The Mahindra XUV700 has been the top-tier monocoque Mahindra for a few years, functioning in a premium segment with consistent sales. The mid-life refresh, now called the Mahindra XUV 7XO, brings extensive updates to match the standards set by its electric cousins.
Mahindra XUV 7XO Styling and Features
The Mahindra XUV 7XO gets styling updates with a modern look, featuring a double-barrel design and C-shaped light signature. The grille is less flashy, giving the car a wider stance. The new dual-tone 19-inch wheels on top trims provide a fuller look.
In profile, the XUV 7XO remains largely unchanged, with the distinct XUV silhouette and hunch across the rear wheel arches. The rear features a sharper tail lamp design, first debuted on the XEV 9S, with gloss black surfaces to lower the visual mass of the big boot lid and bumper.
Interior and Practicality
The XUV 7XO’s cabin is similar to the XEV 9e and 9S, with a full-width three-screen layout as standard. Quality and finish have improved, with soft materials and tight shut lines. The new steering wheel and window controls provide a fairly classy feel.
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The seats have been redone, with a host of luxuries added to the second row, making it appealing for chauffeured buyers. The seats are tightly cushioned, with good support from the backrest and long bench. The contouring is flat, but still supportive.
The XUV 7XO is best described as a 5+2 seater, with the second row tumble folding but the fuel tank under the seat making entry to the third row tight. The third row is cramped, with limited legroom and a high seat base.
Safety and Features
The car features a full-width three-screen layout as standard. Notable features include the three-screen layout.
Driving Impressions
We drove the Mahindra XUV 7XO in its diesel AT variant. The driving experience hasn’t changed much from the XUV700. Soundproofing is good, with minimal wind and tyre noise at high speeds.
The new seats and tall seating position provide great visibility, with a non-intrusive A-pillar making navigation in tight spots easy. The motor impresses with its versatility. The automatic gearbox is well adapted to the engine, working in the background most of the time.
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The ride is exceptional, with a rounded, plush feel over broken roads and potholes. The suspension stays nearly silent, even when bottoming out softly. The XUV 7XO stays flat and composed at higher speeds, making for a confident road trip machine.
Price and Verdict
Priced between Rs 13.66 lakh and Rs 24.92 lakh, the Mahindra XUV 7XO takes over from where the XUV700 left off. While we would have liked a more intuitive cabin interface and a more usable third row, the ride is exceptional.
The cabin features and ambience are well loaded, making the XUV 7XO a great option for those looking for a large SUV. With its consistent sales performance, the XUV 7XO is likely to amplify its sales, given its extensive updates and improved features.
One aspect to consider is that the XUV 7XO’s updates are not just about aesthetics; they also reflect a shift towards providing a more premium experience for buyers in this segment. This is evident in the attention to detail in the cabin and the emphasis on comfort and practicality.
