Next-gen Mahindra XUV500 to lose ‘cheetah claw’ door handles

A new spy video of the upcoming second-gen Mahindra XUV500 test mule has revealed some interesting details about the SUV.

Chief among these is the new design for the door handles. The second-gen model will feature flush-fitting door handles in place of the original XUV500’s distinctive ‘cheetah claw’ handles. It’s not clear if these handles will feature the same power-operated pop-out function seen on newer Teslas and the latest Range Rovers, or whether the handle will be a lever-type arrangement as seen on Aston Martin models. In either case, flush-fitting door handles would be unique for SUVs in the XUV500’s price band. Apart from enhancing looks, these door handles are also expected to help improve vehicle aerodynamics generally, however it remains to be seen to what extent it helps Mahindra's next-gen SUV.

These spy shots have confirmed that the new XUV500’s design will likely be an evolution of the outgoing model with its unmistakably XUV500 silhouette. It will, however, feature multiple design tweaks; like a more upright nose, a wide Mahindra family grille and slightly smaller headlamps. It will also come with Mahindra’s signature vertically placed daytime-running lamps that first debuted on the XUV300. Expect Mahindra to offer LED headlamps and daytime running lamps standard on the higher variants.

The new XUV500's front fender sports a fresh design. The window line looks familiar to the pervious-gen model save for a pronounced kink on the rear door that pushes upwards along with the window line, similar to the ones seen on the XUV300 and the Alturas G4. A similar design is expected to be seen on the next-gen Scorpio as well. At the back, a new and slightly longer tail-lamp design along with other design touches would complete the styling update. On the inside, expect a better-quality dashboard and soft-touch materials like the ones seen on the Marazzo MPV – including a more advanced infotainment system along with a higher-resolution screen.

Under the hood, the second-gen XUV500 will continue to be sold with its more powerful, 180hp, 2.2-litre diesel motor. The unit will be compliant to Bharat Stage 6 emission norms. The engine will feature a DPF (diesel particulate filter) and SCR (selective catalytic reduction). These will help it clear the stringent BS6 norms. Gearbox choices are between a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque-convertor automatic – just like the outgoing model.

Expect more details on the next-gen XUV500 to trickle down closer to its mid-2020 launch.

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