Mahindra has launched the 2018 model of the XUV500 SUV. The all-new Mahindra XUV500 is priced between Rs 12.32 lakh and Rs 18.98 lakh ex-showroom Mumbai. It comes in 10 variants across five trim levels – W5, W7, W9, W11 and W11. Besides these, it also gets a single petrol variant – G AT, priced at Rs 15.43 lakh. An all-wheel drive option is available on the W11(O) manual and automatic variants.
Prices of the 2018 Mahindra XUV500:
Mahindra has loaded the new 2018 model XUV500 with plenty of features, which makes it a pretty good value for money option, especially when compared to Hyundai Creta or Jeep Compass – two other vehicles buyers consider when looking at an XUV500. But in comparison to the outgoing models, variant for variant prices have increased a bit.
However, the Mahindra XUV500 seems to have lost some of its charm: The cheetah-inspired design isn’t there anymore. Let me explain.
What’s New With The Mahindra XUV500?
When Mahindra launched the XUV500 in September 2011, its designers followed a plot to the point of obsession with the cheetah-inspired design. While the body line with the haunches continue even in the new XUV500, the smaller elements have toned down or gotten lost.
The front of the Mahindra XUV500 now sports LED daytime running lights in a straight line above the headlamps. The grille has become bigger and bolder dipping into the bumper. The “cheetah’s whiskers" design, which was present in the first edition of the XUV500’s bumper, gave way to “cheetah’s tear ducts” in the subsequent facelift (see photo above).
The 2018 model gets a more conventional front-end with a larger dose of chrome in the bigger grille. The tear ducts remain, but are more subtle. What’s really taken a turn for the worse though, is the rear.
The earlier models had a large tail lamp design with an African tribal motif in them, which went with the wild cheetah theme. The 2018 model though seems to have followed design trends of the Toyota Innova in trying to wrap the tail lamp on to the boot. It doesn’t look like it’s in sync with the rest of the design.
In addition, the top-end W11 variants get 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/60 R18 tyres. The other variants continue to get 17-inch alloys. The boot hatch has been redesigned, with a larger licence plate slot and straighter panelling.
Mahindra XUV500 Engine Upgrade
Mahindra has 11 diesel variants and one petrol model on offer. The petrol motor, in fact, is just a reworked 2.2 litre MHawk diesel unit. It is a turbo-charged, liquid-intercooled motor that puts out 140 bhp and 320 Nm of torque, which is close to what the 2.2 litre diesel used to put out.
The diesel variants of the XUV500 come with the tried and tested 2.2 litre MHawk diesel engine, with power bumped up to 153 bhp (up by 10 bhp) and torque to 360 Nm (up by 30 Nm from before). This is mated to a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic. There are five automatic variants, including the top-end all-wheel drive version.
Feature Upgrades
There have been a few minor feature upgrades as well, with some features now trickling down to the lower grades as well. The dashboard gets a soft-touch leather cover. The seats get quilted leather in the top-end models. The W7 model upwards gets cruise control and automatic climate control. The W9 model upwards gets an electric sunroof.
The infotainment system has been upgraded to an Arkamys sound system (even Hyundai uses this) for better audio output. It does not have Apple CarPlay, but has Android Auto built into it. Still, the feature list on the XUV500 is far longer than its competitors, and that’s what has helped it stay popular with the buyers.
The looks of the new Mahindra XUV500 may evoke sharp reactions. Sometimes designers, in attempting to better a product, end up messing with its original theme –and that appears to be the case here. Prices have gone up marginally, but with respect to competition and the features it offers, it is still of fairly good value.
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