trim early. Popular specs may have longer waits; dealers often sweeten less in-demand colors on the spot.
- Do a thorough pre-delivery inspection and ensure all promised benefits and freebies are itemized on the invoice.
Two practical caveats. First, these programs are city- and dealer-specific and can change quickly with stock. Second, not every variant gets every benefit—especially fresh, high-demand trims. Always confirm model year, VIN, and the exact breakup of benefits in writing on your proforma invoice.
If you’ve been waiting for a price window on a Mahindra SUV, this is one of the clearest in 2025. The standout headline is Mahindra discounts that reach into six figures across mainstream nameplates, powered by GST pass-through and a festival push. If you negotiate well and pick the right variant, the real-world saving can be substantial.