Mahindra is gearing up to launch the new-generation XUV500 in the Indian market. The brand’s plan to launch the SUV has been delayed firstly because of the COVID-19 pandemic and then the recent shortage of semiconductor chips across the globe which also lead to the temporary shutdown of various car manufacturers worldwide. But the brand is taking this opportunity to extensively test the XUV500, evaluating the SUV in various climates and geographies across the vast Indian terrain. More testing means more spy shots and now we have a clear view of the dashboard of the upcoming new-generation Mahindra XUV500.
The 2021 Mahindra XUV500 features a completely new exterior and interior design with a new dashboard that features a large screen under a single pane glass. The large screen is likely to come with two sections similar to what a premium german brand offers in its luxury vehicles. One half will be the driver’s instruments cluster while the other a touchscreen unit for media and navigation as well as other in-car features. The screen features a hood that appears to have a soft-touch leather wrap on it.
The dashboard comes into layers with a dark top, a beige centre fascia and a silver trim that runs along the width connecting seamlessly with the door trim and giving the cabin a wraparound look. Two trapezoidal air conditioning vents sit in the centre and below are the air-con controls which is likely to be a dual-zone automatic unit. The central tunnel features a chunky gear selector, electronic parking brake, rotary controller for the infotainment, cubby holes, space to park a smartphone, etc. The SUV also features a new flat-bottomed steering wheel with controls for the media on one side and cruise control on the other.
According to market speculation, Mahindra was planning to launch the new-generation XUV500 at the start of 2021 but due to the COVID-19 pandemic and semiconductor shortage, the brand could have delayed the timeline to 2021 Festive season. At present, the brand is concentrating on clearing the pending orders on the all-new- Mahindra Thar which has accumulated a waiting period of almost 10 months on certain variants in some markets.