Mahindra had confirmed in June that it would launch the new Mahindra XUV500 this year. In the latest, BharathAutos has published a rendering of the 2018 Mahindra XUV500 to preview the expected design changes with the facelift.

The 2018 Mahindra XUV500 is yet to make its spy media debut, and no info on the visual changes have surfaced. So, the changes depicted in the rendering are wholly speculative. The new headlamps and the toothed grille are inspired by those on the Mahindra Imperio pickup. Also new at the front are the fog lamps, which feature a C-shape. A two-tone colour scheme is seen with black as the contrasting colour on the roof and pillars. Mahindra had showcased an XUV500 with a similar two-tone colour scheme at Automobile Barcelona in May this year.

On the inside, changes to the Mahindra XUV500 with the second refresh may include new upholstery and trim, an update to the instrument cluster and support for Apple CarPlay in the infotainment system.

New XUV500 buyers will see a major change under the hood. The 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine (140 hp/330 Nm) will have an upgrade allowing it to deliver 170 PS and 350-360 Nm of torque. Mahindra has confirmed that the petrol model of the XUV500 will arrive this fiscal. That could happen with the facelift. The company is developing new 1.5- and 2.0-litre petrol engines. It is safe to assume the latter will find its place in the SUV.

The 2017 Mahindra XUV500 is available in 14 different configurations, with prices ranging from INR 12,12,948- 18,05,904 (ex-showroom Mumbai). The price of the facelift could increase by a small margin.