The pre-production Mahindra XUV500 prototype has already started testing in public, giving our in-house design expert Pratyush Rout enough clues to venture a speculative rendering. The second generation of Mahindra’s first ever crossover is set to feature a significantly different design language.
The Mahindra XUV300 which was launched earlier this year debuted the UV specialist’s new design directly and we believe that the new XUV500 will carry it forward. Sleek angular headlamp clusters with vertical LED DRL lighting signature and a new larger chrome embellished grille would give the new crossover a good road presence as well as instant recognition.
If at all there is one design feature on the test mule that that we are reasonably certain to make it to the production model, it is the shape of daylight openings. The glass area has clearly grown larger compared to the current car and this should lead to an airy cabin. There is an unmissable kink just below the B-pillar.
The next generation Mahindra XUV500 is likely to be slightly longer than before with an increased wheelbase. This would give Mahindra an opportunity to make its SUV a proper 7-seater.
We expect the interior design to be completely overhauled as well. Improved material, optimized layout and new color theme are on order. Needless to say, the new XUV500 will be offering new equipment, complete with latest touchscreen infotainment system with enhanced connectivity.
Mahindra’s engineers will also ensure that the new vehicle will pass the BNVSAP (Bharat New Vehicle Safety Assessment program) crash tests with flying colours. We hope the 2020 Mahindra XUV500 is safe enough to earn 5-stars in Global-NCAP tests.
Coming to the powertrain lineup, the existing 2.2-liter diesel engine to make way for a newer and more powerful BS6-compliant 2.0-liter unit. Expect the power output to be in the ballpark of 170 hp. A new petrol motor is also likely to be on offer. Both manual and automatic transmissions will be available. While lower variants will continue to send power to the front wheels, a top-of-the-line AWD is also expected to join the lineup.
The new Mahindra XUV500 is likely to make its world premiere at the Auto Expo 2020 in February. It will also spawn a Ford derivative, thanks to the new Mahindra – Ford JV.