Mahindra’s most premium SUV for the Indian market, the XUV500, was launched way back in 2011 and it’s been at the top of sales charts ever since. Despite being such a popular vehicle, there are facts that people do not know about the SUV. Here are 10 such facts about the XUV500.
First monocoque Mahindra
Mahindra has always been known for its strong frame structure. The XUV500 is the first SUV from the manufacturer built on a monocoque chassis. It was a major step up for the automaker, which was known only for its body-on-ladder SUVs, until the arrival of the XUV500.
Most feature-rich Mahindra till date
When launched in 2011, the XUV500 was the most feature-loaded SUV from Mahindra. Holding the title since then, the XUV500’s multiple features are still a dream for other Mahindra models. It was the first Mahindra SUV to feature a touch-screen system with a navigation system and other premium features, such as mood lightning. The XUV500 is the first SUV from Mahindra to get a factory-fitted sunroof.
Safest car from Mahindra yet
The XUV500 is the safest SUV model offered by Mahindra. It was offered with dual airbags, ABS and EBD as standard. Disc brakes on all four wheels were standard to provide maximum braking control. Right from its launch, the top range variants got 6 airbags and hill-hold assist, which was a segment-first feature. All these features have made it a safer SUV than other Mahindra offerings.
As quiet as luxury SUVs
The XUV500 was developed to match a level of comfort and quality offered by expensive vehicles. Mahindra achieved a Bbenchmark in producing a quiet cabin with the low NVH levels. The quality of the material used and their fit and finish matched the quality of more expensive SUVs, such as the Santa Fe and Captiva.
BlueSense APP
To improve user experience and make owners more connected to the XUV500, the Blue Sense application was launched by Mahindra in 2012. The top variant (W8 at that time) was only offered with this feature, allowing users to remotely control the multimedia of their car with their android phones. Other features were also added, such as a climate control system and TPMS with other small changes.
Fastest Mahindra yet
The XUV500 is not only the most premium Mahindra, but also the fastest SUV from the brand. The XUV500 is powered by a 2.2-litre mHawk engine which produces around 154 Bhp of power and 360 Nm of peak torque, mated with a 6-speed gearbox. The XUV500 can sprint from 0-100 in just 12.5 seconds, with top speed of over 180 Kmph.
Smaller engine, just to beat a ban!
The NGT banned SUVs with diesel engines measuring over 2 litres in the Delhi NCR area. Mahindra developed a new 1.99-litre engine to power the XUV500 and Scorpio to meet the NGT norms. However, downsizing the engine did not affect its performance. The new 1.99-litre engine produces around 140 Bhp and 320 Nm of torque, quite similar to the larger engine (back then).
Sells more than the Corolla Altis!
The Mahindra XUV500 is one of the best-sellers from Mahindra selling about 2500 units monthly. This sales figure is more than the most of the D-segment sedans combined, which include sedans, such as the Skoda Octavia, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Jetta and Hyundai Elantra.
It even goes rallying…
The XUV500 is an outperformer not only on roads but in rallying and circuit championships too. The vehicle is the first diesel SUV to win the Indian Rally Championship and Desert Storm Rally in 2014.
Even workers who build this SUV get interesting benefits
The XUV500 provides comfort not only to its users but the people who build it too. Mahindra adopted MAPS (Mahindra Advanced Production System) for production of the XUV500 to reduce the stress on production line workers.This new technique reduced fatigue and stress on the workers enabling them to be more efficient.
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