The Mahindra XUV700 has created quite a buzz since its launch in 2021. Mahindra's flagship SUV has received an exceptional response from customers, with waiting periods extending up to 9 months. The XUV700 offers a premium package coupled with Mahindra's rugged build quality and extensive feature list.
Let's take a closer look at some of the major highlights of the XUV700.
Powerful Engine Options
The XUV 700 is offered with two powerful turbocharged engine options - a 2.0L mStallion petrol motor and a 2.2L mHawk diesel mill.
The petrol engine produces 197hp and 380Nm of peak torque. It comes mated to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. Mahindra claims a 0-100kmph time of under 10 seconds with this powertrain.
When it comes to the diesel engine, customers can choose between two tunes. The first tune generates 182hp of power and 420Nm of peak torque and comes mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The second powerful tune also puts out 182hp, but max torque is higher at 450Nm and is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
In terms of performance, the manual diesel variants can do the 0-100kmph sprint in under 10 seconds. On the other hand, the automatic diesel trims take around 12 seconds to hit 100kmph from a standstill, which is still pretty quick for an SUV this size.
Select variants also get an optional AWD (All-Wheel-Drive) system for better off-roading capabilities. The AWD system provides added traction and stability while driving on loose terrain or slippery conditions.
Luxurious and Feature-Packed Cabin
The XUV700 features one of the most luxurious and well-equipped cabins in its segment. It gets premium leatherette upholstery, soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door pads along with ample storage spaces.
The front seats are cushioned and wide enough to provide comfort even on long journeys. The Height adjustable driver seat and power-adjustable lumbar support further add to the convenience.
The 2nd-row seats get adjustable headrests and recline function for extra comfort. Knee room and headroom are generous even for tall passengers. It also gets Mahindra's AdrenoX-connected car technology with 60+ features.
Other highlights include a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, power-adjustable driver seat, dual-zone climate control, wireless phone charging, electric sunroof, ambient lighting, Adrenox suite, built-in Alexa and so on.
The XUV700 offers best-in-class cabin space with ample legroom and headroom for occupants. It also has one of the largest boot spaces in its category that can easily accommodate multiple bags and luggage. The seats fold down in a 60:40 split to further increase cargo capacity when required.
Advanced Safety Features
Safety has been one of the key focus areas for Mahindra while developing the XUV700. It is equipped with some of its segment's most advanced safety tech.
Some of the highlights include
· Up to 7 airbags (including a knee airbag for the driver)
· ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
· Hill-hold and hill-descent control
· Panic brake alert
· ISOFIX child seat anchors
· Tyre pressure monitoring system
· Electronic parking brake
The range-topping variants also boast ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) tech, which includes:
· Autonomous emergency braking - detects obstacles and pedestrians ahead and applies brakes automatically if required
· Adaptive cruise control - maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead
· Automatic high-beam assist - switches between high and low beams automatically
· Driver drowsiness detection - alerts the driver if signs of drowsiness are detected
· Blind-spot monitoring - alerts drivers if vehicles in hard-to-see blind spots
· Lane change alert
· Lane departure warning - alerts if the vehicle strays out of the lane
Attractive Pricing
Despite being feature-rich, the XUV700 is aggressively priced, starting at just Rs. 14.03 lakhs, ex-showroom. It makes it a value-for-money proposition against rivals like the Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus and Hyundai Alcazar.
The top-end diesel automatic variants with all-wheel drive and ADAS tech are priced around the Rs. 26 lakh mark, which is still highly competitive considering the extensive features on offer.
Even at higher price brackets, the XUV700 undercuts most rivals by a significant margin. This attractive pricing further adds to the SUV's appeal.
Stylish Exterior Design
The XUV700 radically departs from traditional boxy Mahindra designs with its fresh exterior styling. It gets a sporty, sculpted, modern look, appealing to younger buyers.
At the front, the SUV gets sleek LED headlamps with integrated DRLs along with Mahindra's new Twin Peaks logo on the grille. The chrome studded grille and skid plates add to the butch appeal.
The side profile boasts of a floating roof design with blacked-out pillars and stylish 18-inch alloy wheels. Flared wheel arches and side cladding add some ruggedness. The rear highlights include LED taillights spanning the entire tailgate, shark-fin antenna and chrome embellishments.
The XUV700 comes in an attractive palette of 6 colour options - Everest White, Midnight Black, Dazzling Silver, Red Rage, Electric Blue, and Lake Side Brown.
Customizable Variants
Mahindra is offering the XUV700 in an innovative "Mahindra Customization" program wherein customers can customize and opt for variants as per their exact requirements.
There are two broad trims - MX and AdrenoX (AX) - which are further divided into optional packs that one can choose from for a personalized variant.
The MX trim offers basics like dual airbags, ABS, rear parking sensors, etc., while the AX trims add more premium features.
Some of the customizable packs include seating configuration (6 or 7-seater), sunroof, alloy wheels, exterior styling, interior styling packs and so on.
It allows buyers to handpick the features they want in their XUV700. One can skip features they don't require and go for variants that suit their needs and budget. It is something unique that Mahindra offers compared to fixed variants from rivals.
The Bottom Line
The Mahindra XUV700 shines in almost every aspect, be it powertrains, comfort, safety, technology or pricing. Mahindra has pulled all the stops to make the XUV700 its new flagship model that raises the bar in the midsize SUV space.
Despite extended waiting periods, the XUV700 continues to have strong demand in the market thanks to its VFM proposition, head-turning looks, plush interiors and extensive features. It seems to have all the makings of another blockbuster success story for Mahindra in the lucrative SUV segment.
