Mahindra has officially announced that the second generation XUV500 will be introduced as the new Mahindra XUV700. Scheduled to be launched in the Q3, 2021, the new XUV700 will come as a 3-row SUV to rival the Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus and the Hyundai Alcazar.
It is speculated that the new XUV700 will be sold alongside the existing XUV500. However, a new media report claims that the existing XUV500 will be discontinued. In fact, Mahindra is reportedly developing a new XUV500 SUV to rival the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Harrier and the MG Hector.
The report claims that the all-new Mahindra XUV500 will be a 5-seater SUV. It will be based on the modular monocoque platform, which also underpins the upcoming XUV700. The new model will be smaller than the XUV700, and will measure around 4.5 meters. This is similar to Tata’s strategy, which sells the Harrier 5-seater and the Safari 7-seater.
The all-new Mahindra XUV500 is expected to share styling cues from the bigger XUV700. However, Mahindra could give it a unique design to give it a different look from the bigger sibling. The SUV is expected to come with the same 2.2-litre diesel and 2.0-litre petrol engines that powers the XUV700; however, these engines will be de-tuned for lesser power. While the XUV700 will come with an optional AWD system, the 5-seater XUV500 is likely to come with a front-wheel-drive SUV.
The new Mahindra XUV500 could also use the brand’s new 1.5-litre mStallion turbocharged petrol engine, which will also power the Marazzo MPV. This engine can produce up to 163bhp of power and close to 250Nm of torque.
The upcoming XUV500 is likely to share some of the features from the XUV700, which includes the panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, digital instrument console, free-standing touchscreen infotainment system, etc. However, it is not likely to receive the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) with features like adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot detection, etc.
The next-gen Mahindra XUV500 is expected to be launched in 2022. The SUV is likely to be priced around Rs 12 lakh to Rs 18 lakh. The SUV will rival the Tata Harrier, MG Hector, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun and the Skoda Kushaq.
Source – Zigwheels
