Mahindra Scorpio N: Mahindra & Mahindra has come up with a stunning new variant of its top-selling SUV – the Scorpio with the introduction of the N Black Mafia edition.
This special edition pushes the already aggressive Scorpio N further and creates even more drama with the full black treatment that highlights the vehicle’s muscular lines and dominate presence on the road.
Unashamedly aiming at spice-loving SUV intenders, the Black Mafia edition is Mahindra’s most image-based special edition yet.
Mahindra Scorpio N Bad Vibes- The Bad Aesthetic
The most apparent difference when it comes to the Black Mafia edition is the special exterior finish – a rich, glare-free Midnight Black paint with a hint of metallic, that gives a deep appeal and character in different lighting.
This is not just any black paint, but a multi-layer processing with a specially formulated clear coat that not only spreads the depth of the paint, but is also form-fitted for added protection against fine scratches and environmental damage.
As part of this theme, all the chrome pieces from the regular Mahindra Scorpio N have been ditched and it now carries an all-black look.
The six open edges of the signature transparent slatted grille take on a shadowlines treatment that includes dark chrome and retains a visual link to the design of the previous model while, at the same time, helping to set the tone for an altogether darker-looking SUV.
The Mahindra badge, usually in silver, is in smoked chrome that’s discreet yet noticeable.
Attention to this adventure theme is further highlighted with the lighting elements: smoked headlamp bezels are fitted to house projector units with a series of tinted accents around the LED daytime running lights.
The upper (on standard cars this is body colored) and lower surrounds to the fog lamps, I can hear BJ starting to say ‘I have a red body]’ are gloss black, and contrasted with a very subtle (the only hint of ‘me’) red pinstripe.
Brutish Wheels and Stance mods
Arguably, the most obvious exterior addition is a set of 18-inch black alloys wheels, but with a machined finish to add a little extra bling to the vehicle’s image.
Medin knew he’d want more, so he opted for a set of Scorpio L28s which boast a meaty five spoke design over the regular Scorpio N’s alloys and are half an inch wider, giving the MR2 a tougher stance.
The rolling stock wears all-terrain rubber with beefier sidewall features, updating not just its off-road tuning, but also the aggressive appearance.
Red brake clampers can be see through the wheels giving the overall monochrome treatment a nice touch of color.
Slightly tweaked suspension settings, which reduce the ride height by 10mm over standard models but leaving the 185mm ground clearance of the Scorpio N untouched, further box the Black Mafia’s stance. The effect is a lower, purposeful stance without affecting off-road capability.
Inside: Dressed in black with a touch of red
And it’s not just the exterior, even the inside of the car has gone with the blacked-out theme, with the stock Scorpio N’s dual-tone interior being ditched for an almost all-black cabin with red accents at certain areas.
The dashboard, door panels and seats are all in deep black, and the seats are trimmed in a mix of leatherette and an Alcantara-like fabric that offers more grip and better wear.”
Breaking through the blackness are red contrast stitching throughout the seats, steering wheel, door panels, and gear selector boot.
The instrument cluster is given its own colour theme and illuminated in red while the central touchscreen interface also offers unique Black Mafia edition start-up graphics and interface loads.
The headlining and pillar trims are black to give the impression of a cockpit, enhancing the driver-oriented ambience of the car.
Rubber grip inserts provide a sporty, racy look to the driver s footwell with the brushed aluminum pedals, while illuminated door sill plates with the “Black Mafia” logo light up when the doors are opened.
Mechanical Spec’s: Purrformance To Go With The Looks
The Scorpio N Black Mafia edition comes only with the top-spec powertrain that Mahindra has on offer for the Scorpio N – the 2.0-litre mStallion turbocharged petrol unit that belts out 203 PS and 380 Nm of torque, and it’s mated to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
It is offered in 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrain options, with the 4×4 version getting Mahindra’s 4XPLOR terrain management system.
Power output of the engine is the same as standard Scorpio N variants, but the Black Mafia edition gets a retuned exhaust system that provides a deeper and sportier sound when revved.
Automatic transmission shift mapping has been modified for peppier responses, especially in Sport mode.
The suspension gets some eeking-across-the-workshop fine-tuning with slightly stiffer damper settings and new anti-roll bars that make the thing corner a bit flatter without denting ride comfort too much – it remains an engaging blend of urbane poseur and proper mud-plugger.
FEATURES AND TECHNOLOGY
Sitting on top being the premium offering in the Scorpio N line-up, the Black Mafia edition is packed with Mahindra’s entire tech-suite.
The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 7-inch digital instrument cluster has special display themes unique to HC.
AdrenoX connected car platform and also supports remote engine start, geofencing, live vehicle tracking and OTA update support.
Other nice touches include a wireless charging pad, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, a 12-speaker Sony audio system and a 360-degree camera system with an off-road view mode.
Comprehensive safety still stands and six airbags, ESC, hill descent control and driver drowsiness detection is standard.
The 4×4 models also feature extra underbody protection via strengthened skid plates that come painted matte black with discreet red accents.
Market Positioning and Availability 7.iscriminar Atools and These tools are designed to not damage martyr PS in order to discriminate between the two corporate users and martyr generators.
Mahindra has branded the Black Mafia edition as a limited-edition model, followed wouldn’t that be even better) later by a huge limited production run of 5,000 units.
This strategy adds exclusivity while providing Mahindra with an opportunity to test market reaction to more style-focused limited-editions.
Based on the corresponding top-spec Z8L variants, the Black Mafia edition demands a premium of around ₹2.00 lakh for which Mahindra claims comes across as reasonable value in view of the extensive styling revisions and unique design inserts.
The intended audience is younger city-dwelling sports utility vehicle devotees who are prepared to pay a premium for unique looks to make them feel special while behind the wheel.
Conclusion: A Venture Into the Unknown Mahindra Scorpio N
The Scorpio N Black Mafia edition marks a move away from the utility-over-style philosophy that Mahindra followed for years and only cements the customer’s today requirement for a personal SUV in today’s matured premium SUV segment.
By designing a visually unique derivative that retains all of the practical talent of the base Scorpio N, Mahindra has produced something that hits the heart whilst it also hits the head.
When the Black Mafia edition hits the showroom floors next month, it should appeal to buyers who want to make a style statement with their SUV, while benefiting from the reliability Scorpio has been known for in the domestic market.
