Mahindra & Mahindra, the home-grown automaker, has commenced the dealer dispatch of the 2018 XUV500 facelift in the country, claims Team-BHP. The latest images of the SUV captured at a dealership reveal its exterior appearance ahead of the official launch, scheduled for next month. The 2018 Mahindra XUV500 facelift would get a plethora of cosmetic updates alongside a minor mechanical update. The report further states that deliveries of the facelifted model might start from mid-May with a slight surge in pricing.
Checkout the recently launched Mahindra KUV100 Trip in India!
Speaking of the cosmetic updates, the 2018 Mahindra XUV500 facelift flaunts a new front fascia with a six-slot radiator grille and the lower grille in new pattern as well. The dual beam headlights have also been tweaked and now the LED signature light is at the top. The rear end receives the more prolific updates in form of triangular tail lamps, redesigned tailgate with a wider license plate recess, new tailgate garnish and a new roof spoiler with an integrated stop lamp. The cabin is expected to be carried over from the current model, save for a handful of updates in form of upholstery and infotainment system. The brakes of the new SUV have also been updated and they too make it to the list.
Mechanically, the 2018 XUV500 facelift would carry the same 2.2L 4-cylinder mHawk diesel engine albeit with a slight bump in power output. Grapevine earlier suggested that the company might take the power output to 170bhp from the current 140bhp. However, the Team-BHP report claims that the maximum power would be increased by 10bhp to make it 150bhp. The transmission duties are expected to be performed by the ongoing gearbox, while the 4X4 variant would also retain all its features and characteristics. Mahindra XUV500 challenges the likes of Tata Safari Storme, Hyundai Creta, Jeep Compass and Maruti S-Cross in the Indian market.
