Exteriors
The front face gets a total update, the front grill is an all new one which is wider and a lot bolder in styling with the six lines of chrome dash buttons signifying the family Mahindra grill styling. The headlights retain the old basic shape but get a total revamp inside them. The DRL is now placed on the top in a kind of `dash` styling, projector headlamps are in place along with turn lights neatly stuffed in here, Diamond Cut alloy wheels 235/60 R18 tubeless tyres are now in place. The XUV 5OO W11 comes with electric sun roof.
The rear section is totally refreshed; the tailgate gets an all new design and styling. The taillights are all new and now triangular in shape, smaller and wider in design unlike the vertical strip types the older XUV had. The rear spoiler now gets larger in size and so does the thick chrome band rear license plate area.
Interiors
The dashboard gets a complete overhaul with the top getting leather with hand stitched lining. The center dash gets a lot of piano black treatment along with faux metal cladding. There is an all new 7-inch touchscreen infotainment screen in place with connectivity to Android Auto. The sound system comes with Arkamys Sound to enhance the quality. Mahindra has also included a bunch of apps on this unit that include Gaana, Cricket Live, Zomato, Bookmyshow etc. Mahindra has also got the segment first smartwatch connectivity feature where you can wirelessly control the infotainment system, climate control, music etc using your smartwatch as the remote. The seats on the W11 XUV gets a premium tan leather upholstery with special quilt stitching. The drivers seat gets electric adjust while there is manual lumbar adjust on both the front seats. The center arm rest gets slide feature .
Engine “ Transmission “ Suspension
Mahindra has got its best engines on the 2018 XUV 5OO which now comes powered by the 2.2 Liter mHawk 55 diesel engine and also a 2.2 Liter mHawk petrol engine option. The 2179cc 4 cylinder diesel engine on the XUV makes 155BHP and belts out 360Nm of torque. This is the 6th generation of the mHawk engine and now it gets an electronically controlled Variable Geometry Turbocharger (eVGT), the older engine had an Vacuum assisted VGT. This engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
The power output is higher than the older 140BHP engine and it is noticed instantly while on the move. The XUV pounces ahead in style and the auto shifter supports the power delivery with crisp and precise shifting at all speeds. The engine responds very nicely to the throttle inputs. The ride quality has also been upped and so has the braking which is now precise. The auto gearbox has the creep function that’s handy in traffic situations to move this 2.5 tonner of a beast.
Verdict
The XUV 5OO was a revelation from Mahindra when it made its first appearance in 2011, this latest major update has brought it in today’s time. The vehicle now feels and is a lot more premium and better. The overall quality, fit finish, paint and feel is a lot better over what the older XUV was. The mHawk 55 engine with the eVGT is the major surprise point which excels in all departments. And then there is a lot of brand loyalty that Mahindra has that makes the 2018 XUV 5OO a very viable, practical and modern 7-seater SUV to go for.
(With almost a decade of experience under his belt, auto journalist, Ritesh Madhok, holds the steering at Motor World India, an online portal that brings you the latest scoops in the Indian automobile industry)
