Mahindra XUV500 has opened bookings and the class-leading response has prompted Mahindra to plan production ramp-up straight away.

Bookings for the much-awarded XUV commenced on 8th June at 100 dealerships across India, meaning the super luxury vehicle is somewhere very close to you, wherever you are in India. Within two days, over 7,200 people have chosen to book Mahindra XUV500; such welcome was perhaps not expected even by the automaker itself. Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd’s Chief Executive, Pravin Shaw underlined the overwhelming nature of the welcome by noting that it has come in the midst of quite challenging economic climate. He was all thanks to the customers.

As a much awarded SUV, it is natural for Mahindra XUV500 to generate such hype right from the booking time. It is the ‘Car of the Year’, ‘SUV of the year’ and ‘Viewers Choice Car of the Year’ by ET – Zigwheels Awards 2011. It is voted ‘Best Value for Money Car of the Year’ and ‘Viewers Choice SUV of the Year’ at the Bloomberg UTV Autocar India Awards. For the record, Mahindra XUV500 already has a total of 22 awards under its belt – (or should we say, under the hood?)

Now let us count the trophies. Powered by a mHawk140, 5th generation Variable Geometry Turbo charger, direct injection diesel engine the Mahindra XUV500 has won the prestigious Desert Storm, ‘Desert Dash’ and Dakshin Dare rallies. The Dakshin Dare victory has a special shine – XUV500 is the first diesel SUV to win an extreme category, in the history of Indian rallying.

Even in non-rally conditions, regular drivers can pump up 141 PS@3750 rpm and rev up 330 Nm @1600-2800rpm torque (meaning 0-60 km in under 6 seconds,) from the 2179 cc engine. Though so power-packed, as per ARAI test, Mahindra XUV500 runs 15.1 KM per Litre, making it one of the best mileage-friendly SUVs on the road.

By the way, it is the first SUV with monocoque construction in India; you must ride in the car to truly appreciate how a monocoque body can increase comfortable level while travelling. Talking of comfort, the 8-way adjustable seats, fully automatic temperature control, tilt and telescopic steering, and the power adjustable ORVMS need a definite mention.

Mahindra XUV500 is priced between Rs.14.26 Lakh to Rs. 11.70 Lakh. The rich features, stunning look and attractive price is the reason behind its overwhelming response.