Mahindra launched the XUV500 facelift in April, and, according to dealers, it’s the top-spec W11(O) variant that’s most in demand. Priced about Rs 4,000 cheaper than the top-end W10 trim of its predecessor, the W11(O) is loaded with all the bells and whistles, like electric adjust for the driver’s seat, a sunroof, and smartwatch connectivity. It is also the only variant to get new 18-inch diamond-cut alloy rims, which, according to the dealers, is what’s drawing customers to it. Also updated is the tailgate design and the cabin, which is now plusher.

The 2018 XUV500 also gets two new colour options – Crimson Red and Mystic Copper, with the latter being the more popular choice. However, it’s still the Pearl White colour that constitutes the majority of the sales.

Dealers state that the updated XUV500 has been performing better than the previous model, which saw sales go down by 1,481 units in the last financial year. Monthly bookings for the updated XUV, on an average, have gone from 30 units per dealership to 35 in urban areas, and from 8 units to 15 in Tier II cities.

It has also been observed that customers who walked into the showroom felt more confident about their purchase decision after they saw the car in flesh. “Bookings for the XUV started almost 20 days ahead of the launch, but have almost doubled after the car’s gone on display,” said an executive at a Delhi-based dealership.