Mahindra XUV500 Gets Apple CarPlay

• With the new update, the XUV500 has both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support.
• Existing XUV500 W11 variant owners can also get the update at their nearest Mahindra dealership.
• The infotainment already had features like connected apps, emergency call, smart watch support & Ecosense. 
• Currently the XUV500 is priced from Rs. 12.31 - 19.74 lakh (Ex-showroom, Delhi).

Mahindra has updated the XUV500’s infotainment system with Apple CarPlay Support. With this update, the XUV now supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system also comes with other features like connected apps, emergency call, smart watch support & Ecosense. The new update will only be available in the range-topping W11 variant of the XUV500.

Existing owners of the W11 variant of the SUV can also get their infotainment systems updated with Apple Carplay at any authorised Mahindra service centre. Mr. Veejay Ram Nakra, Chief of Sales and Marketing - Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “ To delight our customers, we will provide this update to existing owners of the W11 variant as well. They can visit a Mahindra authorised workshop to get their infotainment system upgraded with Apple CarPlay.”

The Mahindra XUV500 was initially unveiled in 2011 and the SUV got a refresh in 2018 to keep it relevant amongst its growing competition. Currently, the SUV makes use of a 2.2-litre turbocharged mHawk diesel engine which makes 155PS and 360Nm. The petrol, on the other hand, is a 2.2-litre motor which makes 140PS and 320Nm. Transmission options include  a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission. This update for the XUV500 is free and it continues to be priced from Rs 12.31 - 19.74 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Here is what the press release says: 

Mumbai, July 11, 2019: Mahindra & Mahindra, a part of the USD 20.7 billion Mahindra Group, today announced the introduction of Apple CarPlay to its premium SUV, the XUV500. Launched in 2011, the XUV500 has been a pioneer in providing innovative hi-tech and connected car features.  

With this update, the XUV500 now offers both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity in addition to its extensive connected features like Connected Apps, Emergency Call & Ecosense. Apple CarPlay will be available on the top-end W11 variant of the XUV500. 

Veejay Ram Nakra, Chief of Sales and Marketing - Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “At Mahindra our vehicle offer consumers Accessible Technologies. The introduction of Apple CarPlay enhances the convenience & connectivity offered by the XUV500 and will generate a lot of interest among our potential customers. To delight our customers, we will provide this update to existing owners of the W11 variant as well. They can visit a Mahindra authorised workshop to get their infotainment system upgraded with Apple CarPlay.” 

Apple CarPlay offers easy access to calls, music and Siri search by connecting the user’s iPhone with the infotainment system of Mahindra XUV500. CarPlay automatically brings useful information from the user’s iPhone and organises it into a simple UI that appears just when required on the infotainment system. 

CarPlay has been designed keeping in mind the safety of the driver and passengers. With a simple and intuitive interface, integrated steering controls and powerful voice activated functions, Apple CarPlay minimises distraction and enables the driver to stay focused on the road. 

XUV500 customers will have in-car access to hands-free telephony, Apple Music audiobooks, podcasts and CarPlay supported third-party audio applications. Further, hands-free telephony will enable customers to make and receive phone calls on the move. Apple CarPlay’s extremely accurate speech recognition enables Siri to respond immediately to information requests from customers, while Apple Music helps customers stream songs and customise playlists.

Apple CarPlay already features in two other popular Mahindra vehicles — Mahindra Marazzo and Mahindra XUV300.