Mahindra XUV500 Automatic launched for W6 variant for INR 15.9 lakhs.

Mahindra XUV500 automatic has been launched and we got our hands on this new automatic and took it for a short spin. The XUV500 has finally got an automatic and we drove it around Mahindra’s test track in Kandivali. We still have to drive it on the road and give our detailed review. But following are the initial impressions. The Mahindra XUV500 is also launched in the W6 variant and this is priced at INR 15.9 lakhs (on-road, Navi Mumbai).

Mahindra XUV500 Automatic Gearbox

The XUV500 comes with a second-generation AISIN traverse transmission. Mahindra claims that this is the second generation gearbox that is lighter and a lot more efficient than the previous generation. This same transmission is used by Mahindra on the Ssangyong Tivoli and the Ssangyong Korando-C as well. This transmission has been designed for transverse engines, so it cannot fit in the Scorpio. Mahindra has a longitudinal engine with rear wheel drive. This is where is the difference is between the duo. The current Mahindra Scorpio transmission is different. Mahindra claims that this is the new future transmission indicating that all the automatics that are likely to be used by Mahindra or Ssangyong could be made by AISIN. This is a Japanese transmission manufacturer with one of the highest market share in automatic transmissions.

Mahindra XUV500 Automatic Engine

The XUV500 comes with a 2.2-litre/2.0-litre diesel engine that churns about 140bhp of power and 330Nm. The AISIN transmission is a six-speed transmission and the ARAI figure for this engine and transmission is 13.8km/l. This transmission is available on W8, W10 front wheel drive variants and even W10 all-wheel drive variant as well. Push the accelerator and the engine responds quickly. There isn’t much of a lag from the box. The downshifts too are smooth. However when you shift to the manual mode, it is just fine. There is a small control switch to toggle up and down the gears. In manual mode we couldn’t downshift. Now, we didn’t have the vehicle for too long so we aren’t sure how would it function. But we will soon get our hands on the XUV500 and do a detailed story.

Mahindra XUV500 Automatic Features

In terms of features, there is no change between the XUV500 manual and the automatics. The W10 comes with keyless entry, push start and stop, reverse parking camera, voice commands, satellite navigation, multiple airbags, ABS, micro-hybrid technology for start and stop in traffic, leather upholstery, daytime running LEDs, projector headlamps, electrically folding mirrors and electrically adjustment driver seat. There is no difference in terms of features and even in the styling. There is only an Automatic badge at the rear on the XUV500. Other than that the entire kit remains identical.

Mahindra XUV500 Automatic Verdict

The pricing difference between the XUV500 manual and automatic is exactly a lakh. So, the W10 front wheel drive costs INR 18 lakhs (on-road, Delhi) approximately. The XUV500 has a new transmission and at the moment, it is the only seven-seater in this price bracket to be offered with an automatic. So, there is no other option for a buyer other than the XUV500 automatic. There is a Creta automatic, but that is a five-seater, and more like a compact SUV. The XUV500 also offers all-wheel drive with the automatic so there is nothing that is an all-wheel drive and an automatic under INR 20 lakhs.

Read our detailed review on the Mahindra XUV500.