Mahindra XUV500 will be temporarily discontinued post the XUV700 launch
It seems like the carmaker has other plans in mind.
We know that the next-gen XUV500 SUV is now going to be known as the XUV700, but in a world of firsts, the Indian carmaker has confirmed on social media that after the company’s latest flagship is launched sometime later this year, the long-standing XUV500 will be discontinued temporarily. Why? Let’s find out!
XUV500 is a hugely popular product celebrating its decade of dominance this year under the theme of “Fuelling Incredible Stories since 10 Years”. After the launch of XUV700, we will be temporarily discontinuing XUV500. Regards, Team Mahindra
— MahindraXUV700 (@MahindraXUV700) April 8, 2021
In what has become quite evident as we speak, Mahindra is currently undergoing a spare parts crisis and as such, there are numerous delays in the production. Some Thar customers have been asked to even wait for up to 10 months as a result.
Important to understand is that this is not only Mahindra’s situation, but every other automotive manufacturer is facing a similar issue due to the ongoing pandemic. Now, temporarily discontinuing the XUV500 might just be a move that could benefit Mahindra to cope up with the demands of both the SUVs which could otherwise prove to be problematic and result in huge waiting periods.
Additionally, this move could also give Mahindra the time it needs to think about the XUV500 as a whole. Should the market demand, Mahindra could launch the updated XUV500 as the more affordable, two-row, five-seater version of the upcoming flagship SUV. Something which has not been done earlier. You could give the credits for this to Tata’s far-sighted decision of launching the Harrier (5-seater) and the Safari (7-seater).
MG launched the Hector and then the Hector Plus but, we know it was started by Tata with their Buzzard and Buzzard Sport at Geneva which came down to production as the Harrier and then the Safari. Hyundai also followed with the Creta and now the Alcazar. In fact, even Jeep will join this race with the Compass and then the Commander. Is Mahindra planning to become the odd-one-out and hoping that this strategy doesn’t backfire, I don’t know, but if anything, I would not like the XUV500 to make a return.
Don’t get me wrong, but Mahindra has spent enough resources and time in developing the XUV700 and so, if the XUV500 takes away its limelight, which I think it will, it won’t look particularly good on Mahindra’s part. Anyhoo, this is a discussion that is postponed until the launch of the XUV700. Want to know more about the upcoming flagship instead? Keep reading.
The XUV700 is expected to boast many segment-first features like ADAS, panoramic sunroof. The exterior updates will sport a new front grille, C-shaped headlights with DRLs, flap-type door handles, among others.
On the inside, you will have a single-piece display unit with twin screens (just like Mercedes) which will have an instrument cluster on one side and the infotainment system on the other. The steering wheel will be a multi-function, flat-bottom unit. For safety, you have multiple airbags, ABS, EBD, automatic braking, eyelid tracking mechanism, etc. It will also get an electronic parking brake with auto hold and automatic parking.
The XUV700 will be based on the Monocoque platform but will be extended in length and width when compared with the current-gen XUV500. The powertrain options will be either a 2.0L, turbocharged, mStallion P motor producing 190hp or a 2.2L, mHawk D unit producing 185hp. Both the engines come mated to either a 6-speed MT or a 6-speed torque converter.
