The new Mahindra Lifestyler is scheduled to launch in South Africa in 2027. Here’s what we know about the Indian brand’s fresh-faced bakkie so far…
- New Lifestyler double cab revealed in India
- Three versions shown at global premiere
- Expected to launch in South Africa in 2027
Back in August 2023, the Mahindra Global Pik Up concept was revealed in South Africa. Now, some 3 years later, the production version of this double-cab bakkie – which will wear the Mahindra Lifestyler badge in international markets – has finally been unveiled in India.
Though the Indian automaker has thus far released very little in the way of technical information, we believe the new Lifestyler will be based on a version of the ladder-frame platform used by the Scorpio-N SUV (in fact, in India, the bakkie will be known as the “Scorpio Lifestyler”).
Mahindra says the new Lifestyler is set to launch “by April 2027”. The company has confirmed the newcomer will enter the “high-potential midsize lifestyle pickup segment” in markets that include Australia, New Zealand and indeed South Africa, along with other nations in Africa, Middle East and Latin America.
Interestingly, Mahindra showed off a trio of versions at the unveiling in India: the Valley Edition (painted in Artemis Grey), Reef Edition (finished in Aquareef) and Trail Edition (featuring Sahara Beige paint). Inside, each features a large, vertically sited touchscreen as well as a digital instrument cluster.
While Mahindra has yet to confirm powertrain options for the new Lifestyler (nor dimensions, payload capacities and other technical details), it seems fairly likely the bakkie will inherit a version of the Scorpio-N’s 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine. As a reminder, that motor makes 129 kW and 400 Nm in the SUV, where it’s mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Mahindra looks to be aiming high with its new model as it seeks to tap into the leisure bakkie market. As such, it will likely pitch the newcomer against segment leaders like the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max – each of which, of course, is produced right here in South Africa.
The Indian automaker’s press material says the new Lifestyler was designed at the Mahindra India Design Studio in Mumbai and developed at Mahindra Research Valley in Chennai, but it interestingly doesn’t specify where the new bakkie will be built.
Back in November 2024, Cars.co.za reported that the production version of the Global Pik Up concept could potentially be assembled at a new facility in South Africa. As a reminder, AIH Logistics became an independent contract assembler for Mahindra SA in 2018, bolting together the current Pik Up from semi-knocked down (SKD) kits at a plant in the Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in KwaZulu-Natal.
In August 2025, Mahindra SA inaugurated a “brand-new assembly facility” – likewise situated in the Dube TradePort SEZ and run by the AIH Group – to increase its local assembly capacity, with the automaker saying it had “redoubled” its investment in South Africa, its biggest market outside of India.
That makes us think the new Lifestyler might just be in line to be assembled locally, alongside the current Pik Up (which will, for the record, seemingly soldier on). Furthermore, Rajesh Gupta, former CEO of Mahindra South Africa, dropped a subtle hint in August 2024, when the previous facility crossed the 20 000-unit assembly mark.
“South Africa’s role as our 2nd home outside of India was emphasised last year [2023] when Mahindra unveiled its new global Pik Up concept in South Africa to a global audience. Mahindra South Africa and its assembly facility will become an important part of the global Pik Up plans, especially with the announcement that Mahindra will continue to produce the current range of bakkies alongside the new model,” Gupta said at the time.
Interestingly, the Pik Up is currently assembled locally on a SKD basis, which means each vehicle kit arrives from India as a set of partially assembled parts. However, it’s our understanding that Mahindra SA is keen to graduate to a completely knocked down (CDK) status at its upcoming larger facility, which would require a more specialised manufacturing process and allow for a higher percentage of local content, too. In fact, the brand “partnered with the Industrial Development Corporation” in 2025 to launch a feasibility study into building a full-scale manufacturing plant in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When will the Mahindra Lifestyler launch in South Africa?
A: The new Mahindra Lifestyler double-cab bakkie is scheduled to launch locally in 2027, following its recent global debut in production-ready trim.
Q: Will the new Mahindra Lifestyler be built or assembled locally in South Africa?
A: While Mahindra has not yet officially confirmed the production site, there is a chance it will be assembled in South Africa. Following the opening of a brand-new, expanded assembly facility in the Dube TradePort SEZ in KwaZulu-Natal and ongoing feasibility studies with the IDC, Mahindra SA has signalled plans to transition toward full-scale local manufacturing.
Q: What engine options, feature highlights and design editions were shown for the Mahindra Lifestyler?
A: Built on a next-generation body-on-frame platform, the Lifestyler is expected to use a version of the Scorpio-N’s 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine (129 kW/400 Nm). Inside, it features a portrait-oriented touchscreen and digital instrument display. Three launch editions were revealed: Valley (Artemis Grey), Reef (Aquareef) and Trail (Sahara Beige).
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