Mahindra XUV500 to be discontinued, could return as two-row XUV700

Tuhin Guha Updated: April 08, 2021, 07:59 PM IST

Mahindra has confirmed via a social media post that the current Mahindra XUV500 will be discontinued 'temporarily' once the Mahindra XUV700 launches around July 2021. This lays to rest speculation over the future of the XUV500, with there now being a strong suggestion that the nameplate could return as the two-row iteration of the three-row Mahindra XUV700.

This comes after Mahindra announced that the upcoming W601 SUV, so far assumed to be the next-generation Mahindra XUV500 would in fact be an all-new flagship model. With the new nameplate Mahindra seems to be following the latest trend in the SUV segment of three-row derivatives of C-segment SUVs, only reversed. This new sub-segment already consists of cars like the MG Hector Plus, the Tata Safari and the upcoming Hyundai Alcazar.

The new XUV700 will be based on a new monocoque W601 architecture, which was also to be the base for a Ford SUV too until the deal fell through. The SUV is expected to get uprated versions of the engines that recently debuted on the Mahindra Thar. This means the 2.0-litre Stallion turbo-petrol with approximately 190PS and around 350 Nm and the 2.2-litre mHawk diesel with close to 190PS and over 400 Nm torque. Both engines should pair with a six-speed manual and a six-speed torque-converter auto. Know more about the XUV700 here.

Mahindra has also confirmed the addition of an optional AWD system with the XUV700. The next XUV500 could lose the AWD for a more competitive price, while coming with differentiated exterior and interior styling. We also expect the engine options to remain identical to the XUV700, even if they may be slightly detuned. If launched, the new Mahindra XUV500 will compete with the likes of the Tata Harrier, MG Hector, Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta with prices at some premium over the current version.

Mahindra XUV500 2019 Full Spec

Price (Ex-Delhi)
Starts Rs 12.23 Lakhs

Displacement
2179cc

Transmission
Automatic

Max Power(ps)
140

Max Torque(Nm)
320

Mileage
-NA-

Hyundai Alcazar 2021 Full Spec

Price (Ex-Delhi)
Starts Rs 16.3 Lakhs

Displacement
1493cc

Transmission
Automatic

Max Power(ps)
115