Mahindra’s second-gen XUV500 is likely to arrive by early 2021. It gets a wide floating twin-screen setup similar to cars from Mercedes-Benz. The digital cluster displays the selected gear on the right and speedometer on the left. The XUV500 will also get level 1 autonomous technology, similar to the MG Gloster. It is expected to be priced from Rs 14 lakh onwards. After the launch of the second-gen Mahindra Thar in October, the focus has now shifted to Mahindra’s next big thing: the second-gen XUV500. Spy shots of camouflage-draped production-spec test mules are on the rise, and here’s one more showcasing the large twin-screen displays in use. If those displays look familiar, that’s because they mimic the ones found in modern Mercedes-Benz models. Likewise, the floating unit houses the touchscreen infotainment screen and a digital instrument display. Look closer and you’ll notice a selected gear icon displayed in the right-most corner, with the speedometer on the left of it. Earlier spy shots also revealed a swivel wheel with hotkeys, which can be used to cover the infotainment system. Aside from this, the XUV500 is also expected to feature a dual-tone black-beige dashboard for the first time. One of the main highlights will be the level 1 autonomous technology offered, which like the MG Gloster, consists of autonomous emergency braking, parallel park assist, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning. Another first for the XUV500, and the segment for that matter, will be the inclusion of flush-fitted door handles. Under the hood, the XUV will get the new Mahindra 2.0-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines, also seen in the Thar, but in a higher state of tune at around 190PS. Transmission options to be expected include both manual and automatic gearboxes. All-wheel drive variants could also be added to the mix. The second-gen XUV500 is expected to be priced from Rs 14 lakh onwards and is likely to arrive by early 2021. It will resume its rivalry with the likes of the MG Hector, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Harrier, MG Hector Plus, and the upcoming Tata Gravitas.
