September 2022 - Mahindra Scorpio N Diesel Variants Explained - Which One To Buy?

Updated: Now that the prices of the Mahindra Scorpio N diesel-automatic and 4-wheel drive variants are also available, this article includes them along with the buying recommendations.

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What Are The Pros And Cons Of Mahindra Scorpio N Diesel?

The pros or advantages of Mahindra Scorpio N diesel are:

• Scorpio N’s best-in-class height and width with aggressive styling lend it tremendous road presence
• It’s the only 3-row D1-segment SUV with a rugged body-on-frame construction
• Scorpio N is the only other 3-row D-segment SUV with 4-wheel drive (XUV700, also a Mahindra SUV, is the other SUV with 4WD)
• 4WD available with manual as well as automatic transmission

The Mahindra Scorpio N diesel has the following shortcomings or problems:

• 2nd row captain seats are not available in any of the lower variants.
• Poor feature distribution leaves the Z6 and Z8 with critical must-have features missing. The mid-spec Z6 variant doesn’t get auto AC, LED projector headlamps and DRLs, chrome grille, side and curtain airbags and tyre pressure sensors. Even the Z8 doesn’t get front parking sensors and front camera. Captain seats are reserved for only the Z8L and you won’t get fairly simple features like wireless phone charger if you don’t get both, 4WD and automatic transmission, in the Z8L variant.
• Fuel efficiency figures remain a secret. We’re expecting very low mileage figures for the Scorpio N petrol, especially with the automatic.
• Strange sequence of events around the car launch. Scorpio N launched -> prices revealed but not for automatic -> bookings open about 1 month after ‘launch’ -> prices for auto, 4WD revealed -> deliveries a few months after bookings.

What Is The Price Of 2022 Mahindra Scorpio N Diesel Variants?

The 2-wheel drive variants of the 2022 Mahindra Scorpio N diesel are available with a manual as well as an automatic transmission. The Scorpio 2WD diesel-manual variants cost between Rs. 12.49 lakh and Rs. 19.69 lakh (ex-showroom). Most of the Scorpio N 2WD diesel variants are available with an automatic transmission for an additional Rs. 1.96 lakh, which is quite high for an automatic. The Scorpio N 2WD diesel-auto range costs between Rs. 15.95 lakh and 21.65 lakh.

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The Z4, Z8 and Z8L variants also offer the option of a 4-wheel drivetrain for an additional Rs. 2.45 lakh, which is a bit higher for this feature. The 4WD diesel-manual variants cost between Rs. 16.44 lakh and Rs. 21.94 lakh. The two 4WD diesel-automatic variants of the Scorpio N cost Rs. 21.90 and Rs. 23.90 lakh. The Z4 diesel automatic doesn’t get a 4WD option.

Compared to the 2022 Scorpio N petrol-manual, all of the diesel-manual variants are exactly Rs. 50,000 more expensive. Since the mileage figures for petrol and diesel Scorpio N aren’t available, we can’t conclusively say how much you’ll have to drive to recover the Rs. 50,000 price difference over the petrol-manual model. On the positive side, we’re glad to see a reasonable price difference of only Rs. 50,000 between petrol and diesel variants of the Scorpio N.

Mahindra Scorpio N Diesel Z2 - Base Model Standard Features & Review

The base Z2 variant of the 2022 Mahindra Scorpio N with the base-spec diesel engine costs Rs. 12.49 lakh (ex-showroom). The most notable features of the Scorpio N Z2 base model are:

• 7-inch touchscreen
• Engine idle start/stop
• 2nd row AC vents
• Rear disc brakes
• 17-inch steel wheels
• All power windows
• Halogen reflector headlamps
• Tilt steering
• Manual day/night inside mirror
• Front armrest
• Rear armrest

*Not confirmed; expected to be in base variant

Considering the asking price of the car, we believe that you might still miss the following features in this variant:

• Rear defogger
• Rear washer wiper
• Auto AC
• Rear camera (very important for such a large car)
• Android Auto and Apple Carplay
• Separate compressor for AC (available in higher variants)
• Power mirrors (must-have for a wide car like the Scorpio N)
• Wheel covers
• Remote central locking

Considering these missing features, we can’t recommend the base Z2 variant as it will drastically impact the ownership experience because of the limited features. You should consider upgrading to one of the higher variants.

Mahindra Scorpio N Diesel Z2 vs Z4 Variant - Price, Feature Comparison

The Scorpio N Z4 gets the same base-spec diesel engine with the manual transmission and costs Rs. 13.99 lakh. It also gets 2-wheel drive automatic and 4-wheel drive manual options for an additional Rs. 1.96 lakh and Rs. 2.45 lakh, respectively.

Besides the automatic or 4-wheel drivetrain, the Scorpio N Z4’s diesel-automatic and 4WD manual versions also get the more powerful 175PS engine. The Z4 variant gets the following additional notable features over the base Z2 variant:

• Larger 8-inch touchscreen
• Wired Android Auto and Apple Carplay
• Steering-mounted controls
• Carbon filter (for deodorising the cabin)
• Cooled glovebox
• Power mirrors
• Rear USB port
• Driver lumbar support
• Extra AC compressor for rear seat occupants
• Height-adjustable driver seat
• Electronic stability control (with automatic only)
• Hill start assist (with automatic only)
• Hill descent control (with automatic only)
• Cruise control
• Wheel covers
• Silver grille
• Remote central locking
• Rear defogger
• Rear washer wiper

In the Z4 variant, you might miss the following features:

• Power folding mirrors
• Auto AC
• Chrome grille
• Projector or LED headlamps
• LED DRLs
• Tyre pressure sensors
• Front parking sensors
• Rear camera
• Option of captain seats in 2nd row

While the Z4 diesel-manual variant seems fairly well-loaded and adds mostly must-have features, it offers poor value for money. So we'll suggest you consider stretching your budget if you can to accommodate a higher variant if you can.

If you’re interested in the Z4 diesel-automatic or Z4 4WD variants, then these are good options for budget buyers. The diesel-automatic and 4WD-manual variants also get the more powerful engine, which helps them better justify the asking price.

Mahindra Scorpio N Diesel Z4 vs Z6 Variant - Price, Feature Comparison

Z6 onwards, all Scorpio N diesel variants get the more powerful 175PS engine only. The Z6 diesel-manual costs Rs. 14.99 lakh, which is Rs. 1.0 lakh more than the Z4. The Topline variant gets the following extra features over the lower Highline trim:

• Telematics
• 7-inch full-colour LCD instrument cluster
• Wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay
• Drive modes
• Sunroof
• 3rd row reading lights

You might still miss some features in this variant such as:

• Power folding mirrors
• Auto AC
• Chrome grille
• Projector or LED headlamps
• LED DRLs
• Tyre pressure sensors
• Front parking sensors
• Rear camera
• Option of captain seats in 2nd row

The Z6 variant adds mostly good-to-have features but it justifies the incremental cost over the Z4 with the more powerful engine and the sunroof alone. Overall, the Z6 will offer a much better ownership experience and value for money than the Z4. So, you should consider stretching your budget and at least buy the Z6 trim.

For diesel-automatic buyers, the Z6 offers slightly poorer value than the Z4 automatic, but it still justifies the incremental cost over the Z4. So, you can consider buying the Z6 automatic.

Mahindra Scorpio N Diesel Z6 vs Z8 Variant - Price, Feature Comparison

The Z8 variant of the 2022 Scorpio N costs Rs. 17.49 lakh (ex-showroom), which is Rs. 2.50 lakh higher than the lower Z6 variant. For this additional price, the Z8 adds the following extra features over the Z6 trim:

• 4 extra airbags
• Power folding mirrors
• Chrome grille
• Tyre pressure sensors
• Rear camera
• LED projector headlamps
• LED DRLs
• LED projector fog lamps
• Terrain modes
• Keyless entry with push-button start/stop
• Leather upholstery
• 2-zone auto AC
• Sweeping indicators
• Auto headlamps
• Auto wipers
• Chrome door handles
• Leather steering and gear lever cover
• 18-inch machined alloy wheels (with automatic only)

The Z8 variant covers the bases well and almost completes the list of important features to offer a balanced ownership experience. Moreover, it almost justifies the incremental cost over the lower variants for all the additional features. Therefore, the Z8 is our top recommendation for 2022 Scorpio N buyers. If you're considering the Z6, then we'll suggest you consider upgrading to the Z8 for a far better ownership experience.

This recommendation is also valid for Z8 diesel-automatic-2WD, diesel-automatic-4WD and diesel-manual-4WD.

Mahindra Scorpio N Diesel Z8 vs Z8L Variant - Price, Feature Comparison

The Z8L is another Rs. 2.0 lakh more expensive than the Z8 and costs Rs. 19.49 lakh over the Z8 diesel-manual. It adds the following extra features over the lower Z8 trim:

• Wireless phone charger (with 4WD and automatic only)
• Front camera
• 6-way power driver seat
• Front parking sensors
• Optional 2nd row captain seats
• 12-speaker Sony sound system
• 17-inch machined alloy wheels (with manual transmission only)

Besides the front parking sensors and parking camera, the Z8L only adds good-to-have features. It offers a similar value for money as the Z8 variant. So, if you find the features of the Z8L compelling enough, then you can buy this variant. The diesel-automatic-4WD also gets the wireless phone charger. For all drivetrains, the top model is worth considering but not a compelling upgrade.

If you want the Z8L with the 6-seat layout, then the Rs. 20,000 premium seems acceptable for the comfort of captain seats in the 2nd row. It’s worth noting that the Z8L is not available with 4-wheel drivetrain.

Which Variant Of The 2022 Mahindra Scorpio N Diesel Should You Buy?

The Z2 variant is too basic and doesn’t have several must-have features. It's not worth buying as you'll have to compromise a lot on the ownership experience. The Z4 offers a good number of must-have features but doesn't come close to justifying the asking price. So, from a value standpoint, we'll suggest stretching your budget if you can to accommodate the Z6. While the Z6 variant only adds good-to-have features, it justifies the Rs. 1.0 lakh incremental cost with the more powerful engine and sunroof alone. The Z6 is also the most value-for-money variant in the Scorpio N lineup. Even if you're on a budget, you should at least buy this variant as it'll offer a decent overall ownership experience.

If you can stretch your budget further, then the Z8 is our top recommendation. It requires you to make a Rs. 2.50 lakh jump in ex-showroom price but it gets most of the must-have features and offers an acceptable value for money as well. The Z8 variant adds a good number of valuable features like 2-zone, auto AC, tyre pressure sensors, LED projector headlamps and fog lamps, LED DRLs and 4 more airbags. So, its balanced feature set makes the Z8 the best choice among all Scorpio N variants. The top-spec Z8L variant mostly adds good-to-have features while offering similar value for money as the Z8. If you find any of the Z8L's features compelling, then you can consider buying the Z8L instead of the Z8. However, for most buyers, the Z8 will meet most of the needs while costing a fair bit less.

For buyers interested in the 4WD-manual variants, the affordable Z4 4WD is a good option for budget buyers. It offers tremendous value for money over the Z4 2WD because of the more powerful engine. Although, its features may be a little basic for some buyers. If that's the case, then you should consider buying the higher Z8 variant, which is our top recommendation for most 4WD-manual buyers. The Z8L almost justifies the upgrade over the Z8 but doesn't offer enough must-have features to warrant an upgrade. So, you can make this upgrade if you find its features compelling enough.

For the Scorpio N diesel-automatic buyers, the Z4 is a good option for budget buyers. If you can stretch your budget, then the Z6 offers better value but adds mostly good-to-have features. Beyond that, the Z8 is our top recommendation despite its lower value rank. The Z8 variant has a good mix of must-have and good-to have features along with a decent value for money.

If you’re interested in the 4WD-automatic option, then between the Z8 and Z8L variants, the Z8 is the better choice for its balanced feature set. The Z8L is also a good option if you like its features.

What Are The Engine Specifications Of The Mahindra Scorpio Diesel?

The new Scorpio N diesel has 2 engine options. Both are 2.2L turbocharged but the base engine has considerably less power and torque. It makes 132PS of power and 300Nm of torque and it’s only available with a 6-speed manual transmission. The higher end engine makes 175PS of power and 370Nm of torque with the manual and 400Nm of torque with the automatic. The manual and the torque converter automatic are both 6-speed units.

Compared to its rivals, the base Scorpio N diesel engine has acceptable power and torque figures while the higher end engine is quite powerful. It’s also worth noting that the Scorpio N is the only 3-row SUV in the D-segment with a body-on-frame platform. Such SUVs are more abuse-friendly and robust enough to deal with Indian road conditions.

Mahindra don’t reveal the mileage figures of their large SUVs. Given how heavy the Scorpio N is, we’re expecting the official mileage figures to be far from worth bragging about. So, you should expect the Scorpio N to deliver below average performance in terms of mileage.

You can use our Fuel Cost Calculator to see how much any petrol, diesel or CNG car will cost to run based on the latest fuel price in your city.

Fuel Cost Calculator in India

What Are The Dimensions Of The 2022 Mahindra Scorpio N?

In terms of size, the Scorpio N is about as long as the Safari but is the widest and the tallest in its segment. While the Scorpio N’s ground clearance of 187mm may not sound like much, its abuse-friendly body-on-frame construction is reassuring when going over bad roads. Tyre sizes are another thing, which caught our attention as even the Scorpio’s base tyre size is wider than all of its rivals’. The Scorpio N’s top-spec tyres are even wider.

What Are The Colour Options Of The 2022 Mahindra Scorpio N?

The 2022 Scorpio N is available in the following 7 colour options:

• White
• Silver
• Black
• Red
• Gold
• Green
• Copper red

Note: Here is a quick look at our length-based segmentation of cars to give you an idea of how we are classifying cars based on their size.