Mahindra launches XUV500 facelift
Mahindra has finally launched the much awaited facelift of its flagship SUV, the XUV500. Sporting a more premium exterior design, upmarket interiors and a host of new features and improved performance characteristics, the 2018 XUV500 is one of the most exciting launches of the year, thus far.
This is the second facelift for the XUV500 since its launch in 2011. On the outside, the new XUV500 features restyled front and rear sections, compared to the previous iteration. Up front, the XUV500 comes with a larger grille with chrome inserts and surrounds and is flanked by redesigned projector headlamps with LED DRLs. The front bumper is also larger and features a larger central air dam. At the back, the XUV500 gets a newly designed tailgate to go with the new triangular tail lights that have replaced the vertically stacked ones of the past. The top variants come with 18" diamond-cut alloys while the lowers ones get 17" wheels.
On the inside, the XUV500 gets dual-tone interiors, tan-colored seats, and a new 7" touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality. The infotainment system is also paired with an Arkamys surround sound system. Other elements such as the steering wheel, centre console and air vents largely remain the same.
The engines on the new XUV500 have been tweaked for slightly better torque and power figures. The diesel variants are powered by the 2.2-litre mHawk engine producing 155hp and 360Nm of torque, up 15hp and 30Nm, respectively, from the outgoing model. The engine paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox and AWD. The single petrol variant produces 140hp and 320Nm of torque and comes with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Some of the features available on the new XUV500 include an electric sunroof with anti-pinch feature, rain-sensing wipers, power adjustable driver’s seat, fully automatic climate control, six airbags, ESP and a number of driver assist functions such as hill hold assist, rollover mitigation and hill descent control. ABS & EBD and Front Dual Airbags come as standard offerings on all variants.
The 2018 XUV500 is available in one petrol variant, G AT and five diesel variants, W5, W7, W9, W11 and W11(O). The diesel starts at Rs. 12.32 Lakh while the petrol starts at Rs. 15.43 Lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
