Back in 2011, when the XUV500 was launched, it was a game-changer because of the sheer value that it brought to the table — it was an SUV in a price segment filled with only sedans. Seven years and quite a few developments later, Mahindra has introduced a new avatar of the SUV. The exterior styling takes a step towards the premium end, the interiors look more upmarket, the feature list remains lengthy and the engine gets a power update.
Between the 2015 facelift and this update, exterior changes are far too subtle. The headlamps retain the projectors for low beam, but the elements inside are different, and the LED DRL strip on top looks like an after-market addition. The front grille is new, with gloss black sides, sandwiched by thick chrome that houses chrome studs. The chrome in the fog lamp housing has been reshaped; the rest of the bumper, however, is unchanged. On the sides are smart-looking dual-tone 18-inch alloys that fill the wheel wells nicely, wrapped with 235/60 tyres. There’s a chrome strip on the doors and new roof rails, both of which can be easily missed. The rear receives the biggest change, with a completely redefined tailgate, new tail-lamps and a new roof spoiler; the design is more MPV-like than SUV.
The interiors of this top-spec W11 variant are all-black with tan quilted-leather seat upholstery, giving the cabin an upmarket look. The centre console gets a piano-black finish with brushed silver highlights. Plastics on the dash and door sills now have a nice, soft feel to them, and the dash top gets faux leather inserts with contrasting stitching. While the quilted seats look very nice, their fit and finishing are shoddy, especially considering this SUV’s price. It is also not very comfy to sit on, as you can distinctly feel the three vertical foam strips (below the quilting) against your back.
The XUV500 remains well-equipped, with a kit including a sunroof, auto headlamps and wipers, touchscreen with navigation, Android Auto, reversing camera, six airbags and ESP. This time around, however, the sound is tweaked by Arkamys and the location of the tweeters has been changed for a better audio experience. The Blue Sense app now links the infotainment to a smartwatch, through which one can control the audio, climate control and view information like tyre pressure, among other things. Given the screen size of a watch, this is more party trick than useful.
The XUV500 never lacked in terms of performance, but this latest iteration has been given a bump in power. The engine makes 155hp and 360Nm of torque (15hp and 30Nm over the outgoing version). The variable geometry turbocharger is now electronically controlled, instead of vacuum controlled; with this, the low-end response has improved a bit, boost comes in gently at around the 1,400rpm mark and then builds nicely from as low as 1,800rpm. It pulls very strongly until 4000rpm, beyond which progress is slow. Like before, the six-speed manual gearbox is notchy with long throws and it transmits power to the front wheels. On offer is also a six-speed automatic transmission that drives either the front or all four wheels. The ARAI fuel efficiency rating has gone down from 16kpl to 15.4kpl.
- Wheelbase
- 2,700 mm (110 in)
- Length
- 4,585 mm (180.5 in)
- Width 1,890 mm
- (74 in)
- Height 1,785 mm
- (70.3 in)
We drove the car on Mahindra’s test track, so we couldn’t really put to test the SUV’s ride and handling, but the company says there no changes in those areas. Like before, body roll is well controlled on this monocoque SUV.
The XUV500 may still not match the Hyundai Creta’s level of sophistication, but if you look at this car in isolation, and the fact that this is a seven-seater, it does appeal.
