Mahindra's $10k G Wagon Alternative Gains More Bling
But we already have a G Wagon at home!
If you are a fan of rugged, no-nonsense off-roaders, the Indian market has many intriguing options. Beyond the Wrangler-style Thar, Mahindra also offers a budget alternative to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class: the Bolero. The ladder-frame SUV has just received a new Bold Edition, essentially an accessory package that adds bronze accents inside and out.
The Mahindra Bolero has been around since 2000, but the current third-gen model debuted in 2011 and received its latest facelift in 2025. The Bold Edition stands out with bronze inserts on the front bumper intake, grille, fog light garnish, side cladding, mirror caps, and roof rails. It also rides on matching five double-spoke alloy wheels.
Inside, the black leatherette seats get bronze accents, with matching details on the floor mats. More importantly for daily usability, the package includes a rearview camera integrated within the infotainment display. Don't expect G-Class levels of quality or tech, but it does offer room for seven occupants and their luggage.
Ladder-frame chassis, diesel engine and RWD
Under the skin, the Bolero Bold Edition retains the 1.5-liter three-cylinder diesel engine generating 76 hp (57 kW / 77 PS) and 210 Nm (155 lb-ft) of torque. Despite its rugged looks, power is exclusively transmitted to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox.
The most recent update gave the 3,995 mm (157.3 inch) long Bolero a more modern grille design, diamond-cut 15-inch wheels for the flagship trim, and more color options, without changing its "brick-on-wheels" silhouette. It also gets a 9-inch infotainment system with Bluetooth and a USB-C charging port.
The Bold Edition is available as an accessory package at authorized Mahindra dealers in India. Pricing has not been disclosed, but the standard Bolero costs between ₹8.57 lakh ($9,000) and ₹9.99 lakh ($10,500) depending on the configuration. For comparison, the base Mercedes G-Class starts at ₹2.55 Crore ($270,000), which is 27 times more expensive.
Mahindra