New Mahindra XUV 500 2018 Vs Old XUV 500: The Differences In Design, Performance, Features & More

Mahindra XUV 500 Old vs New – Design & Styling

Upon first glance, the 2018 Mahindra XUV 500 looks identical to the previous version. But you will notice some changes if you look a bit closer. There are changes to the front design, especially in the headlamps and grille.

The headlights now have a different cluster with sleek LED DRLs. The previous model had an ‘S-shaped' DRLs. The grille has numerous chrome pellets, instead of Mahindra's familiar vertical slats. Chrome treatment has also increased on the flagship Mahindra. This is particularly evident on the bumper and the fog lamp housing.

The side profile looks sportier than before thanks to the new alloy wheel design. The XUV 500 is offered in a set of 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, while the top W11 (O) variant gets 18-inch alloys. There is also a sleek chrome garnish at the bottom.

At the rear, the taillamps get an all-new cluster with LED elementsand are extended onto the tailgate. The fog lamps now rest separately below them.

Mahindra XUV 500 Old vs New – Interiors

The interiors too, in the new Mahindra XUV 500 2018, look similar to the old model. But the changes come mainly in the usage of leather. The dashboard is now leather-trimmed along with contrast-white stitching. The centre console now sits against a gloss black panel.

But the major revamp in the interior has taken place around the seating. The new XUV 500 comes with quilted leather seats, finished in a tan shade. They offer good support and comfort.

Mahindra XUV 500 Old vs New – Engine

The new Mahindra XUV 500 makes use of the same 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine as before. However, performance figures have been raised to 155bhp and 360Nm of torque. Mahindra also claims that the SUV will feature better low-end torque and lesser noise. This was made possible by the 6th generation electronically-controlled Variable Geometry Turbocharger (eVGT).

Mahindra XUV 500 Old vs New – Features

The 2018 Mahindra XUV 500 offers industry-first Smartwatch Connectivity. The system allows smartwatches to control functions such as audio, temperature, doors, emergency assists, location services and more. The system makes use of a dedicated smartphone app called BlueSense.

The audio is now better and clearer, thanks to the enhancement by Arkamys. Mahindra shared that the new audio settings give a wider range of bass and treble.

Mahindra XUV 500 Old vs New – More Colours

In addition to all the above changes in the new Mahindra XUV 500, the SUV gets two new colour choices too – Crimson Red and Mystic Copper. The other colours, that were also available in the previous model, are: Opulent Purple, Volcano Black, Lake-Side Brown, Pearl White and Moondust Silver. In total, there are seven colours to choose from.

Thoughts On The Old And New Mahindra XUV500 Changes

The flagship Mahindra has now become much better. The 2018 Mahindra XUV 500 offers various segment-first and even industry-first features. The SUV has been witnessing tough competition from its rivals such as the Jeep Compass and Tata Hexa. Now, with the improvements over the old XUV 500, Mahindra can regain some of the previously-lost market share.