For 2015, Mahindra will continue to be bullish with its best-selling XUV500 brand, with the launch of a face-lifted model, along with the introduction of an automatic transmission, with a diesel-hybrid variant to follow thereafter. As for the face-lift, these spy images from Chennai point to a slightly revised tailgate, a new design for the alloy rims and a revised front-end, which would include an updated grille and redesigned fog lamp nacelles. The insides could benefit from updated trim and additional features.
Mechanically, 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. Also, the auto gearbox would reportedly be available only with the top-end W8 4WD variant.
Mahindra XUV500 Hybrid concept at the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo
Spy pics courtesy : RushLane