The 2018 Mahindra XUV500 facelift has been launched in India today with prices starting at Rs. 12.32 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai). Aafter numerous spy shots and leaked images making it to the internet, the new XUV500 arrives receiving its most comprehensive overhaul with bold new styling, more features and a more powerful engine in tow. Mahindra's first monocoque offering also gets a new top-of-the-line variant - W11, while the overall variant count has been trimmed to four - W5, W7, W9 and W11. Having dominated the segment for most part of this decade, the XUV500 is now facing the heat from the Tata Hexa, Jeep Compass, Hyundai Creta among other models, and this update is expected to keep the model fresh until the next generation version arrives.
The updated Mahindra XUV500 facelift arrives after almost three years since the previous update. Styling upgrades include a bold new grille, new headlamps and LED DRLs, new taillight design and alloy wheels. The SUV also gets a more plush looking cabin with premium soft touch materials, dual-tone colour scheme, piano black finish on the centre console, while the 7-inch touchscreen infotainment continues to be on offer. The Telematics unit has been updated and offers a few new features. In addition, Mahindra has introduced smart watch controlled telematics on the new XUV, a segment first.
Power comes from the upgraded 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine. The four-cylinder oil burner is now badged as the mHawk155 and now gets power uprated to 153 bhp and 360 Nm of peak torque. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and Aisin sourced automatic options. The 2.2-litre mHawk petrol engine is also on offer that makes 138 bhp and is only offered with the 6-speed automatic transmission.
The 2018 Mahindra XUV500 facelift is cheaper than its predecessor despite the new features and update powertrain. With the update, the model is likely to find more takers as the automaker taps into the a more urban customer base with the XUV.
Catch all the Highlights from the 2018 Mahindra XUV500 launch here:
