The Indian automotive landscape has evolved drastically in the past decade, and Mahindra has been at the forefront of that transformation. Known for its robust SUVs and utility vehicles, the brand continues to redefine its image by blending rugged practicality with modern luxury. One of its most versatile MPVs, the Mahindra Marazzo, has recently received a stylish update that adds premium touches to its design, features, and overall appeal.
The Marazzo has always been a unique offering in the Indian MPV segment. It’s positioned between the utilitarian Bolero and the premium XUV700, targeting families, fleet operators, and even adventure enthusiasts who want space without compromising comfort. With this new update, Mahindra aims to make the Marazzo even more attractive to buyers looking for a more stylish and upscale experience.
A Quick Recap: What Makes the Marazzo Unique?
Before diving into the updates, it’s essential to understand what makes the Marazzo a standout product in Mahindra’s portfolio.
Launched in 2018, the Marazzo was India’s first MPV to be engineered through a collaboration between Mahindra North American Technical Center (MNATC) and the Mahindra Research Valley (MRV) in Chennai. Inspired by a shark’s design—hence the name “Marazzo,” which means “shark” in Basque—the vehicle has consistently been praised for its refined engine, smooth ride quality, spacious interiors, and car-like driving dynamics.
With a body-on-frame chassis, transverse engine layout, and front-wheel drive setup, the Marazzo merges the best of both MPV and SUV architectures. It was one of the first Mahindra vehicles to offer a truly global driving feel, thanks to inputs from Italian design house Pininfarina and Mahindra’s American and Indian engineering teams.
What’s New: Premium Updates that Turn Heads
Mahindra’s latest updates to the Marazzo don’t change the core vehicle, but they do enhance its desirability. These premium touches span aesthetics, convenience, and overall refinement, making the MPV a more compelling option in the mid-size segment.
1. Refreshed Exterior Styling
One of the most noticeable upgrades to the Marazzo comes in the form of exterior styling. Mahindra has added subtle yet effective changes to give the MPV a more upmarket look. Here’s what’s new:
- New Chrome Accents: The front grille now features additional chrome inserts that lend the vehicle a more premium aura. These accents complement the existing tooth-like grille slats and make the front fascia more assertive.
- Dual-tone Alloy Wheels: The updated Marazzo sports newly designed dual-tone alloy wheels that elevate its stance. These wheels not only add a modern touch but also improve the vehicle’s visual balance.
- Smoked Headlamp Elements: To add a touch of sophistication, the headlamps now get smoked internals that look sleek and aggressive, especially under low-light conditions.
- Body-Colored Claddings and ORVMs: Mahindra has replaced the plain black cladding with subtle body-colored finishes on the door panels and ORVMs, enhancing the Marazzo’s visual flow.
- Updated Rear Garnish: The tailgate gets a new chrome strip that adds a sense of width and links both taillights visually, much like seen on more premium vehicles.
2. Interior Upgrades: Where Comfort Meets Elegance
Step inside the updated Marazzo and you’ll instantly notice the changes that make it feel more luxurious and refined.
- Dual-Tone Dashboard with Premium Materials: The dashboard now comes with a dual-tone black and beige combination with soft-touch materials in key areas. This not only improves the tactile quality but also gives a more inviting ambiance to the cabin.
- Piano Black Inserts and Satin Chrome Highlights: These trims have been introduced on the center console, around the air vents, and on the steering wheel. It’s a small detail that adds a big impact in terms of perceived quality.
- Upgraded Upholstery: The fabric seats now feature a new pattern with a quilted finish and improved cushioning for better long-distance comfort. There’s also an optional leatherette seat cover accessory for those who want a touch more luxury.
- Ambient Lighting: Blue ambient lighting has been added subtly along the dashboard and door panels, providing a modern feel during night drives.
- Captain Seats with Enhanced Padding: In the 7-seater variant, the individual captain seats in the second row have been redesigned with better contouring and padding. These seats now rival those in more expensive MPVs in terms of comfort.
3. Feature Enhancements for Modern-Day Needs
Beyond the aesthetic improvements, Mahindra has also added new features that cater to today’s tech-savvy buyers.
- Updated Infotainment System: The 7-inch touchscreen now comes with improved UI responsiveness and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay support. The system also supports voice commands and includes a rear parking camera with guidelines.
- Wireless Charging Pad: A new wireless charging pad is available in higher variants, offering convenience for those who prefer a clutter-free experience.
- Automatic Climate Control with Rear Controls: The Marazzo already offered segment-leading AC performance with roof-mounted vents. The update now includes a digital control panel for rear occupants, improving accessibility and control.
- Cruise Control and Steering-Mounted Controls: These features now come standard in more variants, increasing convenience, especially during long highway drives.
- Additional USB Ports and Fast Charging: To cater to modern device needs, Mahindra has added more USB and fast-charging points in both rows.
Performance: The Trusted 1.5L Diesel Continues
While the updates are mostly cosmetic and feature-focused, Mahindra has retained the same reliable 1.5L D15 diesel engine that powers the Marazzo. The engine produces 121 BHP and 300 Nm of torque and is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. It’s tuned for linear performance and offers excellent drivability both in the city and on highways.
The engine is now BS6 Phase 2 compliant, adhering to the latest emission norms without compromising performance. While many competitors are moving away from diesel, Mahindra’s decision to stick with this torquey and fuel-efficient motor is strategic, especially in semi-urban and rural markets.
Ride and Handling: Still Among the Best in Class
The Marazzo has always been appreciated for its smooth ride and stable handling. Thanks to its front-wheel-drive setup and sophisticated suspension tuning, the MPV glides over broken roads with ease. The ladder-frame construction also ensures it feels planted even when fully loaded.
The steering remains light at low speeds and gains weight as you pick up pace, making the vehicle easy to maneuver despite its size. This makes the Marazzo particularly popular among those upgrading from smaller hatchbacks or sedans.
Variants and Pricing
Mahindra offers the Marazzo in three primary variants: M2, M4+, and M6+, with each now receiving incremental updates. Here’s how the pricing stands post-refresh:
- M2 – Entry-level, focused on fleet and commercial buyers. Basic features, now with updated interiors.
- M4+ – Mid-variant with most of the new premium touches, infotainment, and safety features.
- M6+ – Top-end variant with all new premium elements, including alloy wheels, cruise control, and leather-wrapped steering.
Prices for the updated Marazzo start around ₹14.5 lakh (ex-showroom) and go up to ₹17 lakh for the fully loaded M6+ variant. This pricing continues to undercut rivals like the Toyota Innova Crysta while offering more space and refinement than compact 7-seaters like the Kia Carens or Maruti Suzuki Ertiga.
Safety: Still a Strong Point
Safety has always been one of the Marazzo’s USPs. It was the first Indian MPV to secure a 4-star Global NCAP rating, and the updated model continues to carry that legacy forward. Standard safety features include:
- Dual airbags
- ABS with EBD
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
- Rear parking sensors and camera
- Speed-sensitive door locks
Higher variants also offer cornering lamps and emergency call assistance, making the Marazzo one of the safer choices in its category.
Final Thoughts: A Premium Move in the Right Direction
The Mahindra Marazzo’s latest update is not just about superficial changes. These thoughtful enhancements in design, comfort, and tech features make it an even stronger proposition in the MPV space.
For buyers seeking a balance between practicality, premium features, and affordability, the refreshed Marazzo now checks more boxes than ever. While it may not be the flashiest MPV on the road, its understated elegance, robust engineering, and spacious interiors make it a vehicle that truly grows on you.
As competition intensifies in the multi-purpose vehicle segment, Mahindra’s decision to give the Marazzo a stylish premium upgrade is both timely and strategic. It’s not just an MPV anymore—it’s a statement of comfort and class for Indian families on the move.