Mahindra has launched the BS6 compliant diesel automatic range on the brand’s popular SUV the Mahindra XUV 500 in the Indian market. The Mahindra XUV 500 Diesel Automatic is priced starting INR 15.65 lakh ex-showroom, offered in three variant trims – W7, W9 and W11(O). In its diesel automatic avatar the Mahindra XUV 500 costs around INR 1.21 lakh more than the respective diesel manual trim.
A few months ago, Mahindra updated the XUV 500 to BS6 emission compliance but the updated motor was only available with a manual gearbox. The Mahindra XUV 500 is powered by a mHawk 155 series 2.2-litre diesel engine with an Electronically Controlled Variable Geometry Turbocharger (eVGT) that produces 155 PS of power and 360 Nm of torque matched to a 6-speed synchromesh manual. The same unit now gets an Aisin sourced torque converter type 6-speed automatic gearbox. The automatic transmission unit also gets creep and sequential manual functions.
In terms of design and styling, the Mahindra XUV 500 diesel automatic retains its overall shape and features and comes with highlights such as projector headlamps, cheetah tear-duct inspired black inserts on the LED daytime running lights, raised bonnet ridges, flared wheel arches, roof rails, blacked-out pillars, numberplate garnish in chrome, dual exhaust mufflers and combination tail lamp. On the inside, the Mahindra XUV 500 offers dual-tone interiors with quilted leather upholstery, analogue instrumentation, control mounted steering wheel, centrally mounted touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity features, etc.
The XUV500 is available in 7 exterior paint options – Crimson Red, Mystic Copper, Opulent Purple, Volcano Black, Lakeside Brown, Pearl White and Moondust Silver.
The Mahindra XUV 500 competes with the Tata Harrier, Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos in the Indian market. The Mahindra XUV 500 also competes directly with the MG Hector Plus, the six-seat variant based on the standard MG Hector, but unlike the XUV 500, the MG Hector Plus is also available with a petrol powertrain but lacks the diesel automatic option.
| Trim | Price |
| W7 Diesel AT | INR 15.65 |
| W9 Diesel AT | INR 17.36 |
| W11(O) Diesel AT | INR 18.88 |