As reported by the British publication AutoExpress, citing insider sources, the main reason for this step was a noticeable drop in demand for the 500L model. In Europe, sales of this car have fallen by one and a half times.
In this regard, the manufacturer decided to combine two models — the 500L and 500X — into one, on the basis of which an enlarged crossover called the 500XL will appear. The length of the new product will be about 4.4 meters, and the wheelbase will reach 2.65 meters. These parameters significantly exceed the dimensions of the current 500X model, whose length and wheelbase are 4273 mm and 2570 mm, respectively.
It is expected that the new crossover will receive a mild-hybrid powertrain, including a one-liter turbocharged engine and a 12-volt starter-generator. The appearance of versions with a plug-in hybrid system and a fully electric modification is also not excluded.
