Mahindra XUV500 2021 design, engine and features
Mahindra is all set to launch the new XUV500 this year with a whole host of changes and updates in a new generation avatar that is expected to go on sale sometime around April 2021. The automaker launched the first generation of this car in 2011 and it was Mahindra's first monocoque chassis. The new SUV will be longer, wider and be built on a stiffer monocoque platform, will come with a addition of automatic gearbox. Now, let us look at it's features:
Interior
On the inside, the car gets a whole new interior. The new XUV500 gets a three-row cabin that is more spacious and practical with heavy use of beige, along with a new center console with cup holders, dual zone climate control, 360 degree camera, lane assist camera monitors, flat bottom steering, USB fast charging ports at front and rear, signal screen design, a rotary dial which looks for the infotainment system, panoramic sunroof, electronic parking brake, hill hold (for automatic variant).
The upcoming SUV will come with seven seat layouts and might even get optional captain seats for the second row. Also, it will get fabric seats for lower variants and leather upholstery for the higher variants. Dashboard will get a lot of attention which comes with two-flush mounted horizontal screens and is designed like a one long panel. Also, plenty of soft touch bits on the dash and door pads as well.
Safety
As far as safety is concerned, Mahindra will be offering Level 2 Autonomous Driving Assist Systems (ADAS). That means, it will provide features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist on the higher trims.
Exterior
On the outside, the upcoming XUV500 will get a more upright design for the front with a visibly larger grille that will sport the traditional vertical slats, but the big update is the larger headlamp cluster. It will also get with new bumpers, sportier alloy wheels and new LED taillamps at the rear bigger, double barrel headlamps with a stylish new signature pattern that will form a boomerang shape extending down to the bumper.
Also, the cheetah-inspired XUV500 will no longer get those signature paw-like door handles, instead, the SUV will come with new flush-fitting door handles. In fact, they would be horizontal units unlike the vertically stacked ones on the current model.
Engine
Powertrain wise, the new XUV500 will come with two engine options. First, the all-new 2.2-litre mHawk diesel which made its debut in the second-gen Thar. This refined engine is likely to produce a healthy 185hp-53hp more than what it produces under the bonnet of the Thar.
Both the diesel and petrol engines are likely to be offered in manual and automatic options mated with a six-speed manual and a six speed Aisin derived torque-converter automatic gearbox also expected to make it to the new XUV500. It is also expected that it will get an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS).