Next-Gen Mahindra XUV 500 Gets Large Touchscreen And Tesla-Style Door Handles

The Mahindra XUV 500 was somewhat of a watershed moment for the Indian UV manufacturer when it was first launched in 2011. Mahindra used to ost famous for making multiple iterations based on the original jeep and in the 2000s, the Bolero and Scorpio SUVs. The XUV 500 is the first vehicle from the manufacturer to be built with a monocoque chassis, i.e., the body and frame are one unit rather than being separate. This gave the new SUV vastly improved on-road dynamics and ride comfort.

The Mahindra XUV 500 is also a front-wheel-drive SUV only unless you specifically order for the 4x4 version. It has been a competitive and strong seller for Mahindra, even though the mid-size SUV segment has become increasingly crowded in the years after its launch. The XUV 500 currently competes with the MG Hector Plus and the Tata Harrier. The current model is starting to look a bit old, and Mahindra is planning to launch the next-generation XUV 500 sometime this year. Today we came across this spy shots of a test mule which gives an idea on what it may look inside and out.

The pictures have been uploaded by auto_town_ on Instagram where we can get a clear look at the next generation Mahindra XUV 500’s interiors. As you can see, the dashboard will be dominated by the new all-in-one touchscreen infotainment system that merges with the instrument cluster, giving it a single all-encompassing design. The interior also gets a new leather design that has been finished in a beige scheme. Also, as it can be seen in the exterior shots, the production vehicle will get flush-fitting door handles, increasing the aerodynamics and giving a more premium image. These types of handles have been previously seen in premium vehicles from Tesla, the Range Rover Velar, and the all-new Mercedes S-Class. The new XUV 500 has been in development for a while, and it looks like Mahindra is making sure when it launches it goes straight to the top of the segment with its first-in-class features.

The current Mahindra XUV 500 is powered by a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel which makes peak power and torque figures of 155 PS/360 Nm and can be paired with a 6-speed manual or automatic. Prices for the Mahindra XUV 500 range from Rs 13.57 lakh – Rs 19.30 lakh, ex-showroom.