Mahindra XUV500 Petrol 2018 pricing and specs revealed

Mahindra Automotive Australia (MAA) has launched its new XUV500 Petrol seven-seat mid-size SUV with a segment-leading $25,990 drive-away price.

The XUV500 Petrol will replace the Diesel as Mahindra's base-model seven-seater, costing $2000 less across the range.

The new Mahindra is available in two tiers – the entry-level W6 and the top-spec W8 – with flagship variants offered in a choice of front- or all-wheel drive, whereas base model sends power exclusively to the front axle.

Exterior equipment on the W6 includes four rear parking sensors, projector headlights with auto-leveling function and cornering lights, daytime running lights, front and rear foglights, and rain sensing wipers.

Powering the Indian seven-seater is a 2.2-litre 'mHawk' turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 103kW/320Nm and is matched up to a six-speed automatic transmission.

While the Diesel generates only slightly more grunt at 103kW/330Nm, it does offer a manual gearbox option.

Exterior equipment on the W6 includes four rear parking sensors, projector headlights with auto-leveling function and cornering lights, daytime running lights, front and rear foglights, and rain sensing wipers.

Interior features include premium black fabric upholstery, climate control, cruise control, a central storage bin cooler, a 6.0-inch monochrome LCD mutlimedia system, a six-speaker sound system and a three-way adjustable driver's seat.

The W8 adds folding power side mirrors, a 7.0-inch colour TFT touchscreen multimedia system, satellite navigation, a reversing camera, genuine leather upholstery and a rear tailgate LED camping light.

Exclusive to the all-wheel-drive W8 is an ‘Interactive Torque Management’ system that automatically redistributes torque between the front and rear axles, and can transition from FWD to AWD without driver interaction.

Mahindra also offers a host of factory accessories including side steps, a stainless-steel nudge bar, illuminated scuff plates, rain visors, a plastic boot tub liner, a tow bar package, a driver seat coat hanger, a roof rack, headlight covers and carpet mats.

All XUV500 models come with a five-year/100,000km limited warranty, five years of roadside assistance and a three-year capped-price servicing program.

Would the Mahindra XUV500's $25,990 price-tag persuade you away from its Japanese rivals? Let us know what you think in the comment section below.