Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd launched the 2018 version of its high-end utility vehicle, the XUV500, with improved interiors and an engine that is about 10% more powerful than the outgoing variant.
The XUV500 2018 comes with an mHawk engine that delivers 155 BHP (114 kW) of power, compared to 140 BHP on the outgoing version.
Torque too has increased to 360 Nm fro 330 Nm. The company said it is using a “6th generation” electronically controlled Variable Geometry Turbocharger (eVGT) that delivers better torque (power) even when the engine is spinning slowly. This, it said, ensures a better driving experience in cities.
Pricing remains in the same range, and starts at Rs 12.32 lakh ex-showroom in Mumbai. The vehicle is available in showrooms across India immediately, the company said.
Unlike its competitors from MNC brands, the XUV500 tries to offer the ‘luxury SUV’ proposition in the Rs 12 to 18 lakhs range — 25%-50% less than what many high-end SUVs cost in India.
Rajan Wadhera, President, Automotive Sector for Mahindra & Mahindra said the model will create “benchmarks in luxury and styling.”
“It has been designed to meet the customer’s rising aspirations for more premium and luxurious offerings,” he said.
Among the enhancements are soft-touch leather on dashboard and door-trims, quilted tan leather seats, smart watch connectivity, Arkamys enhanced audio and larger, 18-inch alloy wheels with 235mm width and 60mm height.
On the looks front, it comes with a wider grille with chrome inserts, fog lamps with a a new chrome bezel, new tailgate with split tail-lamps, a new spoiler and new LED daytime running lamps.
The XUV2018 also comes with enhanced suspension, 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP with Rollover mitigation, hill hold and hill descent control and disc brakes on all wheels.
The cabin is also quieter, the company said.
XUV500 2018 will be available in 5 diesel variants — W5, W7, W9, W11 & W11 OPT. The only petrol option will be called G AT.
All diesel variants other than W5 will have the option of automatic transmission.
There will be seven colors — New Crimson Red, New Mystic Copper, Pearl White, Volcano Black, Moon dust Silver, Opulent Purple and Lake Side Brown.
Mahindra will also be offering a virtual experience of the car at home using a VR device in select cities.