Next-gen Mahindra XUV500 Undergoing Road Tests in Snowfall

When the first generation Mahindra XUV500 was launched back in 2011, it ushered in a new era for the Indian UV manufacturer. Mahindra is known mainly for making various evolutionary iterations of the original jeep and since the start of the 21^st century, the Scorpio and the Bolero. The XUV500 is the first vehicle developed by Mahindra to use a monocoque chassis instead of a ladder frame chassis in which the body and frame are separate. This gave the new XUV500 much-improved dynamics and ride quality. The Mahindra XUV500 is also the company’s first front-wheel-drive SUV, with AWD available only if you order for it specifically. Mahindra is currently developing an all-new generation of the XUV500, and today we came across this test mule being driven in snow-capped Manali.

The pictures have been uploaded by the_spy_autoshots on Instagram, and the vehicle was stuck in traffic on the snowy roads to Manali. As you will see in the shots, the new dashboard is predominantly filled up by the new all-in-one touchscreen infotainment system that merges with the instrument cluster. 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 XUV500 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 XUV500 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 XUV500 range from Rs 13.57 lakh – Rs 19.30 lakh, ex-showroom. When it launches it will compete in a packed segment against the likes of the Tata Harrier, Hyundai Creta and the MG Hector.