Mahindra XUV700

The Mahindra XUV700 retains the muscular silhouette of its predecessor but adopts a more modern and sleek design. The front fascia is dominated by a large grille with the new Mahindra logo, flanked by sleek LED headlights and C-shaped LED DRLs. The bulging bonnet gives the XUV700 a strong road presence, while the bold character lines running along the sides enhance its rugged yet sophisticated appeal​.

At the rear, the SUV features LED tail lamps with a contemporary design, adding to the premium feel. The 18-inch alloy wheels on higher variants give the XUV700 a sturdy stance. The overall design is an evolution of the XUV500 but with cleaner lines, modern touches, and more aerodynamic proportion

The XUV700 offers a choice of two engines: a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and a 2.2-litre diesel. The petrol engine produces 197 bhp and 380 Nm of torque, making it a powerful option for city and highway driving. The diesel engine comes in two states of tune: 153 bhp for the lower variants and 182 bhp for the higher trims. The diesel variant offers up to 450 Nm of torque, making it an excellent choice for those seeking robust performance​.

Both engines come with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The automatic variant provides smoother shifts, especially in city traffic, while the manual version is ideal for those who enjoy a more engaging driving experience. The diesel engine's torque delivery is particularly impressive, offering a strong mid-range punch, perfect for overtaking on highway

The ride and handling of the XUV700 have seen significant improvements over the XUV500. Equipped with an independent front and rear suspension, the SUV offers a smooth and composed ride over varying terrains. Whether on highways or city roads, the XUV700 absorbs bumps and undulations with ease, making it a comfortable cruiser for long journeys​.

In terms of handling, the SUV remains stable and planted at higher speeds, with minimal body roll during cornering. The steering is well-weighted, offering good feedback, and makes maneuvering this large vehicle in tight spaces easier than expected. While there’s a hint of body roll in sharper corners, it’s significantly better controlled than in the previous generation

The Mahindra XUV700 scores high on comfort, offering a premium interior with plush seating and ample space. The front seats are well-bolstered, providing excellent support for long drives.

 The driver’s seat is electronically adjustable, with lumbar support, and higher trims come with ventilated seats, adding to the comfort level in hot weather​.

The second row offers generous legroom and headroom, with rear AC vents ensuring that passengers in the back stay cool and comfortable. However, the third row is best suited for children or shorter adults, as space is limited, and the seating position feels a bit cramped. For longer journeys, the third row may not be ideal for adults, but it's perfectly adequate for short trips​.

One of the highlights of the XUV700 is its tech-laden cabin. The SUV comes equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, offering a seamless and futuristic interface. The system supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa integration, allowing voice commands for various functions, including controlling the sunroof and climate settings​.

The XUV700 is also equipped with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), which includes features like lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features elevate the safety and convenience of driving the XUV700, making it one of the most technologically advanced SUVs in its segment​.

Other premium features include a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, dual-zone climate control, and a 12-speaker Sony sound system, ensuring that occupants are entertained and comfortable on the go

The XUV700 offers respectable fuel efficiency for an SUV of its size and power. The petrol variant delivers around 12-14 km/l, depending on driving conditions, while the diesel variant offers a more economical 16-18 km/l, making it a more fuel-efficient option for long-distance drives​.

The 2.0-litre petrol engine produces 197 bhp at 5000 rpm and 380 Nm of torque between 1750-3000 rpm, providing strong acceleration and smooth power delivery. The 2.2-litre diesel engine, available in two states of tune, offers 153 bhp and 182 bhp, with torque figures ranging from 360 Nm to 450 Nm, depending on the variant​.

The top speed of the XUV700 varies slightly between the petrol and diesel variants. The petrol variant can reach a top speed of around 190 km/h, while the diesel variant is capable of reaching 180 km/h, making both versions fast enough for Indian highways​.

The interior of the XUV700 feels luxurious and well-crafted. Soft-touch materials are used throughout the cabin, with premium leather upholstery available on higher trims. The dashboard is dominated by the dual-screen setup, which adds a high-tech feel to the cabin​(XUV700).

The overall build quality is impressive, with good fit and finish. Ambient lighting, along with piano black and wooden trim accents, enhances the upscale feel of the interior. The second row offers plenty of space, while the third row is best reserved for children, as the legroom and headroom are limited​.

Starting at ₹11.99 lakh for the base variant and going up to ₹22.99 lakh for the fully loaded versions, the Mahindra XUV700 offers tremendous value for money. It undercuts many of its competitors while offering a more comprehensive feature set and powerful engine options. The inclusion of ADAS and other premium features, typically seen in higher-priced vehicles, further enhances the XUV700's appeal​.

The Mahindra XUV700 is priced aggressively, starting from ₹11.99 lakh for the base MX variant and going up to ₹22.99 lakh for the top-spec diesel automatic variant​(XUV700). Mahindra has a vast service network across India, ensuring that owners will have no trouble with after-sales service. The SUV also comes with a warranty and service packages that further reduce the cost of ownership.

The Mahindra XUV700 competes with the likes of the Tata Safari, Hyundai Alcazar, and MG Hector Plus. While all these SUVs offer three-row seating and a similar feature set, the XUV700 stands out for its ADAS technology, powerful engines, and aggressive pricing. It offers better value than the Safari in terms of features, and it undercuts both the Alcazar and Hector Plus in pricing​.

The Mahindra XUV700 is a game-changer in the midsize SUV segment. With its advanced technology, powerful engine options, and aggressive pricing, it offers unmatched value in its class. Whether you're looking for a comfortable family SUV or a feature-packed vehicle with the latest in safety and convenience technology, the XUV700 ticks all the right boxes. Its only downside is the limited space in the third row, but for most buyers, the premium features and overall package will more than make up for that​.

In conclusion, the XUV700 is a well-rounded SUV that offers great performance, cutting-edge technology, and value for money, making it one of the best options in its segment.