Mahindra XUV700: A Comprehensive Review of India’s Premium SUV Contender
The Mahindra XUV700 has taken the Indian automotive market by storm, establishing itself as a formidable player in the mid-size SUV segment. Since its launch, the vehicle has been widely appreciated for its blend of power, technology, safety features, and premium aesthetics. This detailed article explores every aspect of the Mahindra XUV700, including design, performance, interiors, safety, technology, variants, pricing, and how it stacks up against its competition.
Mahindra & Mahindra, a brand synonymous with rugged SUVs in India, stepped up its game with the XUV700. It was launched as the successor to the successful XUV500, promising significant upgrades in terms of design, technology, and overall driving experience. The XUV700 marks a shift in Mahindra’s approach by delivering a vehicle that appeals to urban buyers who want luxury, comfort, and advanced features, alongside the traditional toughness associated with Mahindra vehicles.
The SUV is built on a new platform that supports both petrol and diesel powertrains with turbocharged engines. It targets a broad spectrum of customers, from families seeking space and safety to enthusiasts looking for performance and driving pleasure.
Mahindra XUV700: Exterior Design and Styling
One of the first things that capture attention about the Mahindra XUV700 is its striking exterior design. The SUV sports a bold and aggressive front fascia, dominated by a massive chrome-finished grille with integrated LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights). The sharp, angular headlamps feature projector LED units with auto-leveling and cornering function, giving the vehicle a commanding road presence.
The side profile reveals a muscular stance with prominent wheel arches that house alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 18 inches, depending on the variant. The strong character lines running along the sides add to the aerodynamic yet muscular appeal. The rear of the SUV is equally captivating with sleek LED tail lamps connected by a full-width light bar, which gives it a futuristic and premium look.
The overall design language is a departure from the earlier rugged but utilitarian XUV500, leaning heavily towards a modern, sophisticated SUV with international appeal.
Mahindra XUV700: Interior Space and Comfort
Step inside the Mahindra XUV700, and it feels more like a premium car than a traditional SUV. The cabin is spacious, airy, and crafted with attention to detail. High-quality materials, soft-touch plastics, leather upholstery options, and a well-thought-out layout make the interior inviting and comfortable.
The XUV700 offers two seating configurations — a 5-seater and a 7-seater layout, catering to diverse family sizes. The seats are ergonomically designed, providing excellent lumbar support, cushioning, and adjustability. Front seats come with heating and ventilation options on higher trims, adding to the comfort during extreme weather conditions.
Rear passengers also enjoy generous legroom and headroom, with the third row being usable for adults on shorter trips, a notable improvement over many competitors in the segment. Mahindra has ensured that the cabin remains quiet and insulated from road noise, enhancing the overall ride quality.
Mahindra XUV700: Advanced Infotainment and Connectivity
The Mahindra XUV700 sets new standards in technology, especially in infotainment and connectivity. The centerpiece is a large 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, providing seamless smartphone integration. The interface is intuitive and responsive, featuring voice commands that recognize natural language, enabling safer interaction while driving.
Mahindra also includes an advanced AI-powered personal assistant named “Yona,” which helps with navigation, vehicle settings, and even answers general queries, making the driving experience more interactive and futuristic.
Premium variants come equipped with a 12-speaker Sony surround sound system, delivering immersive audio quality. The instrument cluster is fully digital, featuring a 10.25-inch screen that displays vital driving information, navigation, and safety alerts clearly.
Other connectivity features include a built-in eSIM for over-the-air software updates, remote vehicle controls through a dedicated mobile app, and Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities, keeping occupants connected at all times.
Mahindra XUV700: Powerful Engine Options and Performance
Performance is where the Mahindra XUV700 truly shines. It offers two robust engine options to cater to different customer preferences:
The petrol variant is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged mStallion engine, delivering around 200 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic gearbox, providing smooth and responsive power delivery. The petrol engine is refined, offering a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency.
The diesel variant features a 2.2-liter mHawk turbocharged engine that produces about 185 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. It is known for its strong mid-range torque and smooth drivability. Customers can choose between a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission with this engine. The diesel powertrain is particularly suited for long-distance driving and offers excellent fuel economy for its segment.
The XUV700 comes with an advanced AWD (All-Wheel Drive) system available on select variants, enhancing off-road capabilities and providing better traction during adverse conditions like rain, mud, or uneven terrain. The SUV’s chassis and suspension have been engineered for comfort and stability, with MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension that absorb bumps and maintain composure on rough roads.
Mahindra XUV700: Safety Features and Ratings
Safety is a paramount focus for Mahindra with the XUV700. The SUV has received a 5-star rating from the Global NCAP crash tests, making it one of the safest vehicles in its segment in India. This rating is a testament to the comprehensive safety package Mahindra has incorporated.
The XUV700 boasts a host of active and passive safety features. Standard equipment includes multiple airbags (up to seven in top trims), ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill hold and descent control, and rear parking sensors.
The SUV is equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) on higher variants, including features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and autonomous emergency braking. These features enhance safety by helping the driver avoid potential collisions and maintain better control on highways and city roads.
Additionally, the vehicle features a strong body structure reinforced with high-strength steel to protect occupants in case of impact. Child safety features like ISOFIX anchors and rear door child locks add to the family-friendly nature of the SUV.
Mahindra XUV700: Variants and Pricing
Mahindra offers the XUV700 in multiple variants to suit different budgets and preferences. The lineup typically includes base petrol and diesel trims, mid-level variants with added features, and premium trims loaded with all bells and whistles including AWD and panoramic sunroof.
Prices range roughly between ₹13 lakh to ₹25 lakh (ex-showroom), positioning the XUV700 competitively against rivals such as the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Seltos, Tata Harrier, and MG Hector.
The base variants offer excellent value for money with essential features, while the top trims compete with premium SUVs in terms of luxury, technology, and performance.
Mahindra XUV700: Ownership Experience and After-Sales Service
Mahindra has established a strong dealer network across India, making the ownership experience of the XUV700 convenient and hassle-free. The brand offers attractive service packages, extended warranties, and roadside assistance, ensuring customers feel secure post-purchase.
The SUV’s reliability has been widely praised, and Mahindra continues to release software updates over the air, improving infotainment and other vehicle systems without the need to visit service centers.
Fuel efficiency for both petrol and diesel variants is commendable given the SUV’s size and power output, making it economical for daily use and long-distance travel alike.
Mahindra XUV700: Comparison with Competitors
When compared with its closest rivals, the Mahindra XUV700 stands out for its advanced technology and safety features. While Hyundai Tucson and Kia Seltos offer strong competition with their premium interiors and smooth rides, the XUV700’s powerful engines and ADAS features give it an edge.
The Tata Harrier, another SUV with a rugged persona, matches the XUV700 on space and comfort but lags in terms of infotainment and driver assistance systems. MG Hector offers good connectivity but does not match the XUV700’s driving dynamics and safety ratings.
Overall, the XUV700 provides an excellent package that balances performance, comfort, and safety, making it a top choice for Indian SUV buyers.
Mahindra XUV700 Conclusion: Is the Mahindra XUV700 Worth Buying?
The Mahindra XUV700 has redefined what an Indian mid-size SUV can be. It successfully blends modern design, cutting-edge technology, robust performance, and top-tier safety, all wrapped in a premium package that appeals to a wide range of buyers.
Whether you are looking for a family vehicle with ample space and safety, a tech-savvy SUV loaded with smart features, or a powerful and capable SUV for city and occasional off-roading, the XUV700 ticks all the boxes.
Its competitive pricing, coupled with a strong brand legacy and extensive after-sales support, makes the Mahindra XUV700 a compelling choice in today’s crowded SUV market.
If you prioritize a vehicle that is future-ready, safe, and enjoyable to drive, the Mahindra XUV700 should be at the top of your shortlist.
