Mahindra XUV500 Twin-Turbo (Diesel)

The Mahindra XUV500 is a full-sized SUV that boasts a spacious and well-equipped interior. It features a 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine producing 103 kW and 330 Nm of torque, paired with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic gearbox. The SUV is available in both two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. One of its standout features is the generous passenger space, including a comfortable middle row and foldable third-row seats that provide a decent load space when not in use. The XUV500 also comes loaded with features like keyless operation, an electric tailgate, climate control, sat-nav, cruise control, and Bluetooth connectivity. While the design may have started to look a bit dated compared to newer models, it still has a bold and tough presence on the road. Overall, the XUV500 is a practical and feature-rich SUV that offers good value for money.

The Mahindra XUV500, particularly the diesel variant, is a competent SUV that offers a lot of value for its price. While it may not be as polished as some of its competitors, it compensates with its spacious interior, robust features, and a powerful 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine. The engines low-end torque is impressive, making it responsive and easy to drive in various conditions. However, there are some areas where the XUV500 falls short, such as the quality of some interior materials and the sometimes frustrating touchscreen interface. Despite these minor drawbacks, the XUV500 remains a solid choice for those seeking a well-equipped and spacious SUV with a decent drive and a good price tag.

The Mahindra XUV500 2024 is set to launch in November 2024, priced between Rs. 13 lakh and Rs. 17 lakh. This SUV will be available in both petrol and diesel options and will compete with models like the Skoda Kushaq and Mahindra Thar. I think this pricing will make it a strong contender in the mid-size SUV segment.

The new Mahindra XUV500 will feature a 2179 cc diesel engine with a manual transmission and is expected to have a 5-seater layout. It will borrow the dashboard layout from the XUV700 but will miss out on some premium features. I believe the interior design will be a key selling point for this SUV.

The XUV500 2024 will come with sportier design elements, including LED projector headlights, blacked-out chrome inserts, and a new front bumper. The interior will feature premium quality soft-touch materials, a dual-tone dashboard, and a 10.25-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Mahindra has confirmed that the XUV500 will be available with two engine options: a 1.5-liter diesel engine producing 117 BHP and 300 Nm of torque, and a 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine producing 160 BHP and 280 Nm of torque. Both engines will have optional 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions.

Mahindra is planning to bring back the XUV500 nameplate, and the new model is expected to be smaller than its predecessor, measuring 4.2 to 4.3 meters in length. This size reduction is to accommodate only 5 passengers, making it a direct rival to the Hyundai Creta and Kia Celtos.

In India, the Mahindra XUV500s pricing is one of its strong points. The ex-showroom price for the diesel variants typically ranges from around 15 lakh to 20 lakh, depending on the trim level and features. On-road prices, including taxes and other costs, can range from approximately 17 lakh to 24 lakh. This pricing makes the XUV500 an attractive option in its segment, offering a lot of features and space at a competitive price. For instance, the top-of-the-line W8 variant, which comes with all the bells and whistles, still manages to be more affordable than many of its rivals. This value-for-money proposition is a significant factor that could sway potential buyers in favor of the XUV500.

When it comes to mileage, the Mahindra XUV500 diesel variant is reasonably efficient. It offers an ARAI-certified mileage of around 16 kmpl, though real-world figures can vary based on driving conditions and style. In city driving, you can expect around 12-14 kmpl, while on highways, it can go up to 16-18 kmpl. These figures are respectable for an SUV of its size and power output, making it a viable choice for those concerned about running costs.