The production-spec model is likely to be showcased at the 2018 Indian Auto Expo
Mahindra joined the SUV-coupe bandwagon with the XUV Aero concept at the 2016 Indian Auto Expo. At that time, Mahindra was just testing the waters as it was not greenlighted for production. Now, people in the know tells us that Mahindra has already started working on the production-spec model of the Aero concept and it will certainly enter production.
A little recap of the Mahindra Aero concept
For the uninitiated, the Aero concept was based on the XUV5OO, which is Mahindra's first monocoque vehicle, with similar front styling as well. The Aero SUV-coupe concept was conceptualised by Mahindra's design studio in Mumbai.
What is it all about?
The XUV Aero is the first SUV-coupe developed by an Indian automobile manufacturer. Take it as the X6 or GLE Coupe of Mahindra. The Aero concept had a swooping roofline and suicide doors with an XUV5OO-like front profile and Ford Mustang-inspired rear. The production-spec model is likely to remain largely similar; however, the suicide doors are expected to be ditched.
On the inside, the dashboard of the Aero concept was based on the XUV 5OO’s. The centre console features a larger Tesla- and Volvo-like vertical touchscreen display. It also had a new flat-bottom steering wheel and digital instrument cluster. The production-spec model is likely to bring along some of these changes as the Aero would be positioned above the XUV5OO. In terms of seating, it will be a five-seater compared to the seven-seater XUV.
All this also indicates that the all-new second-generation XUV5OO is still a few years away (maybe 2-3 years). The XUV5OO might borrow some of the additional features post the Aero’s introduction such as its LED headlamps and updated large screen infotainment system among others to keep it competitive.
Mechanicals
The Aero concept was powered by an uprated version of Mahindra’s 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine, perhaps, with a two-stage turbo unit. It was rated at 212PS and sprints from 0-60kmph in under 6 seconds. So we can assume that 0-100kmph will come in sub-10 seconds. It also had drive modes – Race, Off-road, Street and Sport – which are likely to be carried forward in the production-spec model.
Now, it is believed that the Aero will borrow the uprated engine that the XUV5OO will be getting in the coming months instead of what the show car had. The upcoming retuned 2.2-litre in the XUV500 is expected to produce close to 170PS of max power and 350-360Nm of peak torque. Read more about it here: Mahindra Working On More Powerful XUV500
Rumour has it that the XUV Aero could also get a powerful all-electric powertrain with a healthy range and power compared to the automaker’s current flock of EVs. Mahindra Electric, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mahindra and Mahindra Group, recently announced its roadmap for the next phase of electrified vehicles and powertrains and the XUV Aero could be a part of this.
We expect to get a clearer picture around the 2018 India Auto Expo; for now, we know that the XUV Aero is happening!
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