Mahindra XUV500 to sell below $30K

Indian manufacturer Mahindra has launched its second offering in the local market with the arrival of the XUV500 SUV.

Launched late last year in India and South Africa, the mid-size SUV is the subject of ambitious plans for the company. That’s evidenced by an aggressive pricing policy that sees it limbo in under the $30K mark for what Mahindra describes as ‘an unbeatable combination of aspirational styling, advanced technology and safety features, comfort and convenience’.

The XUV500 will come in three specs, with base FWD spec starting at $29,990 and the AWD variant available from $32,990.

Power comes from a transversely mounted 2.2-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder developing a peak of 103kW at 3750rpm and 330Nm from 1600–2800rpm.

For now, at least, it’s six-speed manual only, announcing its seriousness of purpose as an off-roader with a low-ratio transfer box for the AWD model. The all-paw drivetrain’s ‘interactive torque management’ system allows seamless shift between single- and dual-diff drive.

Below stairs there’s independent suspension and disc brakes all round on its 17-inch alloy wheels.

All three specs come with cruise control, front and rear parking beepers, front foglights, folding wing mirrors, climate control and sensor activation for headlamps and wipers. The six-speaker audio package, controlled from wheel switches and a 15cm central touchscreen, is Bluetooth and iPod friendly. Trip computing functions extend to tyre pressure and temperature monitoring

Upspec highlights include two-tone leather upholstery, sat-nav, centre-box cooling and xenon projector headlamps that look round corners.

Driver aids include automatic hill descent and hill hold, with the safety suite including all the normal braking and stability electronics with a rollover mitigating sensor and six airbags.

For more on how the XUV500 drives, watch this space for our full launch write-up.

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