The launch of the XUV500 wasn’t just an introduction of another SUV; it was a fashion statement on its own. Considered among the first indigenously developed monocoque SUVs from an Indian manufacturer, the XUV500 changed the expectations from domestic automotive brands. It gave class to the traditional space and ruggedness of an SUV: in other words, the XUV500 soon became a household name all over India.
Dramatic Exterior Design
Mahindra XUV500 came into the limelight with its dramatic and muscular styling. Aptly named after the grace and speed of a cheetah, it had an aggressive stance, flared wheel arches, and a grille that never became old in the mind of the road users. Over the years, the SUV underwent facelifts, which improved its aesthetics with LED daytime running lights, redesigned bumpers, and chrome accents, keeping it trendy in an ever-competitive market.
Comfortably Designed Cabin
The interiors of the XUV500 were designed keeping in mind all family pleasures and long-distance driving. The cabin could be described as a premium feel with leatherette upholstery, an ergonomically placed dashboard, and loads of soft touch materials.
Interior and Comfort
With its 7-seater layout and ample leg- and headroom, it was one of the choices for those for whom space and comfort come first. A sunroof, ambient lighting, and touchscreen infotainment arose above the very basic in-cabin experience.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
Powering the XUV500 was a 2.2-liter mHawk diesel engine, offering a strong balance between power and fuel efficiency. With around 155 PS and 360 Nm of torque to its name, it could easily cope with city driving and highway cruising. Different driving moods were well-seat by manual and automatic transmission choices and an optional AWD offered in earlier variants. The monocoque construction gave the SUV an almost carlike ride; something new to Mahindra vehicles that usually had the utilitarian ride.
Technology and Features
The XUV500 was packed by Mahindra with features usually seen in pricier vehicles. It has a touchscreen infotainment system with GPS navigation; smartphone connectivity; rearview camera; keyless entry; push-button start; rain-sensing wipers; etc. Later variants got connected car features, more-assisted driver information display, and voice commands that kept it up with digital needs from the modern drivers.
Safety and Stability
Safety was the chief parameter for consideration in the development of the XUV500. Hence, the vehicle was equipped with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability program (ESP), rollover mitigation, and disc brakes on all four wheels. Higher versions had six airbags, child seat mounts with ISOFIX standards, and hill-hold and hill-descent control. This has given the XUV500 a reputation as a safe family vehicle, fast and on difficult terrains.
Profitable in the Market and Evolution
Having carved a strong following since its launch in 2011, the XUV500 has appealed to customers searching for an SUV with presence, new-age features, and aspects of Indian sensibility. The subject of several updates over the years, the XUV500 has reflected changes in design, performance, and features. Even as Mahindra now markets the XUV700 as a sort of spiritual successor, the legacy of the XUV500 still weighs heavily on the design and engineering ethos of the brand.
The Roads Ahead
With the XUV700 now marking the premium SUV range at Mahindra, it may mean a revival of the XUV500 name in a bit smaller form, probably to fight in the compact or mid-size SUV segment. This would allow Mahindra to leverage on the strong brand equity that the XUV500 commands, while expanding its SUV portfolio to cater to a greater variety of buyers.