Mahindra has plans to launch the new generation of XUV500 in India by 2021

With the easing up of the lockdown related restrictions, test mules of upcoming cars have started to come on roads a lot more frequently. Recently, automotive enthusiast Pravin Chola spotted a next generation Mahindra XUV500 while it was testing near Chennai.

In the video shared by the reader, the test mule looks a lot more mature compared to the initial models which we have seen earlier. However, like before, the SUV was covered with heavy camouflage. While the body panels looked a little closer to a production-spec model, the tail-lamps clearly were far from what Mahindra will be introducing on the actual model.

Earlier, Mahindra was expected to bring in the second generation XUV500 in 2020. It would have been the first proper full-fledged update to the model which was launched back in 2011. The timing also seemed apt as the BS6 emission norms were about to kick in from 1st April, 2020. However, closer to the 2020 Auto Expo, it was confirmed that Mahindra will not be launching the second gen XUV500 this year. Instead it brought in a BS6 compliant version model of the current generation car.

The new gen XUV500 will be based upon an all new monocoque platform and will be drawing power from a new 2 litre diesel motor. The new diesel engine will be considerably more powerful than the current 2.2 litre unit which dishes out 155hp. It is also believed that a new 2 litre turbocharged petrol motor will make its debut. Both, manual and automatic transmission options are expected to be available. Additionally, some top-of-the line trims will also be equipped with an AWD (All Wheel Drive) system.

Considering Mahindra’s track record, it is safe to presume that the 2021 XUV500 will be a heavily packed offering. New interiors with some industry-leading gadget & gizmos are expected, all of it an aggressive price point.   

Back in 2011, XUV500 had started its own new segment. However, now in 2021, almost a decade later, when the second generation model gets launched, the XUV500 will be competing with a long list of competitors including the MG Hector (& Hector Plus), Tata Gravitas and 7-seater version of the Creta.

When there was limited competition, the XUV500 used to clock sales of around 3-4K units per month. However, since the arrival of competition, overall monthly sales have plummeted to the ~1,000 units mark. It will be interesting to see, how the customers respond to the 2021 XUV500.