Mahindra Automotive is refreshing its SUV line-up in India. After the launch of 2020 Mahindra Thar in the country, the home-grown manufacturer is now working on a New-GenXUV500. First launched in 2011, XUV500 is Mahindra’s first monocoque chassis-based model. The SUV received a mid-life update in 2015 and was due for a major upgrade for a long time. The vehicle has been spied multiple times over the last couple of years with the expectation of a launch this year. However, COVID-19 outbreak has forced the Pune-based automaker to push the launch of the new SUV to 2021. New Mahindra XUV500 is expected to be priced between Rs 13 lakhs - Rs 20 lakhs (ex-showroom), India. In the domestic market, it would rival against the likes of MG Hector Plus, Tata Harrier and upcoming Tata Gravita's in its segment.
As we await more news on XUV500 launch, we have got our hands on a new set of spy images of the SUV thanks to our friends at Rushlane. The spotted test vehicle was under heavy camouflage but we were able to identify few things. According to these new spied pictures, the SUV’s exterior design and silhouette is the same as the earlier test mules captured on camera. There is not much to about except that production-ready SUV rides on a completely new set of black finished alloy wheels sporting a different design. Before its production begins, the manufacturer might be trying out different alloy wheels to find the one that is a good fit for the upcoming SUV.
As we move closer to its introduction, most of the test mules spotted in the spy shots in the past few months all appears to be a production-ready models. A few weeks back, the XUV500 interiors were revealed. The Indian automaker has given a dual-tone finish to the interior for the first time since its launch almost a decade ago. This gives a refreshing contrasting look to the cabin. Upping the premium quotient is a completely revamped central console and dashboard. Expect the manufacturer to offer new fabric upholstery inside cabin. There is also a Mercedes influence in the interior with a new wider dual-screen set-up. In the new layout, there is a digital instrument cluster on one side and a touchscreen infotainment system on the other side. Other features to come in the New-Gen XUV500 are a flat-bottom steering wheel, automatic climate control, wireless charging, ventilated seats among many others.
The upcoming SUV's powertrains are the most talked-about considering that Mahindra also revamped the Thar’s engine line-up. Expectations are huge of a 2.2-litre m-Hawk diesel engine making its way to the New XUV500. The diesel unit will deliver 190 bhp of power output while transmission duties will be taken care of by 6-speed manual unit with an option of 6-speed automatic. There is a strong possibility of Mahindra introducing a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. This particular powertrain will belt out 190 bhp of maximum power output and 380 Nm of peak torque. A 6-speed manual and automatic gearboxes will be offered as transmission options. An All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system will also be provided with the petrol XUV500.
Previous spy shots have also indicated that the 2021 Mahindra XUV500 could come equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). This will make it the most affordable SUV in India to come with Autonomous Level 1 Technology.
Read Also: New-Gen 2020 Hyundai i20 Launched at Rs 6.79 Lakhs