Next-gen Mahindra XUV500 Spied With Sporty Black Alloys

It’s only a matter of time before Mahindra takes the covers off its updated mid-size SUV

• The new XUV500 has been spied testing in camouflage many times, much like the situation with the second-gen Thar.

• Latest spy shots of the near-production SUV reveal new blacked-out alloy wheels that make it look sportier.

• The XUV500 is expected to introduce autonomous driver assist systems to the mid-size SUV segment.

• Previous spy shots revealed a dual-tone cabin with a dual-digital display layout for the new dashboard.

• Next-gen XUV500 is expected to launch in early-2021 and renew rivalry with Tata Harrier, MG Hector and Jeep Compass.

The XUV500 is a modern icon from the Mahindra range of SUVs. It is due a generational update, which was first expected to debut in 2020, but the reveal and launch have been pushed to early-2021. The new XUV500 has been spied testing several times across its various stages of development but this is the first time we’ve seen it with blacked-out alloy wheels.

Based on the latest profile shot of the camouflaged XUV500 test mule, the body shape doesn’t look too different from the current model. Most notably, the new one has a shorter front overhang, flatter rear end, and conventional door handles that seem to sit flush into the body. The overall design of the car is the same as seen in other recent spy shots but the newly spotted black alloy wheels make it look sporty and will likely be offered in the higher variants. Mahindra might even offer the XUV500 with a ‘dark edition’ like Tata does with the Harrier.

The 2021 XUV500 is expected to be equipped with segment-first driver assist systems that fall under the category of Level 1 autonomous tech. This includes features such as lane keep assist, autonomous emergency braking and driver attention detection. An earlier peek at the camouflaged interior revealed a dual digital display layout on the dashboard and a dual-tone cabin theme. It will likely be equipped with connected car technology as well. The XUV500 will continue to offer the added practicality of a third-row of seats in the mid-size SUV segment.

Mahindra is likely to offer the new-gen XUV500 with a new 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine alongside the 2.2-litre diesel that is currently on offer. That’s the same engine lineup as the new Thar but both will be tuned to a higher output of around 190PS. In the current XUV500, the BS6 diesel engine makes 155PS of power and 360Nm of torque. Both engines will get the choice of an automatic transmission and Mahindra is expected to reintroduce the AWD option as well.

The new-gen XUV500 will renew Mahindra’s rivalry against the likes of the Tata Harrier, MG Hector, Jeep Compass and also compete with premium compact SUVs such as the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta. It is expected to be priced between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 22 lakh (ex-showroom) with a launch likely in early-2021.

Image Source

Read More on : XUV500 diesel