UPDATE: Mahindra XUV500 facelift leaked ahead of launch

Mahindra is all set to give its current-flagship SUV, the XUV500 a major update. Sources tell us that the heavily refreshed XUV500 will hit showrooms sometime in April 2018.

The 2018 XUV500 facelift test-mules have been spied multiple times already. As reported earlier, the updated XUV500 will come with a heavily revised front fascia which means changes to front bumper, headlamps and grille are expected.

The XUV500 facelift will also come with LED daytime running lamps - a trend now seen on most new cars.  Moving on to the sides, the alloy wheel design will be new and there will be minor tweaks to the placement of the cladding on the doors. At the back, the tailgate is expected to sport an all-new design. The rear bumper will also look different than the current model and the taillamps will see a slight re-profile as well along with LED elements.

On the inside, Mahindra is expected to load up the XUV500 with premium interiors with leather seating surfaces atleast on the higher spec models. The refreshed XUV will also get soft-touch materials on the dash and an upgraded infotainment system.

Mahindra, as reported by us earlier, is working on a more powerful version of the current 2.2-litre diesel motor for the XUV500, which is likely to churn out around 170hp. This upgrade could come with the refreshed model.  Mahindra recently launched the XUV500 G9 petrol AT variant equipped with a new 2.2-litre motor mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox.

With this major update, Mahindra will aim the XUV500 to take on the likes of the Renault Captur, Hyundai Creta (also due for a facelift) and the Jeep compass to some extent. Mahindra is also expected to launch the new Rexton-based SUV later this year which will sit above the XUV500 in the brand's India line-up. 

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