Mahindra & Mahindra is all set to launch the facelifted 2018 Mahindra XUV500 in India. The rather popular SUV has been spotted testing many times in India, and even we managed to catch a glimpse of the camouflaged test mule in Chennai last year. Needless to say, all the leaks and sightings have built a fair amount of hype, and by now, we even know almost every bit of what’s going to be new in the facelifted XUV500.
Design
As with every facelift, the biggest focus here is on design. The biggest change in the 2018 Mahindra XUV500 will be its front grille, which now gets generous chrome embellishments with a studded pattern. Below the chrome grille, the XUV500 will also get a dual-tone faux skid plate, and a new design is expected for the DRLs along with upgraded projector headlamp units. While the overall chassis retains the muscular styling, the rear-end gets new tail lamps replacing the older vertical ones, along with stop lamps near the bumper and chrome garnishes to the upper edge of the number plate housing.
Inside, the new XUV500 is slated to get tan-coloured seats, along with cross-stitching to make it appear more upmarket. The dash is also expected to get better quality soft-touch plastics, while the centre console will get a piano black finish with faux aluminium trims. The top variants will also get aluminium pedals, and the previously-introduced sunroof as well to present it as a more upmarket offering.
Technology
In terms of the technology inside, the 2018 Mahindra XUV500 will reportedly get an updated infotainment system. It should include features such as Android Auto, an integrated sat-nav system, wireless telephony and audio streaming, and even a companion smartphone and smartwatch app ‘BlueSense’. It is also expected to bundle in what the company calls a ‘TechnoPack’, which gives the infotainment system access to a bunch of mobile apps like Gaana, BookMyShow and other entertainment services. The top two trims are also expected to get electrically-powered driver seat adjustment.
Powertrain
The 2018 Mahindra XUV500 is slated to use a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine in its top trims, which delivers reported power figures of 155bhp and 360Nm of torque and uses a sixth generation turbocharger. It is also expected to house the same engine with lesser power delivery of 140bhp in the lower variants, and even come with the option of a 2.2-litre petrol engine. A total of five diesel and six petrol variants are expected in the new XUV500, along with a six-speed automatic gearbox present in four diesel-powered variants. In terms of wheels, the 17-inch alloy wheels are expected to be standard, while there will be an option to upgrade to 18-inch, diamond-cut alloys in the top trim.
Pricing and launch
The Mahindra XUV500 is presently priced between Rs. 12.7 lac and Rs. 18.8 lac (ex-showroom, Mumbai). The new generation model is expected to cost a premium, and be priced at about Rs. 30,000 more than the present generation SUV, depending on the variant that you opt for. The new generation XUV500 is slated to launch some time this month, and bookings and deliveries should simultaneously open soon. So, if you happen to be eyeing the XUV500, stay tuned to know exactly what you stand to gain with the new generation SUV, and what it would be priced at.