Ford-Mahindra SUV Will Be A Derivative Of Next-Gen XUV500

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The first Ford-Mahindra SUV will be based on the next-gen XUV500 and it will have unique identity due to a different styling package

Ford India has tied up with Mahindra in an effort to gain market share in the domestic market. As a result of this partnership, Ford will be using the platform of Mahindra vehicles to underpin its India-specific products. The first Ford-Mahindra SUV is less than 2 years away and will be based on the next-gen Mahindra XUV500.

The Ford-Mahindra SUV or the next-gen Mahindra XUV500 (codename – W601) will be based on an all-new platform and will even get completely new engines. It is said that the new model will be longer than the current version owing to a longer wheelbase and a bigger rear overhang than the existing SUV.

The new platform for the Ford Mahindra SUV and the next-gen XUv500 will be developed in assistance with Ssangyong, who has come up with some award-winning platforms like the X100 architecture of the Tivoli and the XUV300. While the Ford SUV will share the platform with the new XUV500, it won’t be a badge-engineering job.

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Instead, the Ford Mahindra SUV will look considerably different due to a different styling package. Also, its name will probably start with the letter E, like the EcoSport, Explorer, Endeavour, Expedition and Edge. It will have a more aggressive styling and probably a slightly softer look than the rugged look of the Mahindra product.

Other than the styling changes, the Ford Mahindra SUV will even get chassis improvements in the interest of good dynamics. Only the doors, windows, windscreens and probably the touchscreen system will be shared with the new XUV500.

Another thing likely to be shared between the Ford Mahindra SUV and the new XUV500 will be an all-new 2.0-litre diesel engine that will be mated to a new six-speed manual transmission. An automatic transmission is also likely to be introduced shortly thereafter.