Anand Mahindra, chairman of Mahindra Group, recently took to social media to share his passion for the legendary Mahindra Bolero, even as he drives the cutting-edge Mahindra XEV 9e. Reminiscing about Indian automotive history, Mahindra described how the Bolero—launched in 2000 and now the oldest Indian car brand in continuous production after the Wagon R—has remained his “ultimate, old-school road warrior.”
Despite attempts by successive Mahindra Auto teams to retire this car but its signature silhouette and unbeatable ruggedness have seen it continuously evolve and “refuse to say goodbye.” Now, the Bolero returns in its updated 2025 avatar, proving its enduring appeal and adaptability even as Mahindra’s line-up moves towards electric and advanced vehicles.
Since the Mahindra Armada, our first hard-top SUV, first rolled out, I’ve never driven any other car brand.
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) October 11, 2025
(Before the Armada, I had a Hindustan Motors Contessa!)
And although today I use the XEV 9e, the most advanced vehicle Mahindra has ever built, I can honestly say that the… pic.twitter.com/K4Axlnmzi2
A Journey of Evolution: Bolero From 2000 to 2025
Since its debut, Mahindra’s second SUV has undergone multiple upgrades:
- 2000: Launched as a hard-top SUV with the reliable Peugeot diesel engine and Armstrong Grand-influenced design.
- 2004-2007: Received bolder styling updates, advanced bumpers, and headlights. Invader and Camper variants expanded the utility portfolio.
- 2008-2011: Introduction of Micro-Hybrid tech for enhanced fuel efficiency; CRDe Storm made it the most powerful iteration yet.
- 2011: Muscular new looks with m2DiCR engine for improved refinement; digital driver cluster and dual-tone interiors elevated its status.
- 2020: Further facelift with revised grille, bumpers, voice messaging system, and rear suspension to improve ride comfort.
- 2025 (Current): Unveiled in October, the latest sports modal is the classic five-slat chrome grille, Mahindra’s twin-peaks logo, updated fog lamps, diamond-cut alloys, a new Stealth Black color, and a refreshed cabin with 7-inch touchscreen, leatherette seats, and improved dampers. Safety upgrades include dual airbags, ABS with EBD, TPMS, ISOFIX, and rear sensors.
Throughout its journey, it maintained a solid reputation for rural reliability, urban adaptability, and mechanical simplicity—an ethos close to Anand Mahindra’s heart.
Read this: Mahindra Cuts Car Prices by Up to ₹1.56 Lakh Even Before Govt’s GST Rollout — Here’s Why
GST-Led Price Reductions: Making Mahindra SUVs More Accessible
In September 2025, Mahindra responded quickly to the GST 2.0 reforms which lowered effective rates on small cars and SUVs, bringing immediate and substantial savings for buyers:
- Bolero / Neo: GST reduced from 31% to 18%, resulting in price drops of up to ₹1.27 lakh per car.
- Thar, Scorpio, XUV700: Premium SUVs see the effective tax drop from 48% to 40%, saving buyers up to ₹1.45 lakh.
- These benefits passed directly to consumers, with new on-road prices reflected instantly at showrooms after GST Council’s decision.
This tax relief strengthens Mahindra’s market position during the festive season and makes its trusted legacy models—including this one—an even more attractive option for buyers from small towns to big cities.
Why the Bolero Endures
Over 25 years, its adaptability—mechanical dependability, high ground clearance, tough frame—has helped it win hearts from urban commuters to rural fleets, ambulances to armed forces. The fact that it remains in production despite industry trends and modernization debates is testament to Mahindra’s focus on real Indian driving needs and consumer sentiment.
Summary:
Anand Mahindra’s tribute to the Bolero highlights its unbeatable history as India’s longest-running SUV, continuously refreshed yet always true to its rugged legacy. As GST rate cuts make the entire Mahindra line-up more accessible, this 2025 evolution ensures its place as a timeless icon—marching to the beat of its own drum and inspiring new generations of Indian drivers to choose substance over style.
