2020 Mahindra XUV500 with more powerful BS6 engine – Digital render

Since its high-profile launch in 2011, the Mahindra XUV500, the automaker’s first monocoque product, has received regular updates. It has an immensely strong start and eventually settled into a rhythm with consistent monthly sales. However, as it approaches the end of its life cycle, the SUV is finding it extremely challenging to hold its place, especially as competition in this segment is heating up.

The XUV500 is due for replacement towards the end of next year and its successor is said to feature a new platform, powertrain lineup, and a completely new styling inside out. Given that the latest Mahindra products were essentially rebadged SsangYong models (XUV300 is derived from Tivoli and Alturas G4 is derived from Rexton G4), we won’t be surprised if the popular XUV500 also follows the same route.

The all-new SsangYong Korando which made its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show 2019 last month emerges as an excellent donor car for the next generation 2020 Mahindra XUV500. Here is our speculative rendering of the new XUV500 based on the Rexton. Just like the Alturas G4, the grille and bumper have been given a Mahindra touch while rest of the vehicle pretty much stays intact.

The Rexton sits on a new platform, comes loaded with modern safety features, and also has an attractive exterior and interior design. There are exactly the qualities that audience would expect from the new gen Mahindra XUV500. Mahindra and SsangYong have been working together on platforms and powertrains to take advantage of synergies (driving the cost down for both parties is certainly one of them).

While the Mahindra XUV300 is a shortened version of the Tivoli, the new XUV500 is expected to be a slightly extended version of the new Rexton which is 4,410 mm long. The addition length would be realized aft the rear wheel and the extra real estate would be utilized for third row of seats.

The new SsangYong Rexton is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged direct injection petrol engine and a 1.6-liter turbocharged diesel engine. The new XUV500 is likely to borrow at least the petrol unit from its South Korean sibling. The diesel unit is new. It will be a 2 liter 4 cylinder motor, which will deliver 180 hp. Both engines will be BS6 compliant. It is to be noted that Mahindra and Ford recently announced a partnership which will involve platform and powertrain sharing for a C-Segment SUV. So, this platform looks set to have an impressive scale.