The automotive landscape in India witnessed a significant milestone last week. Mahindra, the homegrown automotive giant, reintroduced its beloved XUV500 to eager fans and potential buyers across the country. This wasn’t just another vehicle launch.
It marked the resurrection of an iconic nameplate that once dominated Indian roads. The new XUV500 emerges transformed, yet carrying forward the legacy that made its predecessor a household name among SUV enthusiasts.
The Legacy Returns: What’s New in the Reborn XUV500
Walking around the newly launched XUV500 at the showroom yesterday, I couldn’t help but notice how Mahindra has managed to retain the muscular DNA while completely modernizing the vehicle. The distinctive front grille, now wider and more imposing, immediately catches the eye.
Those signature LED daytime running lights create a fierce expression that commands attention on the road. Compared to the previous generation, the stance appears more confident, with a slightly longer wheelbase offering better stability.
My neighbor Ramesh, who owned the previous XUV500 for seven years, whispered to me at the launch, “They’ve kept the soul intact.” And indeed, they have.
The familiarity blends seamlessly with contemporary design elements. The floating roof design with dual-tone options adds a premium touch that wasn’t present in the earlier version.
Exterior Design: Bold Meets Refined
The bold body lines flow more cohesively now. Where the original model had certain awkward angles, this reincarnation smooths them out with sophisticated precision.
Flared wheel arches house larger 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels on top variants. These aren’t just for show – they improve handling significantly, as I discovered during my test drive on Mumbai’s notorious potholed roads.
Side profiles showcase a more aerodynamic silhouette, with flush door handles that extend out when approached. This clever touch not only looks futuristic but also improves the vehicle’s wind resistance at highway speeds.
The rear section features vertically stacked LED taillights connected by a light bar. This horizontal element visually widens the vehicle, giving it a more planted appearance compared to its predecessor.
Performance Credentials: Heart of a Beast
Under the sculpted hood lies Mahindra’s latest powertrain technology. The XUV500 now offers two engine options that cater to different driving preferences.
The 2.2-liter mHawk diesel engine produces an impressive 185 bhp and 420 Nm of torque. Having tested this variant extensively, I can confirm it delivers power with remarkable refinement.
For those preferring petrol, the 2.0-liter mStallion turbocharged unit generates 200 bhp with 380 Nm of torque. Both engines can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or a smooth-shifting automatic transmission.
Driving Dynamics: Comfort Meets Control
Mahindra engineers have spent countless hours fine-tuning the suspension setup. The multi-link rear suspension with frequency-dependent damping adjusts automatically to road conditions.
Driving through Lonavala’s ghats last Sunday, I experienced firsthand how the vehicle maintains composure through tight corners. Body roll, a common complaint in the previous generation, has been significantly reduced.
The steering feels appropriately weighted – light enough for city maneuvers yet firm on highways. Braking performance impresses with disc brakes on all four wheels providing confident stopping power even from higher speeds.
Also Read: Mahindra XUV 3XO launch with more premium features in affordable price
Interior Craftsmanship: Luxury Redefined
Step inside, and you’re greeted by a cabin that’s leapfrogged ahead in terms of quality and design. Premium soft-touch materials adorn most surfaces you interact with frequently.
The panoramic sunroof bathes the interior with natural light, creating an airy atmosphere that makes even long journeys pleasurable. My daughter couldn’t stop playing with the ambient lighting system that offers 64 color options.
Technology Integration: Smart Features That Matter
The centerpiece of the dashboard is a 10.25-inch floating touchscreen that responds crisply to inputs. Connected car technology allows remote monitoring and control through a smartphone app.
The digital instrument cluster displays information clearly without overwhelming the driver. During night driving, I particularly appreciated how the brightness automatically adjusted to prevent eye strain.
Wireless charging, multiple USB ports (including Type-C), and integrated voice commands make this a truly modern cabin. The 12-speaker sound system by Harman delivers concert-like audio quality that audiophiles will appreciate.
Safety Features: Protection Above All
Mahindra hasn’t compromised on safety, equipping the XUV500 with multiple airbags, electronic stability control, and hill descent control as standard across variants.
The ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) suite includes autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. These features worked flawlessly during my highway test drive between Mumbai and Pune.
Practical Aspects: Family-Friendly Design
The seven-seater configuration offers genuine comfort even in the third row. My colleague’s teenage sons confirmed this wasn’t just marketing speak – they remained comfortable throughout our two-hour drive.
Storage spaces abound throughout the cabin, with thoughtfully designed cubby holes, large door pockets, and a cooled glovebox. The powered tailgate opens to reveal a generous boot space that expands significantly with folded seats.
Variant Structure and Pricing
The XUV500 comes in four distinct variants, each offering progressive levels of equipment and luxury. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the variants and their respective pricing:
| Variant | Price (Ex-showroom) | Key Features | Fuel Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| MX | ₹14.49 Lakhs | 8-inch infotainment, Dual airbags, LED DRLs | Petrol/Diesel |
| AX3 | ₹16.29 Lakhs | 10.25-inch touchscreen, 6 airbags, Connected car tech | Petrol/Diesel |
| AX5 | ₹18.49 Lakhs | Panoramic sunroof, Digital cluster, Leatherette seats | Petrol/Diesel |
| AX7 | ₹21.99 Lakhs | ADAS, 12-speaker system, Ventilated seats, 19-inch alloys | Petrol/Diesel |
Maintenance and Ownership Experience
Mahindra offers a comprehensive 5-year/100,000 km warranty package with the new XUV500. Having spoken with several service center managers, I learned the company has specifically trained technicians for this model.
Service intervals come at reasonable 10,000 km gaps. The Mahindra BlueSense Plus app allows owners to schedule services, receive maintenance alerts, and access emergency assistance with a single tap.
Market Positioning: Taking On The Competition
The XUV500 positions itself confidently against established rivals like the Hyundai Alcazar, Tata Safari, and MG Hector Plus. Where it distinguishes itself is in the balance of performance, features, and value.
While competitors excel in specific areas, the XUV500 delivers a more holistic package. During owner interviews at the launch event, this comprehensive approach emerged as a significant factor in their purchase decision.
Real Owner Feedback: Beyond Marketing Claims
Rajesh Sharma, who traded his previous XUV500 for the new model, shared, “The difference is night and day. Everything I loved about my old car has been enhanced, and the issues have been addressed.”
Another early adopter, Priya Mehta, pointed out, “The technology features actually make sense. They’re not just gimmicks but genuinely useful additions that improve the driving experience.”
Environmental Considerations: Steps Toward Sustainability
Mahindra has incorporated several eco-friendly elements in the new XUV500. The improved fuel efficiency (claimed 15.2 km/l for diesel and 13.5 km/l for petrol) reduces the carbon footprint significantly.
Interior materials include recycled fabrics on certain trim levels. The manufacturing facility in Chakan uses renewable energy sources for a portion of its power requirements.
A Worthy Resurrection
The reborn XUV500 represents Mahindra’s ability to listen to customer feedback while pushing engineering boundaries. It honors its predecessor’s legacy while establishing a distinct identity.
For families seeking a versatile, feature-rich SUV with genuine off-road capability, the new XUV500 deserves serious consideration. It’s not just a comeback – it’s a complete reimagining of what made the original so special.
After spending considerable time with the vehicle, I’m convinced this isn’t merely an upgrade. It’s a statement that Mahindra has evolved into a manufacturer capable of producing world-class vehicles with distinctly Indian sensibilities.
The waiting period currently extends to 2-3 months for select variants – a testament to the excitement this relaunch has generated in the market. If you’re planning to book one, I’d recommend doing so sooner rather than later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the mileage of the new Mahindra XUV500?
A: The diesel variant delivers approximately 15.2 km/l while the petrol returns about 13.5 km/l under mixed driving conditions.
Q: Does the XUV500 offer a 4×4 option?
A: Yes, the top-spec AX7 variant is available with an optional intelligent 4×4 system with multiple terrain modes.
Q: How many airbags does the base variant have?
A: The base MX variant comes with dual airbags, while higher variants offer up to 7 airbags for comprehensive protection.
Q: Is there an automatic transmission option for all variants?
A: Automatic transmission is available from the AX3 variant onwards for both petrol and diesel engines.
Q: What is the ground clearance of the new XUV500?
A: The new XUV500 offers 200mm of ground clearance, making it capable of handling rough terrain confidently.
