Mahindra XUV500 review after 1 lakh kilometers: Must watch video for 7-seat MPV/SUV buyers

Most new cars that come to us for review are available for a limited time period, thus not allowing us to bring forward how it would fare on a long-term basis. Customer ownership experience is a vital part that can make or break a product and hence we decided to start a new series of videos, this being the first one. I own a 2013 Mahindra XUV500 W8 AWD model that has now clocked over 1,15,000km and is still going strong. The video you see below covers various aspects that would come handy in case you are in the market for a Rs 12-20 lakh 7-seat MPV or SUV for family usage. Do hit the play button.

The Mahindra XUV500 continues to sell in good numbers even today, thanks to a major facelift earlier this year. Priced between Rs 12.56-19.56 lakh (ex-showrom), it is offered with a choice of two options each for the engine and transmission with AWD on the avail with the diesel unit. However, when I bought the vehicle, versions were limited and for my adventure needs, I picked up the AWD. This also brings me to sharing all the pros and cons in a summary here.

The design has grown onto me and I still prefer this over the newer model. Build quality is good and the car had taken a huge hit from a boulder on to the A-pillar in the past. The alloy wheels too have suffered no damage in spite of numerous trips to Ladakh with a full load. The engine remains its strongest point, never letting me down in terms of power and torque delivery and still managing 11-12 kmpl regularly in city and 15-16 kmpl on the highways at 90-100km/h cruising. Likewise, the air-con is a chiller and no matter how hot it gets in Delhi, the XUV keeps me cool inside. I also swear by the XUV when it comes to the cabin space in the first two rows.

That said, the AWD unit (ITM or intelligent torque management unit) is prone to failure and has been replaced twice under warranty and yet, the problem is cropping up for the third time. There is absolutely no space for an adult in the 3rd row and with this row up, you can best fit a small backpack in the boot. While I have faced just a couple of electrical glitches, suspension issues have never been sorted properly. I have had parts being changed under warranty and out of my pocket, yet, the suspension does not behave the way it should. A bad suspension can also eat away tyres and that is what is happening with the rear ones. Lastly, a total of Rs 1.5 lakh have been spent on servicing costs till date which brings the maintenance cost to Rs 1.33 per km, definitely on the higher side. Do watch the video above!