Mahindra XUV500: The Mahindra XUV500 when launched was a game changer for the Indian SUV market. It would be more than another rugged utility vehicle — it would be Mahindra’s bid to produce a polished, roomy, road- and feature-friendly SUV with global ambitions.
Over time, the XUV500 established its own identity – that of a macho looking car which offered space, performance and tech in an attractive package that found favour not only with city slickers but also those looking to munch long highway miles.
Its successor is the XUV700, however, the XUV500 has a multitude of loyal takers in the pre-owned car space, courtesy its brand trustworthiness and an excellent value-for-money statement.
Aggressive & Muscular Road Presence
The XUV500 has, from its very inception, stood out on the road. It looks intimidating on the road with the wide stance and cheetah design elements, muscular wheel arches, a large grille and all that.
The SUV looks aggressive yet sophisticated with projector headlamps, LED DRLs and 17 or 18-inch allow wheels (for the lower and higher variants respectively).
It not only looks kind of like an SUV — it feels a bit like one. Park or drive, the XUV500 gets the eye balls turning, especially in the top-end W11 trim that adds chrome garnishes and stylish skid plates.
Generous and well-equipped interior
Its cabin is a place even the plushest can’t match with its seven seats. Rather, its dual-tone dashboard, soft-touch panels and seating surfaces (leatherette in higher trims) give it a premium feel.
The cabin adds adjustable middle row seating and a stowable third row — ideal for families who might need extra seating or boot space from time to time.
For tech, the SUV is filled with the goods: an infotainment system that works with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, cruise control, push-button start, a sunroof and a nicely integrated digital driver display.
The sound system, by Arkamys, ambient lighting and automatic air-conditioning also contribute to the comfort inside the cabin.
Even the practicality is brilliant. The XUV500 seats 7, and with its several stowage points and USB ports and quite a rmissively-sized boot (especially with the third row folded), it is a fantastic long journey companion.”
Strong Diesel Performance
The XUV500 is powered by a 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine that makes 155 bhp of power and 360 Nm of torque.
It’s paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. There is good mid-range punch from the engine and passing slow-moving traffic on the highway is effortless.
It’s also remarkably refined for a diesel, with very little vibration at cruise.
The seven-seater is based on a monocoque frame, and thus should offer a less clumsy feel than body-on-frame SUVs.
Given its size, the XUV500 also handles decently around corners, and the suspension setup is oriented toward comfort — able to soak up bumps and patchy roads quite well.
Mahindra also provided an AWD vehicle, making the XUV500 more ready for occasional off-roading or wet roads.
Safety and Reliability
In the safety department, the XUV500 comes with safety features such as dual airbags (with six in higher trims), ABS with EBD, ESP, hill hold and hill descent control, rear parking camera, ISOFIX child seat mounts, among others.
The build is strong and service network of Mahindra have come a far way in the recent past.
Although not officially rated for NCAP, user comments combined with its structural strength suggest this is a well-constructed SUV for Indian conditions.
Pros:
Solid good look at me design and Low profile.
Plenty of space and equipment levels for comfort
Strong mid-range punchy diesel engine
Previous incantations offered all-wheel drive as an option
Huge highway bike, perfect for open road traveling
Cons:
Third-row seat is best left to the kids
No petrol option could put off some buyers
Interior plastics are lackluster next to fresher SUVs
City juking takes some practice (large size)
Mahindra XUV500: Conclusion
The Mahindra XUV500 is out of production, but its notoriety is still well and truly alive. The XUV500 offers a great value proposition for those in the market for a reliable, capable, and family-friendly SUV, particularly those on the used car circuit.
It’s a big tough machine designed as much to cruise the highway as it is to conquer the wild — a real Indian SUV built with heart and muscle.