New Mahindra XUV 500: a 7-seat SUV at a bargain price!

The renewed Mahindra XUV 500, a 7-seat family SUV priced from 22,500 euros, goes on sale in December.

Yes, there are also “low-cost” options among large seven-seat SUVs. And the Mahindra XUV 500 is one of them. This model has received a significant update and will go on sale in December, with a starting price of 22,500 euros for the W6 version, 25,100 euros for the W8 and 26,350 euros for the top-of-the-range W10.

These prices include the launch promotional discount (about 800 euros), which is initially announced for six months. Four-wheel drive can also be chosen across all trims, which increases the price by around 2,500 euros.

The Mahindra XUV 500 thus becomes one of the cheapest seven-seat SUVs of its size on the market. There is still one cheaper than the XUV 500: the Chinese model DFSK 580, whose starting price is 21,995 euros.

This is the Mahindra XUV 500

The XUV 500 is an SUV with a classic look, measuring 4.58 metres in length, 1.78 metres in height and 1.89 metres in width. It has a well-used interior space and a third row with two large seats. But it suffers from what happens to all cars of this type: the third row, due to the difficulty of access and how close the floor sits to the seat base, is not comfortable for long trips if occupied by adults.

An inspection of the interior shows why Mahindra can offer a car like this at such a low price. The appearance and feel of the materials do not reach the standards we are used to seeing in Japanese or European cars, such as a Mitsubishi Outlander or a Peugeot 5008, which are the first to appear in a ranking of 7-seat SUVs by price, after the Mahindra and the DFSK. Of course the jump in price is noticeable: at least 4,000 euros more, in the best case.

Another area where Mahindra “saves” is technology. There are no sophisticated driver-assistance systems here, and the new multimedia system is quite simple, although it now receives a 7-inch touchscreen and the possibility of screens in the front seat headrests as notable additions. There are many new details in the exterior design, which looks modern and pleasing.

Under the bonnet, the same engine as before, a 2.2 turbodiesel with variable-geometry turbo producing 140 CV and 330 Nm of torque, revised with new mounts to improve noise and vibration. Coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox, it can send power to the front wheels or to all four wheels (automatic engagement system).

It comes with standard start-stop, as well as hill start assist and hill descent control.

Total weight exceeds 2,500 kilograms. The suspension is McPherson-type at the front and multi-link at the rear, while the wheel package features 17-inch alloy wheels with unusual high-profile tyres: 235/65-17. Homologated average consumption is 8.1 l/100 km, on the WLTP cycle.

5-year or 100,000 km warranty

A good draw for those who may feel less attracted to a brand that is not very well known, and to the “cheap” character associated with Mahindra, is the warranty this model comes with: 5 years or 100,000 km, with three years of free roadside assistance from the brand.

Mahindra XUV 500 image gallery