Mahindra XUV500

This review of the Mahindra XUV500 comes from Ameya Naik, a seasoned journalist with 13 years of experience in the automobile segment. You can explore more of his work and driving insights on his author profile at car&bike.

For this test, we drove the 2018 Mahindra XUV500 facelift on a test track with smooth tarmac and concrete roads, alongside tackling choked city streets and wide-open highways. That mix really brought out how this SUV handles the daily grind and those extended trips. In city conditions, the XUV500’s size is immediately noticeable. The large bonnet and slightly heavy steering at low speeds require some getting used to. However, the elevated seating position improves visibility, allowing the driver to better anticipate traffic conditions. 

On highways, the XUV500 feels more at ease. The diesel engine delivers strong mid-range torque, making overtakes effortless and long-distance cruising comfortable. What really shines on long hauls is the comfort factor. The suspension soaks up potholes and bumps pretty well, keeping the inside steady even on rough patches. That's the kind of easygoing long-distance vibe folks want from a big diesel like this.

The Mahindra XUV500 marked a big shift for Mahindra when it arrived in 2011. We saw the brand step confidently into the premium SUV space with bold styling, modern features, and a strong road presence. It did not take long for the XUV500 to stand out, especially among buyers looking for something more powerful and feature-packed than the usual options at the time. Speaking on the need for this updated model, Ameya notes, "The facelift of the Mahindra XUV500 is part of that very strategy to adapt and change, in order to stay ahead in the race for survival."

Here is what defined the XUV500’s appeal over the years:

• Introduced Mahindra to the premium SUV segment
• Bold styling with strong road presence
• 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine
• 155 bhp and 360 Nm output
• Strong mid-range highway performance
• The 2018 facelift added a sharper design
• Improved interiors and added features
• Better diesel refinement over time

The 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine remained the heart of the XUV500. It was never about outright speed. Instead, what you noticed was that strong mid-range pull, which made highway drives feel effortless. The 2018 facelift gave it a fresh edge with a new grille, updated lighting, and a more premium cabin. Even years after launch, the XUV500 continued to define Mahindra’s value-packed SUV approach in India.

Read: Mahindra XUV500 Automatic Review

The Mahindra XUV500 lineup is set up in steps, with each variant adding more features while keeping the same engine and driving experience.

Mahindra XUV500 base model – W3

The W3 variant is the first model in the XUV500 range, and it focuses on giving you the basics at a lower price.

Key highlights:

• Power windows
• Manual air conditioning
• Dual airbags
• ABS with EBD
• Seven-seat layout

Best suited for buyers looking for a spacious SUV with strong diesel performance at the lowest cost.

Mid-Variants W7 & W9

The mid-range models add important comfort and convenience features that make the XUV500 better for everyday use.

Key highlights:

• Touchscreen infotainment system
• Reverse parking camera
• Alloy wheels
• Additional comfort features

These variants offer the best balance between features and price for most buyers.

Mahindra XUV500 top model – W11

The W11 variant represents the fully loaded version of the XUV500, offering the most premium features.

Key highlights:

• Leather upholstery
• Electric sunroof
• Larger alloy wheels
• Six airbags

Ideal for buyers who want the most feature-rich and premium version of the XUV500.

Variant Strategy – What Matters

Because all the variants have the same diesel engine and driving characteristics, the choice mostly comes down to what features you need and how much money you have.

The W7 and W9 models are the best value for most buyers, but the W11 is the best choice for people who want the most features.

Read: Mahindra XUV500 Facelift Review

The Mahindra XUV500 still stands out on the road thanks to its bold and muscular styling. When it was first launched, the design immediately attracted attention because it looked far more aggressive than many SUVs in the segment.

Exterior highlights include:

• Bold chrome grille design
• LED daytime running lamps
• Sculpted bonnet lines
• 18-inch alloy wheels on top variants
• Strong shoulder lines along the body
• Roof-mounted rear spoiler

The facelift retains the overall design but introduces subtle changes that make the SUV appear slightly more modern. Looking at the front profile, Ameya points out, "The big transformation comes from the new front grille, which looks different from any of the Mahindra cars that we've seen in the past."

The front grille looks wider these days, standing out more boldly and making the whole SUV feel that much more commanding on the road. Those LED daytime running lamps, neatly worked into the headlamp setup, really sharpen up the overall style.

Side on, the XUV500 keeps that solid, muscly profile it is known for. With the raised beltline and those big wheel arches, it screams rugged SUV vibes, and the alloy wheels just boost its street cred even further.

Out back, the refreshed tail lamps paired with some chrome accents bring a bit of new energy to the look. Still, it sticks close to the classic design lines we all recognise.