The Mahindra Bolero, a name synonymous with rugged reliability, has just received a striking makeover with the launch of its 2025 Bold Edition on 12 May 2025. Priced between ₹9.90 lakh and ₹11.10 lakh (ex-showroom), this sporty iteration of the iconic SUV brings dark chrome accents, sleek black interiors, and modern features to India’s rural and urban roads. Aimed at younger buyers and loyalists alike, the Bolero Bold Edition blends its legendary durability with a contemporary edge. Here’s everything you need to know about this refreshed SUV and why it’s making headlines.
A Sporty Makeover That Turns Heads
The 2025 Mahindra Bolero Bold Edition is a visual treat, sporting a dark chrome-themed exterior that exudes attitude. The signature front grille, now finished in menacing black with chrome inserts, pairs with smoked-out headlights for a fierce look. Blacked-out ORVMs, roof rails, and 15-inch alloy wheels in a stealthy matte finish amplify its urban appeal. New decals and a “Bold Edition” badge on the tailgate add a touch of exclusivity, while colour options like Diamond White, Lakeside Brown, and a new Onyx Black elevate its road presence.
Inside, the cabin gets an all-black treatment, with premium fabric seats and a redesigned dashboard featuring silver accents. The rugged charm remains, but subtle upgrades like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and illuminated scuff plates give it a premium feel. The Bolero’s 7-seater layout and 370-litre boot continue to make it a practical choice for families and fleet owners, especially in rural India.
Engine and Performance: Tried and Tested
Under the hood, the Bolero Bold Edition retains its trusty 1.5-litre, three-cylinder mHawk diesel engine, churning out 75 bhp at 3,600 rpm and 210 Nm of torque between 1,600 and 2,200 rpm. Mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, it delivers the same dependable performance that has made the Bolero a favourite across India’s diverse terrains. The engine is tuned for low-end grunt, ideal for hauling loads or navigating hilly roads, though it’s not the smoothest for high-speed cruising.
Fuel efficiency stands at an ARAI-certified 16 kmpl, with real-world figures hovering around 14 kmpl in mixed conditions. The 60-litre fuel tank ensures long gaps between refills, a boon for rural buyers. The Bolero’s ladder-frame chassis and leaf-spring rear suspension keep it tough, while front disc brakes and dual airbags enhance safety, addressing past criticisms.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L, 3-cylinder, mHawk diesel |
| Power | 75 bhp @ 3,600 rpm |
| Torque | 210 Nm @ 1,600-2,200 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Fuel Efficiency | 16 kmpl (ARAI-certified) |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
Tech and Features: Modern Yet Simple
The 2025 Bolero Bold Edition doesn’t chase flashy tech but adds enough to stay relevant. A 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a welcome addition, paired with a four-speaker audio system. The digital instrument cluster displays essential info like fuel economy and distance-to-empty, while rear parking sensors and a reverse camera (exclusive to the top-spec B6(O) trim) make parking easier in tight spaces.
Safety features include dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and ISOFIX child seat mounts, aligning with modern standards. The Bolero also gets power windows, keyless entry, and a 12V charging socket, but misses out on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) found in pricier Mahindra SUVs like the XUV700. For its price, the feature list strikes a balance between utility and comfort, catering to its practical audience.
Driving Experience: Rugged and Reliable
The Bolero Bold Edition is built for durability, not refinement. Its high ground clearance (180mm) and robust suspension chew through rough roads, making it a go-to for rural buyers and fleet operators. The steering, while heavy at low speeds, offers decent feedback, and the compact 5.2-metre turning radius aids manoeuvrability in crowded markets. The diesel engine’s torquey nature ensures it handles payloads well, though city drivers may find the clutch stiff during bumper-to-bumper traffic.
On highways, the Bolero cruises comfortably at 80-100 kmph, but wind noise and engine clatter creep in above that. X users have lauded its “tough-as-nails build” and “stylish new look,” though some wish for a petrol or CNG option for urban use. For its core audience—rural families, taxi operators, and small businesses—the Bolero remains a workhorse with a dash of style.
Market Position and Challenges
Priced competitively, the Bolero Bold Edition takes on the Maruti Ertiga in the fleet segment and compact SUVs like the Tata Nexon, though it’s more utilitarian than premium. Mahindra’s 8,690 units sold in February 2025 reflect its rural stronghold, but urban sales lag behind sleeker rivals. The lack of an automatic gearbox and limited service reach in remote areas could deter some buyers, and competitors offer more tech for similar prices.
Why the Bolero Bold Edition Matters
The 2025 Mahindra Bolero Bold Edition is a smart refresh, keeping the SUV relevant in a market craving style and substance. Its sporty design, modern features, and unyielding toughness make it a compelling choice for India’s heartlands, while urban buyers may appreciate its bold new look. As Mahindra gears up for a next-gen Bolero on the U171 platform by 2026, this edition bridges the gap with flair. Available now at Mahindra dealerships, the Bolero Bold Edition is ready to rule the roads. Visit www.mahindra.com or book a test drive today