Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) has silently launched the BS6 XUV500 automatic at a starting price of Rs 15.65 Lakhs (Ex. Showroom, Pune) in the Indian market. The automatic gearbox has been introduced in three trim levels: W7, W9 and W11 (O). The BS6 Mahindra XUV500 automatic variants cost nearly Rs 1.21 Lakhs more than their manual counterparts. The XUV500 automatic directly rivals the MG Hector Plus automatic. However, the Hector Plus doesn't come in a diesel-automatic combination, instead it gets a petrol engine with auto gearbox.
The automatic variants remain unchanged in terms of styling and features while retaining the same 2.2L mHawk diesel engine. The Aisin-sourced 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission has returned to the SUV after it was discontinued when the BS6 emission norms came into effect on April 1, 2020. The automatic unit also boasts of a creep function and a sequential manual mode while the power output and torque performance remains unchanged at 153bhp at 3750rpm and 360Nm between 1750-2800rpm, respectively. The manual gearbox variants are available in four grades: W5, W7, W9 and W11 (O). The company is yet to introduce an all-wheel-drive system with the SUV but we expect its arrival very soon.
Mahindra XUV500 will also face severe competition from Tata Gravitas and Hyundai Creta 7-seater, both of which are believed to be launching by the end of 2020. The company has planned several launches this year in the Indian market. The SUV onslaught will begin with new-gen Thar's launch on October 2, 2020. It will be followed by the XUV300 turbo-petrol with the 1.2L mStallion engine which will deliver a top power of 130bhp. Furthermore, Mahindra is readying the all-new version of Scorpio which will be launched in early 2021. In fact, the all-new Mahindra XUV500 is also in pipeline and is expected to arrive in the first quarter of 2021. Below is Mahindra XUV500 BS6 diesel-automatic price (ex-showroom, Pune):
Mahindra XUV500 W7 AT - Rs 15.65 Lakhs
Mahindra XUV500 W9 AT - Rs 17.36 Lakhs
Mahindra XUV500 W11(O) AT - Rs 18.88 Lakhs
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