It seems like Mahindra is throwing everything at the next-gen XUV500 – Advanced Driver Assistance Systems and even a Mercedes-like twin screen infotainment system for the higher spec variants.
A few days ago, we reported to you with new spy images of a close-to-production test mule of the next-gen Mahindra XUV500 which previewed some new design details of the upcoming SUV. Then there were also reports about the next-gen XUV500 featuring advanced driver assistance systems which would make it the most affordable car in the Indian market to have such features. Now, a fresh spy image of the interiors of the next-gen Mahindra XUV500 has surfaced on the internet and it boasts Mercedes-like twin infotainment and instrument cluster screens.
We had seen spy images of the interiors of the next-gen XUV500 before, but the previous test mules did not come fitted with these huge twin screens. We knew that the dashboard layout will be similar to that of the Kia Seltos where the infotainment screen is attached to the instrument binnacle in a single cohesive unit. However, previous spy shots suggested of a traditional instrument cluster with twin dials. This new twin screen setup will again be a segment first and it seems very similar to current-gen Mercedes-Benz dual-screen setup. This setup is however likely to be reserved for the top-spec variants only.
This new system should thus be packing a lot of features and informations. Thankfully, Mahindra has not resorted to digital screens for the climate controls and other essential features as they will be operated with traditional dials and buttons. As for the aforementioned advanced driver assistance systems, Mahindra has partnered with a South Korean company called Mando Corporation, who are set to supply a DCU (domain control unit), radar, and camera for ADAS. Spy images of the next-gen XUV500 have clearly shown provision for cameras and radar-based ADAS, incorporated into the top of the windshield along with sensor housing mounted low in the bumper.
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The XUV500 is thus expected to be the first Mahindra vehicle to feature these systems. While exact details on the ADAS system is scarce currently, it will be Level 1 autonomous tech if anything at all. It will come with features such as drowsiness detection, blindspot detection, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Even a few years ago, such tech were only offered in high-end luxury cars like Audi’s and Mercedes’ but the MG Gloster broke the norm by making it a little more affordable. If its really on the XUV500, it will be game-changing feature in the sub-Rs 20 lakh price range.
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Under the hood, the next-gen XUV500 will come powered by a 2.0L turbo-petrol engine from the mStallion family and the 2.2L mHawk diesel engine, both of which debuted on the recently launched Mahindra Thar. However, both these engines are expected to be mcuh more powerful on the XUV500, producing near about 200PS of power. Transmission options will include both manual and automatic gearboxes. Likely to be launched in the first half of 2021, the new XUV500 is expected to be priced from Rs 13-19 lakh. It will rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Harrier and MG Hector.
