Mahindra, our home grown manufacturer, is on a roll to introduce new technologies in the Indian market. During the 2014 Auto Expo it showcased a hybrid version of its flagship XUV500 SUV and is expected to put it into production within the next year or so. The SUV features all the standard elements but also includes an electric motor which works in conjunction with the 2.2-litre mhawk diesel engine making this the first diesel hybrid in the Indian market.
Exterior
The Hybrid XUV on the outside looks exactly the same as the standard car but we expect that in the production version, there will be at least one or more hybrid badges in addition to the standard badging of the XUV500. The side and rear profile as seen in the concept car are exactly the same as the standard vehicle. However with the car getting the addition of an electric motor, battery and brake regeneration unit, we expect that this car will weigh significantly over the standard XUVs 1785kgs.
Interior
Like the exterior design, we expect that the XUV500 hybrid will get the same interiors as the standard car but with the addition of the relevant gauges for the hybrid system. We also expect that Mahindra will start offering driving modes to make optimum use of the hybrid technology for the XUV500. Standard features are also expected to include climate control, 2-DIN music system with reversing camera, leather seats and the usual host of buttons and gadgets.
Engine
The XUV500 hybrid will continue to be powered by the 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine that produces 140bhp and 330Nm of torque. In addition to this, the SUV will also get an electric motor (whose output is still unknown) that will be powered by lithium-ion batteries. Mahindra has also included regenerative braking as part of the hybrid drive train. While the standard XUV500 is offered with a six-speed manual, we expect Mahindra will fit this car with an AMT (from the Quanto AT) to get maximum from the hybrid system.
Price
It is likely to be offered only in the W8 all-wheel drive variant and will be priced Rs 1 lakh? over the price of the standard W8 all-wheel drive variant. We expect Mahindra will launch this car by the middle of next year for the Indian market.
