Mahindra XUV500 Review: Performance, Design & Features

The Indian-made Mahindra XUV500 is a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) that has been in production since its introduction in 2011. Interestingly, the name “XUV500” is pronounced as “Ex-You-Wee Five Double O”. The XUV500 is notable for being the first Mahindra vehicle to fully adopt a monocoque chassis construction, making it lighter, structurally more rigid, better to drive, and more comfortable than its body-on-frame counterparts.

The Mahindra XUV500 serves as the Indian carmaker’s flagship offering in the UAE, and it is sold in several countries worldwide, including various Middle Eastern nations like the United Arab Emirates. Over its nine years of production, the XUV500 has undergone three iterations, each enhancing different aspects of this compact SUV. In the UAE market, the Mahindra XUV500 competes against notable rivals such as the Kia Sorento, Peugeot 5008, and Chevrolet Equinox.

Exterior

The Mahindra XUV500, classified as a compact SUV, features dimensions of 4.585 meters in length, 1.890 meters in width, and 1.785 meters in height. Its wheelbase measures 2.700 meters, and its gross weight can exceed 2.5 tons. The XUV500 is known for its eye-catching design and aggressive styling cues inspired by the Cheetah. Over the years, Mahindra has refined its styling to appeal to a broader audience, yet the XUV500 continues to attract both admirers and critics.

Key exterior features of the Mahindra XUV500 include:

• Large headlamps with projector units and sleek LED DRLs
• Raised clamshell hood
• Revised mesh grille with unique chrome inserts
• Heavily sculpted bumper with upper and lower air intakes
• Faux skid plate
• L-shaped fog lamp housing
• 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels
• Subtle roof rails and muscular front and rear haunches
• High ground clearance
• Vertically-oriented pull-type door handles
• Rakish tail lamps and roof spoiler
• Aggressively sculpted tailgate with a chrome bar and dual exhaust pipes

Interior

The interior of the Mahindra XUV500 features a blend of curves, contours, and flat surfaces. The all-black interior has a sporty appearance but can seem bland. To enhance the cabin's appeal, Mahindra has added silver, chrome, and piano black trims, although their presence may not significantly elevate the overall aesthetic. The build quality is decent, given that the XUV500 is a cost-effective vehicle, and there is generous room for all passengers.

Notable interior features include:

• Puddle lamps
• Automatic headlights
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Power-folding door mirrors
• Quilted leather seats
• Power sunroof
• Keyless entry with push-button start
• Cruise control
• Power-adjustable driver’s seat
• All-round parking sensors with reversing camera
• 7.0-inch touch infotainment display with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
• Arkamys premium sound system
• LED ambient lighting
• Six airbags
• Anti-lock brakes
• Electronic stability program with rollover mitigation
• Hill hold and hill-descent control

Engine and Performance

The Mahindra XUV500 is powered by a 2.2-liter petrol engine that produces 140hp and 320Nm of torque, driving all four wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission. This configuration enables the XUV500 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 9.5 seconds, achieving a top speed of 180 km/h.

Verdict

The Mahindra XUV500 presents a compelling option in its segment. While it may not boast an overly powerful engine, it remains a practical choice, offering seven seats and an abundance of equipment. With a starting price of AED 56,900 for the base (FWD) trim, it undercuts its rivals significantly, ensuring excellent value for money.