When Mahindra's first hard-top SUV, the Armada, rolled out decades ago, it marked the beginning of a rugged new era for the Indian SUV maker. For Mahindra and Mahindra's Chairman, that moment was also the start of a lifelong bond with the brand's SUVs.

"Since the Armada, I've never driven any other car brand," he says. "Before that, I had a Hindustan Motors Contessa! But once I sat behind the wheel of the Armada, there was no looking back."

Today, even as he drives the Mahindra XEV 9e, the company's most advanced, electric SUV, his heart remains with one machine that refuses to fade away, the Mahindra Bolero.

"I may drive the XEV 9e, but the car I'd still choose to personally drive is the Bolero," he said. "Its ruggedness and simplicity make it the ultimate, old-school road warrior."

That timeless spirit is now being celebrated in a fitting way with the 2025 Mahindra Bolero and Bolero Neo, launched earlier this month, marking 25 years of the Bolero nameplate and over 1.6 million customers across India.

The Chairman fondly recalls the early days of his Bolero ownership.

"I self-drove my Bolero, nicknamed the Black Beast, extensively before the Scorpio was even launched," he says. "It was my companion on highways, hills, and no roads at all. The Beast never complained -- it just kept going."

Now, the Beast is back in black.

The New Bolero carries forward its legendary silhouette while introducing bold styling tweaks including a redesigned grille, fog lamps, diamond-cut R15 alloy wheels, and a striking Stealth Black colour option. Inside, the cabin features a 7-inch touchscreen, steering-mounted controls, and new leatherette upholstery for added comfort.

Under the hood, the proven mHAWK75 diesel engine continues to deliver 76bhp and 210Nm, supported by the SUV's robust body-on-frame structure and RideFlo Tech for improved stability and ride comfort.

The Bolero Neo, meanwhile, sharpens its urban character with a refreshed front grille, 16-inch dark metallic alloys, and new shades like Jeans Blue and Concrete Grey with dual-tone finishes.

Inside, it gets two new interior themes: Lunar Grey and Mocha Brown along with a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, USB-C charging, and upgraded seating ergonomics. Powering it is the mHAWK100 engine, producing 100bhp and 260Nm, aided by cruise control and Multi-Terrain Technology (MTT) for superior traction.

"The Bolero Neo represents the new generation of buyers," he says. "It carries the Bolero DNA but speaks a more urban language -- one of comfort, confidence, and versatility."

Bolero

Launched in 2000, the Bolero remains one of India's oldest continuously produced vehicles.

"Over the years, different teams at Mahindra have debated whether it's time to phase the Bolero out," he reflects. "But somehow, it has always refused to say goodbye. It keeps evolving, adapting, and marching to the beat of its own drum."

That unbreakable spirit, rooted in simplicity and endurance, continues to define the Bolero, a vehicle that has conquered rural trails, urban streets, and everything in between.

"The Bolero doesn't just connect us to our past," he concludes. "It reminds us of who we are -- resilient, grounded, and unstoppable."

Anand Mahindra drives the XEV 9e, but his heart still belongs to this car