The automotive market in India has seen many SUVs, but few have made as strong an impact as the Mahindra XUV700. Introduced in 2021, this mid-size SUV quickly gained attention, offering a mix of premium styling, powerful performance, and cutting-edge features. Competing with both domestic and international brands, the XUV700 has redefined expectations in its segment. Let’s explore what makes this SUV a game-changer.
Striking Design with Modern Appeal
The XUV700 takes a fresh approach to design, moving away from the traditional styling of its predecessor, the XUV500. Mahindra has given it a more refined and contemporary appearance. The front sports a bold grille with vertical chrome slats, complemented by sleek LED headlamps and signature C-shaped DRLs, giving it a dominant road presence.
The side profile maintains a balanced silhouette, featuring a bold character line extending from the headlamps to the tail lights. A standout feature is the flush door handles that pop out when unlocked, a touch typically found in high-end luxury models. The rear section completes the premium look with wraparound LED tail lamps and a sculpted tailgate.
Engine Options: Power Meets Efficiency
The XUV700 comes with two engine choices, ensuring a balance between power and efficiency:
- 2.0-liter mStallion Turbo Petrol:
- Power: 200 PS
- Torque: 380 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
- 2.2-liter mHawk Diesel:
- Power: 155 PS (MX series) / 185 PS (AX series)
- Torque: 360 Nm (MX) / 420 Nm (AX manual) / 450 Nm (AX automatic)
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
Both engines deliver impressive performance, with the petrol version offering a smooth power curve and the diesel variant excelling in low-end torque. Automatic transmission options for both engines cater to urban drivers looking for effortless convenience.
Tech-Loaded Cabin with a Premium Feel
Step inside, and the XUV700 impresses with its high-tech interior. The cabin is centered around dual 10.25-inch screens—one for the digital instrument cluster and the other for infotainment. This setup mirrors the premium experience found in luxury vehicles.
The infotainment system runs on Mahindra’s AdrenoX interface, offering features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa voice assistant, and over-the-air updates. The user-friendly interface and swift responsiveness make it a standout addition.
Premium materials, including soft-touch elements on the dashboard and doors, elevate the cabin’s appeal. The seats provide excellent support, especially on higher trims, making long journeys comfortable. A panoramic sunroof, another segment-first feature, adds an airy and open feel to the interior.
Advanced Safety and ADAS Features
One of the biggest highlights of the XUV700 is its Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), a rarity in its price range. Key safety features include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Autonomous Emergency Braking
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Driver Drowsiness Detection
- High Beam Assist
While these features are available on the top variants, their inclusion in an Indian SUV at this price point is a major step forward in making advanced safety more accessible.
Driving Experience: Comfort Meets Stability
The XUV700 delivers a refined driving experience, balancing comfort with stability. The suspension setup ensures a smooth ride without compromising handling. While it’s not a sports SUV, it remains stable at high speeds and offers predictable handling around corners.
The steering remains light at low speeds for effortless maneuvering in city traffic but gains weight as the speed increases, ensuring a confident highway drive. Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) levels are well managed, especially in diesel variants, which enhances the premium feel of the SUV.
Versatile Seating and Practicality
Available in both 5-seat and 7-seat configurations, the XUV700 accommodates different family needs. The second row offers generous space, ensuring passenger comfort, while the third row, though compact, is more practical than many competitors.
The cargo space is ample in the 5-seat version, but in the 7-seat model, it is somewhat limited with all rows in use. However, folding the third row significantly increases storage capacity. Multiple storage compartments, including a cooled center console in higher trims, enhance practicality.
Competitive Pricing and Value for Money
Mahindra has strategically priced the XUV700, making it an attractive choice against its rivals. Its aggressive pricing, combined with an extensive feature list and strong performance, makes it a great value-for-money option in the mid-size SUV segment.
With a broad variant lineup, buyers can choose a configuration that fits their budget and requirements. From the base MX trim to the feature-packed AX7 Luxury Pack, there’s an option for every customer.
Challenges and Areas for Improvement
Despite its popularity, the XUV700 has some drawbacks:
- Initial Quality Concerns: Some early buyers reported quality control issues, though Mahindra has addressed most concerns over time.
- Long Waiting Periods: High demand has led to extended waiting times, with some customers experiencing delays of several months.
- Feature Distribution: Some premium features are limited to the top trims, leaving lower variants less equipped.
- Fuel Efficiency: While acceptable, the fuel economy of the petrol variant isn’t the best in its class.
Future Prospects and Expansion
The XUV700 is more than just a product; it represents Mahindra’s commitment to innovation and quality. It proves that Indian manufacturers can create globally competitive vehicles. The success of this model raises expectations for future Mahindra offerings.
Looking ahead, Mahindra has hinted at electrified versions of the XUV700, aligning with the global shift towards sustainable mobility. The SUV’s versatile platform also suggests that coupe-SUV or hybrid versions could be on the horizon.
Conclusion: A New Benchmark in Indian SUVs
The Mahindra XUV700 is a landmark product, not just for Mahindra but for the Indian auto industry. It showcases that Indian brands can deliver world-class SUVs packed with style, technology, and performance.
While it has minor shortcomings, the XUV700 gets more right than wrong. Its combination of design, advanced tech, safety features, and driving dynamics makes it a compelling choice for buyers in the mid-size SUV category.
Mahindra continues to refine and improve this model, ensuring that the XUV700 remains a class leader. More than just an SUV, it represents a bold statement about the future of Indian automotive engineering. The XUV700 is not just another competitor—it’s redefining the expectations of what an Indian SUV can be.