Mahindra XUV500 vs Porsche Macan
What's the difference?

Mahindra XUV500

—

2018 price

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Porsche Macan

$89,990 - $166,950

2024 price

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Summary

2018 Mahindra XUV500

2024 Porsche Macan

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.2L

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

Diesel

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

6.7L/100km (combined)

Electric range

654 km

Energy consumption

16.2 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

100.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

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

Awesome ride and handing
Big battery means big range
Turbo acceleration is ridiculous

Dislikes

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

Big price jump from ICE
Lacks fizz and emotion
Ergonomic quirks in the cabin

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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2024 Porsche Macan Summary

This might be the biggest gamble in Porsche's history. It's the latest version of its best-selling car, the Porsche Macan, only this one has a very big difference.

You see, this time, it’s all-electric. There is not an internal-combustion engine (ICE) in sight. And that makes climbing into an entry-level Macan significantly more expensive than ever before.

So, will this bold shift help or hinder the Macan in Australia? And is this the country’s best all-electric SUV?

There’s only one way find out.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2018 Mahindra XUV500 2024 Porsche Macan

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.

Verdict

There is no doubting the substance of the Porsche Macan Electric. Its ride, steering and poise make it a joy to drive on twisting roads, and it ticks the practicality boxes, too.

The only lingering question is whether enough people are ready to make the all-electric switch. Only then will we know if Porsche's Macan gamble has paid off.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Mahindra XUV500 vs Porsche Macan What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mahindra XUV500 vs Porsche Macan
What's the difference?