The Mahindra Thar AX and LX Series have two different characters and are built to different spec. Find out what’s unique on each of them and which is suited for what. Prices for the Thar start from Rs 9.80 lakh.
Much has already been talked about the versatility of the new-gen Mahindra Thar and in that regard, Mahindra also creates a differentiation with the two different variants of the new Thar – the AX and the LX Series. If you have been following the Thar space closely, you’d know that the AX-Series is the bare bones off-road oriented variant where as the LX Series is the more lifestyle oriented variant with all the bells and whistles and is the one best suited for urban use. But let’s explore each of the two variants in a little more detail about what really sets them apart.
Mahindra Thar AX Series
The AX Series is further divided into two more variants – AX and AX Opt. It is the AX Series which is available with all the three different roof styles on the Thar – Fixed Soft Top, Convertible Soft Top and the Fixed Hard Top. If you are into off-roading and if you are going to customize your vehicle anyway, this is the variant to go for. This being the entry-level Thar, it gets a single-tone bumper and 16-inch steel wheels with higher profile tires for better off-roading ability. You can also get your own aftermarket wheels, winch, off-roading accessories or an even aftermarket infotainment system. However, there are only two color options on offer – Red and Black.
In fact, Mahindra is themselves offering a range of accessories which includes additional body cladding, mud flaps, music systems and some bits from the LX trim to spec up your Thar AX exactly to your taste. Further, The AX Opt variant gets some more additional equipment from the LX variant. On the powertrain front, the Thar AX series can be had with either the 2.0L petrol or the 2.2L diesel engine but transmission option is only a 6-speed manual with both the engines, for both the variants. Four-wheel drive, low-range transfer case and mechanically locking differentials are standard across the range. As stock, it’s a little low on equipment but if its only off-roading in your mind, this makes the best sense. Here’s a look at the price of each version of the Thar AX.
| Variants | Petrol MT | Diesel AT |
| AX Std Fixed soft top | Rs 9.80 lakh | |
| AX Fixed soft top | Rs 10.65 lakh | Rs 10.85 lakh |
| AX (O) Convertible soft top | Rs 11.90 lakh | Rs 12.10 lakh |
| AX (O) Hard top | – | Rs 12.20 lakh |
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Mahindra Thar LX Series
If you want to show-off your Mahindra Thar for being a really cool vehicle, then the LX Series is what’s meant for you. This is also the variant that makes the Mahindra Thar suited for the Urban jungle for the first time. On the powertrain front, the Thar LX also gets the option of both the 2.0L petrol and the 2.2L diesel engine along with the 6-speed manual gearbox but it also gets an additional 6-speed automatic gearbox options. As for the roof options, there are only two styles to choose from – Fixed Hard Top and the Convertible Soft Top. You also get all the color options the Thar has to offer.
It is on the equipment front where the LX Series really sets it apart from the bare-bones AX Series. It gets features like 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice commands, steering-mounted controls, follow-me-home headlamps as well as ESP with roll-over mitigation. The 18-inch alloy wheels also enhance the look of the SUV by a great deal. The Thar LX also additionally gets a new feature called brake locking differential, which essentially acts as a traction control in low grip conditions, braking wheels which do not have grip and sending power to where its needed most. This will perhaps help that little extra bit when off-roading. Here’s a look at the prices of the Mahindra Thar LX variant.
| Variants | Petrol MT | Diesel MT | Petrol AT | Diesel AT |
| LX Convertible soft top | Rs 12.85 lakh | Rs 13.45 lakh | Rs 13.65 lakh | |
| LX Hard Top | Rs 12.49 lakh | Rs 12.95 lakh/ | Rs 13.55 lakh | Rs 13.75 lakh |
Also Read : Here’s What Makes The New Mahindra Thar a More Capable Offroader!
In the end, it really depends on your taste and what you are going to use your vehicle for. Even if you do not take the Thar off-roading but if you just want to modify it in your won bespoke way, the AX Series offers you a great canvas to save some money at your purchase and spend it later on customizations. And that has always been an unique, appeal of the Thar. For all other needs, the Thar LX Series is just about right.
