Mahindra XUV500

The Mahindra XUV500 has always been the gold standard for how to do a successful SUV in India, notching up handsome sales figures and looking stunning on the road. It also comes with a revamped design and interior this time for buyers.

How’s the Design?

The 2018 version keeps the design mostly, with a few tweaks at the front. There is a new headlamp assembly with DRLs slotted on the top instead of going through the entire unit. There is a bigger and brand-new piano-finished grille with inserts in chrome along with a chrome surround, which creates an illusion of more width in the front. The fog lamp housing is new, although the front bumper remains absolutely the same. The sides of this SUV get chrome treatment for the door sills although the 18-inch alloy wheels are available now for the top-end W11 (O) variant. The bigger tyres and diamond-cut alloy wheels make for a striking impression. The rear looks new, with the brand-new design for the taillights. It has been revamped, with the bigger lights flowing into the tailgate this time. The rear number plate zone also comes with a chrome highlight of its own. There is also a roof-mounted spoiler. The SUV still looks as brawny and muscular on the road as before.

How does it perform?

There are petrol and diesel engines for the Mahindra XUV500. The diesel engine generates sizable power and torque, with the electronically controlled eVGT. The engine responds swiftly, particularly at lower speeds. The XUV500 could reach 100 kmph in 12.6 seconds, which is good for a car of this size and weight. This added performance makes driving a sportier affair and also eases up driving experiences amidst traffic. The boost in power comes right before the 2,000 RPM mark and stays there until you get to 4,000 RPM. Highways are where you really unleash the engine and enjoy its wonderful cruising abilities. The diesel engine comes with 6-speed manual and automatic transmission choices, with the latter coming from Aisin. The petrol engine is refined, although the diesel engine is the one that is the most compelling to drive.

How’s the mileage?

• Diesel Manual- 16 kmpl
• Petrol Automatic- 16 kmpl
• Diesel Automatic- 16 kmpl

How’s the driving experience?

The XUV500 continues, offering its 2WD and AWD drivetrain options. Despite the big size, the SUV is comparatively easier to handle and maneuver within the city, although the steering could have been sharper and more accurate in this aspect. Parking this beast is not as difficult as the reverse parking camera and sensors. There are McPherson struts in front, along with rear multi-link tyre suspension alongside. There are also 18-inch wheels for the top-end variant. The suspension stays firm throughout the journey while highway or other roads contribute towards a choppier ride.

What’s the interior like?

The Mahindra XUV500 offers plush and spacious interiors as always. They are now more premium than before. The seats are nice and come in leather, although comfort levels are still not the best for longer trips. The front seats also require added cushioning, particularly for the seatback centre. There is manual change for lumbar support as well. The second-row seating could have also offered a little more comfort and cushioning. However, there is a huge legroom and headroom at the back. The third row is only suited for luggage or smaller kids. Adults will find it hard to sit here for extended durations. The dashboard and steering remain the same, although there are black inserts in faux leather on the top with contrasting white stitching. This makes it feel more like a soft-touch proposition. However, the instrument console looks a little outdated currently. The central console gets a piano black finish. The central console also has excessive buttons, many of which control things already integrated into the touch screen infotainment system. The touch screen infotainment unit has several new entertainment applications, including the smartwatch app, by which you can control the AC temperature, change your audio and also view information on the fuel and tyre pressure. There is a music system from Arkamys as well. There are several handy storage spaces in the cabin as well.

Tech and infotainment

The Mahindra XUV500 offers a touch screen infotainment system with several connectivity and entertainment applications, along with smartwatch connectivity and features. There is a reverse parking camera, along with sensors and the Mahindra Blue Sense App for controlling climate control and audio alike. There is an electric sunroof as well.

Safety equipment

The Mahindra XUV500 gets six airbags for the top-end W11 variant, while standard features throughout the range include disc brakes, ABS with EBD, dual airbags, and more.

Which variant to buy?

The XUV500 now has the entry-level W5 trim, while the top-end one is the W11. The petrol G AT trim has been retained as well. If you want a budget variant, then even the entry-level variant is a great option since it comes with good safety features, power windows, follow-me-home headlamps, third seating row, split-folding second row and more. The best value proposition is the W9 variant which offers a lot of equipment including the reverse parking camera and sensors, the touch screen infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, more safety features like ESP, hill assist, and front fog lamps, and several other additions. You can pay a little more for the automatic version of this variant.

Which cars compete in the segment?

The Mahindra XUV500 is positioned in a way where it takes on several rivals including its own sibling, the Scorpio and also others like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, Tata Harrier, MG Hector and Hector Plus, Tata Safari, and the Hyundai Alcazar as well. The MG Hector and Tata Harrier could be its actual rivals. The XUV500 is the most cost-effective in this lot, with a lower starting and top-end price. The Hector may offer more features for the money while the XUV500 and Harrier follow close behind. The XUV500 is the only one with a third row of seats in this comparison. The Alcazar is costlier and could be in a segment higher than the Mahindra XUV500. The Tata Safari provides some competition, but now it is more pitted against the XUV700.

Verdict (Value for Money)

The Mahindra XUV500 is still one of the most attractive, appealing, muscular, and robust SUVs in the country. It offers good features, plush interiors, excellent legroom in the second row, and powerful engines. Ride and handling are top-notch, and this is an SUV that is ideal for those long highway jaunts and trips. Pricewise, the Mahindra XUV500 always makes for a distinct value proposition.