After a successful stint of 10 years, the current-gen model of Mahindra XUV500 has been recently discontinued in the Indian car market. The XUV700, the successor of the XUV500, has taken its place until the SUV returns in the future. As we reported earlier, Mahindra has plans to launch the all-new model of the XUV500 as a 5-seater in the year 2024, and it would be competing in the Indian market with the likes of Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota HyRyder, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Skoda Kushaq, and Volkswagen Taigun.
The first-gen Mahindra XUV500 was introduced as a seven-seater in 2011 and has gone through two midlife updates till now. The XUV500 was the first Mahindra vehicle to use the front-wheel-drive and was based on a revolutionary monocoque structure (rather than the usual body-on-frame basis).
After unveiling the XUV700 back in August 2020, Mahindra recently commenced the deliveries of the SUV across the country. With the new SUV dominating the headlines and capturing all of the attention, the old champ was almost non-existent in the thoughts of customers. Only 160 individuals brought the XUV500 home in September last year. Hence, Mahindra decided to discontinue the current-gen model of the SUV.
While talking about its mechanical specs, the XUV500 was offered with two engine options: a 155 PS 2.2-litre diesel and a 140 PS 2.2-litre petrol, and both were coupled with a 6-speed torque converter automatic. However, only the diesel engine was available with a 6-speed manual transmission and AWD. Loaded with plenty of features, the Mahindra XUV500 was offered in 4 manual variants and 3 automatic variants.
Some notable features include a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a single-pane electric sunroof, cruise control, a 6-way powered driver seat, diamond cut alloys, signature LED DRLs and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. For increased passenger safety, it was equipped with six airbags, an electronic stability programme and rear parking sensors. It competed with MG Hector, Tata Safari and Harrier in its segment and now the XUV700 is doing this job.