The automotive landscape in India has witnessed a remarkable transformation in recent years. Local manufacturers have stepped up their game, producing vehicles that rival international brands in quality and features.
Mahindra, a name synonymous with rugged utility vehicles, has evolved significantly over the decades. Their latest offering, the XUV700, represents a bold new chapter in their journey.
I recently spent two weeks with this highly anticipated SUV. The experience was eye-opening and challenged many of my preconceptions about Indian automotive engineering.
Design That Turns Heads
First impressions matter, and the XUV700 doesn’t disappoint. Mahindra has clearly invested considerable thought into crafting an exterior that commands attention without appearing overly aggressive.
The front fascia features a redesigned grille that Mahindra calls the “piano black” finish. It’s flanked by sleek LED headlamps that incorporate some truly impressive DRL patterns.
From the side profile, the XUV700 exhibits clean lines and a floating roof design. This visual trick makes the substantial SUV appear somewhat lighter than its actual dimensions would suggest.
The rear completes the premium look with arrow-shaped LED taillights. These distinctive lights create an unmistakable signature, especially visible during night driving.
Chrome accents are tastefully applied throughout the exterior. Thankfully, Mahindra avoided the excessive chrome treatment that sometimes plagues vehicles in this segment.
The 18-inch alloy wheels on the top variant add a touch of sportiness. Their intricate design complements the overall aesthetic without seeming like an afterthought.
Cabin Comfort and Quality
Interior space utilization deserves special mention. The XUV700 comes in both 5-seater and 7-seater configurations to suit different family needs.
Stepping inside reveals a cabin that genuinely surprises with its quality. The dashboard layout follows a clean, horizontal design philosophy that maximizes the perception of width.
Soft-touch materials cover most frequently touched surfaces. This attention to tactile quality wasn’t always a priority for Mahindra, showing their commitment to elevation.
The leatherette seats provide excellent lumbar support. During longer journeys, I noticed significantly less fatigue compared to other SUVs in this price bracket.
Ambient lighting with customizable colors adds a premium feel during evening drives. It’s subtle rather than distracting, enhancing rather than overpowering the interior space.
The panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with natural light. It extends well into the rear section, ensuring second-row passengers don’t miss out on the open-air experience.
Technology Integration
AdrenoX infotainment system serves as the technological heart of the XUV700. This custom-developed interface controls virtually all vehicle functions.
The dual 10.25-inch screens create an impressive cockpit-like environment. One serves as the instrument cluster while the other handles infotainment duties.
Voice commands actually work reliably, unlike many systems I’ve tested. The “Hey Adrenox” wake phrase activates functions from navigation to climate control without frustrating misinterpretations.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard across most variants. The connection remained stable throughout my testing, without the disconnection issues that plague some systems.
The 12-speaker Sony audio setup delivers surprising clarity and depth. Bass response is particularly impressive without overwhelming midrange frequencies.
Built-in Amazon Alexa functionality adds another layer of convenience. I could check my calendar or even control smart home devices right from the driver’s seat.
Safety Features That Impress
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) make their debut in the Mahindra lineup with the XUV700. This suite includes features previously found only in much more expensive vehicles.
Autonomous emergency braking intervened during a real-world situation when a scooter suddenly cut across my path. The system’s reaction time potentially prevented a collision.
Lane keeping assist works with surprising accuracy. Unlike some systems that bounce between lane markings, the XUV700’s implementation provides gentle, consistent corrections.
Adaptive cruise control maintains preselected distances smartly. It reacts naturally to traffic flow without jerky acceleration or braking that can induce passenger discomfort.
Seven airbags provide comprehensive protection. The inclusion of a knee airbag for the driver demonstrates Mahindra’s commitment to occupant safety.
The 360-degree camera system offers excellent resolution. Guidelines adjust dynamically with steering input, making tight parking maneuvers considerably easier.
Performance That Delivers
Engine options include both petrol and diesel powertrains. The 2.0-liter mStallion turbo-petrol and 2.2-liter mHawk diesel both deliver impressive performance figures.
The petrol variant produces 200 horsepower, a number that exceeds many competitors. This translates to genuinely exciting acceleration when needed.
Diesel efficiency impresses without sacrificing power. During highway cruising, I consistently achieved around 16 kilometers per liter despite the vehicle’s substantial weight.
Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. The automatic, sourced from Aisin, shifts smoothly and intuitively reads driver intentions.
Driving modes alter the vehicle’s personality significantly. “Zip” mode lightens steering and quickens throttle response for urban settings, while “Zap” mode sharpens everything for more spirited driving.
The suspension setup balances comfort and handling admirably. It absorbs typical Indian road imperfections without excessive body roll during cornering.
Real-World Practicality
Storage solutions abound throughout the cabin. The center console accommodates larger items, while thoughtfully designed door pockets easily hold 1-liter water bottles.
The powered tailgate opens to reveal a generous cargo area. With the third row folded, the available space easily handles weekend luggage for a family of five.
Split-folding rear seats offer flexible configuration options. The 60:40 split allows for carrying both passengers and longer items simultaneously when needed.
USB charging ports are available for all three rows. This thoughtful inclusion prevents the all-too-familiar family squabbles over limited charging resources during longer journeys.
The cooled glovebox keeps beverages chilled during summer trips. It’s large enough to hold several small bottles, a feature particularly appreciated in India’s climate.
Under-seat storage in the second row provides secure spots for valuables. These hidden compartments aren’t immediately obvious to casual observers.
Ownership Experience
Warranty coverage spans 3 years or 100,000 kilometers. Mahindra also offers extended warranty packages that can provide additional peace of mind.
Service intervals occur every 10,000 kilometers. The relatively straightforward mechanical layout should translate to reasonable maintenance costs over time.
Parts availability has improved dramatically across Mahindra’s network. The days of waiting weeks for components appear to be firmly in the past.
The Mahindra app provides remote functionality. Owners can pre-cool the cabin, check vehicle status, or even locate their XUV700 through smartphone integration.
Resale value remains a question mark given the model’s newness. However, if previous XUV models serve as indicators, the retention should be reasonably strong.
The overall cost of ownership compares favorably against rivals. When factoring purchase price, efficiency, and maintenance, the XUV700 makes a compelling financial case.
Where Improvement Is Needed
Software glitches occasionally surfaced during my testing period. The infotainment system froze twice, requiring a restart to resolve the issue.
Third-row seating remains best suited for children. Adults will find the space workable for short journeys only, a common limitation in this vehicle class.
Some plastic panels in less visible areas don’t match the quality found elsewhere. These are minor issues but indicate areas where cost-cutting occurred.
Wind noise becomes noticeable at highway speeds. Additional sound insulation around the A-pillars would enhance the otherwise refined cabin experience.
The automatic transmission occasionally hunts between gears on gradual inclines. A software update could potentially address this minor annoyance.
Fuel efficiency suffers noticeably in dense city traffic. The powerful engines and substantial weight combine to increase consumption in stop-and-go conditions.
Value Proposition
When weighing the XUV700 against competitors, several factors demand consideration. The feature-to-price ratio stands out immediately as exceptional.
The base variant offers substantially more equipment than similarly priced alternatives. Even entry-level models include features often reserved for higher trims elsewhere.
Mid-range variants represent the sweet spot in the lineup. They balance desirable features against reasonable cost increases over the base model.
Top-tier trims compare favorably against some European offerings costing significantly more. The value equation becomes most apparent when examining these fully-loaded versions.
Financing options through Mahindra Financial Services offer competitive rates. Various schemes cater to different customer preferences, from traditional loans to lease-like arrangements.
The overall package delivers a compelling alternative to established players. In many ways, the XUV700 represents Indian automotive engineering coming of age.
Redefining Expectations
The Mahindra XUV700 isn’t merely good “for an Indian car” – it’s simply an excellent vehicle by any standard. This distinction marks a significant milestone.
The combination of thoughtful design, impressive technology, and genuine performance creates a package that demands serious consideration. Mahindra has clearly benchmarked world standards rather than local ones.
For buyers considering this segment, the XUV700 deserves a place on any shortlist. It manages to balance emotional appeal with rational benefits in a way few competitors achieve.
What Mahindra has accomplished with the XUV700 signals an exciting future. If this represents their current capability, upcoming models promise to push boundaries even further.
The automotive landscape continues evolving rapidly. With products like the XUV700, Indian manufacturers are increasingly setting trends rather than following them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price range of the Mahindra XUV700?
The XUV700 starts at approximately ₹13.45 lakhs and goes up to ₹24.95 lakhs (ex-showroom), depending on variant and options.
Does XUV700 have a sunroof?
Yes, higher variants feature a panoramic sunroof that extends over both front and rear seating areas.
What is the fuel efficiency of XUV700?
The diesel variant delivers approximately 16-18 km/l on highways and 12-14 km/l in city conditions. Petrol variants offer around 14-15 km/l highway and 10-12 km/l city.
How many people can the XUV700 seat?
It comes in both 5-seater and 7-seater configurations depending on the variant selected.
What safety features does XUV700 offer?
Higher variants include ADAS functions like autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, along with up to 7 airbags and a 360-degree camera.
Is XUV700 good for long drives?
Yes, with comfortable seats, excellent suspension tuning, and numerous convenience features, it’s well-suited for extended journeys.