BMW X Models vs Mahindra XUV500
What's the difference?

BMW X Models

$63,400 - $254,300

2026 price

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Mahindra XUV500

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2018 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 BMW X Models

2018 Mahindra XUV500

By Chris Thompson

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

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Diesel Turbo 4, 2.2L

Vehicle type

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Diesel

Electric range

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6.7L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

—

Battery capacity

—

Seating

Likes

Smooth ride, steering acceleration
Premium look and feel
Value for power and range

Cheap way into seven seats
Petrol/auto combination a winner
Hugely spacious third row

Dislikes

Huge battery should mean more range
Lack of physical controls
No cover on sunroof

Underwhelming safety
Steering that requires plenty of guesswork
Cheap-feeling interior

2026 BMW X Models Summary

When the BMW iX first showed up a few years ago, it was a promising look at what BMW seemed capable of when it comes to electric cars.

While mildly flawed, the iX was fast, comfortable and felt properly premium. Now it’s had a decent update, with the iX xDrive45 M Sport here to replace the former entry-level xDrive 40.

BMW claims among other mechanical and tech updates a power increase of 25 per cent, a 30 per cent greater energy content for the battery, a 38 per cent increase in driving range and a 17 per cent faster charging rate.

But in the time since the iX launched, there have been big strides in the premium electric SUV space, including new arrivals from European opposition like the Polestar 3; even a new American in the form of the Cadillac Lyriq.

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2018 Mahindra XUV500 Summary

Just in case attacking Australia's crowded SUV market with a virtually unheard of Indian brand wasn't a high enough hurdle to leap over, Mahindra had made its task even harder - think a Bollywood version of Mission Impossible - by launching its XUV500 SUV here with a diesel engine (which nobody wanted) and a manual gearbox (which few could even remember how to use).

Fortunately, it fixed one of those issues late in 2016, finally adding an automatic transmission to the line-up. And now, at long last, it's fixed the other.

This, then, is the petrol-powered XUV500 SUV. And, on paper at least, it's the most sense-making Mahindra to date.

For one, it's a ferociously cheap way into a new seven-seat SUV. For another, it's pretty well equipped, even from the base level. There's a long warranty, an equally long roadside assistance offering, and there's capped-price servicing, too.

So, should the mainstream SUV players be looking over their shoulders?

Spoiler alert: no.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 BMW X Models 2018 Mahindra XUV500

Verdict

If anyone was worried that it would be too late to get a decent bit of value out of an entry-level iX, there's reassuring news.

With more power, range and features added to the model and the cost remaining close to its former sticker price, the iX has held up well despite now existing in a more competitive environment.

Verdict

This petrol-powered and well-priced XUV500 W6 might mark Mahindra's most convincing effort at cracking Australia's congested SUV market, but we're still not completely convinced.

That said, it's certainly cheap, the ownership credentials stack up and it's a very comfortable way to transport seven people.

BMW X Models vs Mahindra XUV500 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW X Models vs Mahindra XUV500
What's the difference?