The Mahindra XUV500 (2014) was a flagship SUV designed with a strong focus on bold styling, performance, and modern features to compete in the premium SUV segment. With aggressive lines, powerful wheel arches, a unique front grille, and swept-back headlamps that added to its dramatic road presence, its design was inspired by a cheetah. The monocoque chassis design, which was Mahindra's first internal effort, provided improved handling and increased rigidity. High levels of localisation and engineering contributions from Mahindra's R&D centre, the Mahindra Research Valley in Chennai, were included in the XUV500, which was manufactured at Mahindra's factory in Chakan, Pune. For structural integrity, the body shell was mainly composed of high-strength steel, but the body panels also contained stamped steel and a small amount of composite and plastic for the cladding and bumpers. In order to create a more upscale feel, interior components included brushed aluminium highlights, injection-moulded plastics, and imitation leather for upholstery in higher variations. With features like touchscreen infotainment, all-wheel drive, and cutting-edge safety systems for its time, the SUV was propelled by a 2.2L mHawk diesel engine and a 6-speed manual gearbox.