A set of blurry images show the upcoming Mahindra XUV500 facelift, which according to the Autocar India report, is scheduled for an India launch in May 2015. With the launch of the face-lifted model, which will have an automatic transmission option, Mahindra is also mulling about the possibility of a diesel-hybrid variant.
As can be seen from these images, most of the changes have been implemented at the front. The entire front fascia has been revisited and will now feature new, double barrel headlamps along with a new iteration of Mahindra’s toothy grille – of course, it’ll be laced with chrome as well. A closer look at the headlamps also reveal a sinewy DRL strip, the shape of which is also reflected in the chrome trimmings below; it’s quite possible that the fog lamps have been relocated below the headlamps. Also, what appears to be a new faux aluminum skid plate holds things up at the bottom.
The sides seem to have been left alone, and so has the back, although better images might reveal more. The XUV500 facelift will also ride on new 10-spoke alloy wheels.
Mechanically, it is expected that the XUV500 facelift will continue to be powered by a the same 2.2-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine outputting a maximum power of 140 bhp @ 3750 rpm and a peak torque of 330 Nm between 1600 and 2800 rpm. Mated to a 6 speed manual gearbox, the XUV500 face-lift will continue with the current 2WD and 4WD options. The face-lift might add a slight tune to to drive-train for better performance and fuel economy, apart from the introduction of an automatic transmission, which will reportedly be the same Aisin 6-speed unit that debuted with the recently launched SsangYong Tivoli compact SUV.