Mahindra & Mahindra introduced the Indian market to the XUV500 all the way back in 2011. Since then, the urban SUV from Mahindra has proven to be quite popular among the masses. This is all down to the fact that it is a very well-priced SUV, from the days it entered the Indian market. And, of course, of all people, Mahindra knows how to make an SUV. You can check car dash cam.
But this one was rather special even for Mahindra. Not only did it break some sales benchmark for the brand, but it also created quite a stir in the whole market. So much so, many potential consumers chose the Mahindra XUV500 over its similarly priced rivals, which, at the time, were executive sedans like the Toyota Corolla Altis, or the Hyundai Elantra.
Likewise, the entry of a high-riding SUV almost completely put a halt to the executive sedans at that moment. A segment which, even at this point in time, struggles to garner four-digit sales in total. As a result, almost every manufacturer started to make their vehicles fit in this segment. And, now, years later, we have cars like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, MG Hector, and Tata Harrier that rule this segment.
As for Mahindra’s XUV300, well, it is expected to be updated to a whole new generation very soon. Till then, Mahindra will sell the second-time facelifted version of its SUV, all the way back since 2011. So, here are a few facts you should know about the XUV500, apart from the one we discussed right above.
1. First Mahindra to be built around a Monocoque frame
Mahindra, as we know it, is an expert at making SUVs. Over the years, the carmaker has used the tried-and-tested ladder on frame chassis, which, while good for off-roading, isn’t as good for cars that need to be solely driven on the tarmac. Therefore, these days, all the manufacturers are relying on monocoque build – for instance, Hyundai Creta, Kia Sonet, and Mahindra’s own XUV300 – for their SUVs.
2. Feature-packed
If you’ve ever sat in a Scorpio or a Thar, for that matter, you’ll know dated these cars were from the inside. However, that was never the case with the XUV500. From day one, Mahindra packed the XUV300 to the gills with modern-day features and technology. This also made it the first Mahindra to be a feature-laden vehicle.
3. Refined powertrain
Once again, taking the Scorpio and Thar for reference, Mahindra was never known for making refined and smooth cars. Even though the XUV500 shared its engine with the Scorpio, its excellent damping allowed it to be way smoother and refined in comparison. Therefore, it won a lot of hearts for its refinement alone. After all, a good refined diesel SUV from Mahindra wasn’t something anyone would have expected before 2011.
4. A best-seller
As said in the introduction, the Mahindra XUV500 reigned supreme in its respective segment over its first years for the lack of similar options. At that time, similarly priced rivals included the likes of executive sedans – also mentioned above – which, as of now, struggles to garner four-digit sales in total. Having been the undisputed champ for quite a few years in its segment, the XUV500 was dethroned only recently given the fact that it has now started to show its age.
5. A fast rally car indeed
There are no two ways about it. The diesel-powered XUV500 is, and remains to be, one of the fastest cars in this segment. And, with a nice and tractable engine, it was fairly easy to drive as well. Given its outright performance, the Mahindra XUV500 was also used as a tool for rallying. It is also the first diesel SUV to win the Indian Rally Championship and Desert Storm Rally in 2014. Also, grab the latest info on the new cars, only at autoX.
