Mahindra to introduce Android Auto in XUV500 next year

Adding to the list of features in the XUV500, Mahindra will introduce the Android Auto enabled new infotainment system in its popular SUV in 2017. Mahindra is likely to offer this new feature upgrade across all the variants except for the base W4 trim which comes with a 6-inch monochrome infotainment display. Moreover, it will help the automaker position itself strongly against the upcoming Tata Hexa and the newly launched Hyundai Tucson that comes with an infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.   

Apart from this upgrade, the 2017 XUV500 is not expected to get any cosmetic or mechanical upgrades. Back in July this year, the automaker introduced two new features - push-button start and stop system and passive keyless entry, in the W10 AT variant, which was earlier only being offered in the manual W8 and W10 variants. It is likely that new Android Auto upgrade will be offered at no additional cost to keep it competitively priced against its fresh rivals.

The 2017 XUV500 will continue to be powered by a 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine which generates 140bhp of power and 330Nm of torque. While Delhi and NCR region will continue to be offered with 1.99-litre mHawk diesel engine which generates similar power output but a lesser torque of about 320Nm. It is to be seen whether Mahindra will offer additional feature upgrades to the 2017 model.