reviews of xuv 700

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2021 Mahindra XUV700 review, test drive

While it’s the knockout price that’s the talk of the town, there’s a lot more going for Mahindra’s newest SUV; we take a good, close look.

Published on Aug 18, 2021 10:00:00 AM

2,06,556 Views

• Strong and smooth engines
• Mind-boggling features list
• Best-in-class safety

We Don't Like

• Some cheap bits around the cabin
• Infotainment system could be more intuitive to use
• third row could have been more spacious.

Mahindra XUV700: platform

If you were perplexed with the XUV700's naming, you wouldn’t be the only one. After all, the car – codename W601 – was to be the new XUV500. It followed the same template – a transverse engine layout, monocoque body and designed with three rows of seats.

There was also nothing wrong with the XUV500 moniker either. Yes, sales have fallen in the decade since its launch, but the name still has good brand value. But seeing just how much of an improvement the W601 was over its predecessor, Mahindra felt it was good enough to be a segment higher. Hence, keeping with the alpha-numeric naming hierarchy, they called it the XUV700. This naming strategy achieved two things; first, it has given the XUV700 a more premium position and second, it has left space below for another product to be badged the XUV500.

Underpinning the XUV700 is a brand-new platform, and the company says the new monocoque is 80 percent stiffer than the XUV500’s, thanks to an increase in the number of spot welds and adhesive bonding.

Mahindra has worked hard to reduce weight, with the XUV700’s monocoque frame using quite a bit of lightweight high-tensile steel and other weight-saving measures like lighter engines, which weigh around 70kg less than before. Overall kerb weight ranges from 1,960kg-2,040kg, which is still heavy but it takes into account the additional equipment and safety features the XUV700 is loaded with. Interestingly, the rear tailgate is made of composite plastic that's aimed at weight reduction. However, this could pose a practical problem because, unlike sheet metal, which can be easily repaired if damaged in an accident, the plastic tailgate may need to be replaced if you are rear-ended.

Like with the XUV500, the platform is configured for front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive options. Although this time round, it is designed to accommodate a 48V mild-hybrid system as well, which could come in the future.

The engine line-up includes a pair of brand-new engines – the latest-gen 2.2-litre mHawk diesel and mStallion 2.0 turbo-petrol – both of which debuted in the Thar. However, power figures have been hiked significantly in the XUV700. The base diesel variants get a 155hp rated motor but this output jumps to a class-leading 185hp for higher variants. Taking the power stakes to a different level is the 2.0 turbo-petrol that, armed with variable valve timing, direct-injection and turbo power, produces a class-busting 200hp.

The new platform also makes use of the latest-generation electrical and electronics (E/E) architecture, enabling it to host an advanced infotainment system (from Visteon) and a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) never seen in a car in this class or price. Mahindra is clearly determined to ‘out-tech’ the competition.

Mahindra XUV700: style

The XUV700’s styling is a mature evolution of the XUV500, with cleaner lines and a more balanced look. It sits lower than its predecessor (by 30mm), comes with a muscular bonnet, and a strong new grille with twin vertical bars, which gives it a lot of road presence. A nice touch is the way the outside vertical bars bend and flow into the headlight cluster. Making its debut on the XUV700 and sitting proudly in the centre of the grille is Mahindra’s new ‘Twin Peaks’ logo, which interestingly will only adorn the automaker's SUV range.

The profile is perhaps the cleanest side of the new car, gone are the numerous rear wheel arch lines and the odd cheetah paw handles, in their place are flush door handles that pop automatically when you approach the car; very cool and handy to use too, though mid versions require you to push the handle to pop it while the base variant will have a little cumbersome click to unlock (key), push to pop and then pull to open action.

At the rear, the arrow-shape tail-lights are striking but the design feels like it belongs to another car; it is an example of the lack of consistency and cohesiveness in the styling, which still has too many fussy elements like the disproportionately long DRLs and the excessive sculpting of the wheel arches that dwarf the 18-inch wheels.

The design, though not as refined as the competition, has the required details for those looking for some flash. 

Mahindra XUV700: interior

The interior design is more straightforward and taking centre stage is a display panel that stretches across half the dashboard. This Mercedes-like tablet houses a central touchscreen and an all-digital instrument panel, both measuring 10.25 inches. It looks very premium and will be a big hit with consumers; best of all, it is offered on all versions except the base, which will get a smaller 8.0-inch infotainment unit and a 7.0-inch instrument cluster.

Mahindra has mercifully retained buttons and dials for HVAC controls, and while the cluster is a carry-forward from the 500, it’s still welcome. The rotary controller on the centre console means you don’t have to use the screen for everything and there’s also a neat-looking bank of toggle-like switches for some key functions.

A real clever touch are the two shelves in the central consoles for two phones, one of which is a wireless charger. In today’s smartphone era, convenient storage for two phones is perhaps more important than cupholders, which are also present on the console behind the gear lever.

Mahindra XUV700: features

The steering wheel feels nice to hold and the buttons, though not slick to operate, give access to a lot of functions. The jazzy instrument panel has cheerful colour schemes and perhaps more sober graphics and fonts would been in order, but the information is incredibly rich and there are many customisable options for both screens.

The XUV700 also debuts Mahindra’s new AdrenoX infomatics system, which is the most advanced and feature-packed infotainment system in not just its class but also in several classes higher. It is crammed with features and options, and even has some built-in local apps like JustDial and Zomato.

However, there is a problem of plenty; the segregation and layering of the menu needs a lot of work and it’s not really intuitive and easy to find out where things are. You end up toggling with the switches and fumbling with the menu and sub-menus, which doesn’t bring you back to the same function when you leave it. The infotainment operation though is still in beta stage, so we’ll reserve comment on how slick it is and how well it functions when the system is finally ready in time for the launch.

The XUV700 also signals Mahindra’s entry into the premium sound arena, with a superb Sony 3D audio system that uses a 13-channel amplifier powering one subwoofer and 12 speakers: including four in the roof. Then there’s Alexa voice assistant, and the XUV700 is the first car to come embedded with it, which makes a separate connected device not mandatory. Alexa is also integrated into the full connected car experience, so you can also ask for alerts and updates about your car right from your home.

Other interesting bits include a powered driver seat with door-mounted switches (inspired by Mercedes), dual zone climate control with an air-purifier system, and connectivity options that include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Mahindra XUV700: seating and comfort

The seats are large and generous, especially up front, and the cushioning, though a touch on the firm side, offers good all-round support, keeping you free from aches even after long hours in the cabin. The XUV700 comes in 5- and 7-seat configurations, but it’s the three-row version we were testing. While the legroom in the middle row may not be as generous as the Hector or Safari, there is ample space and even tall passengers will be comfy, despite the massive panoramic sunroof's thick frame eating a bit into the headroom. Despite the 50mm increase in wheelbase over the XUV500, third-row room isn’t that much, and headroom too is very limited here. There are, however, dedicated AC vents and the glass area is quite large.

Ergonomics have been a bit of a hit and miss for Mahindra. While the XUV700 has addressed most points, there are a few issues: the gear lever and rotary controller feel a little too rear-set, as do the power window switches. The third-row reclining mechanism should also have been at the top of the seat rather than behind, as you have to twist around and reach over to pull the handle for adjusting your own seat. With the third row up, boot space is limited, but there’s ample luggage room with the third row folded down. Shifting the spare wheel’s location from under the boot floor to under the chassis has also freed up more room, but we are not sure how convenient this arrangement is when it comes to changing a flat.

Mahindra XUV700: engines

The petrol and diesel engines on offer get both, the 6-speed manual and automatic gearbox options. While the XUV500’s 155hp diesel carries on only in the base version, higher variants get a more powerful version of the 2.2-litre mHawk unit that cranks out 185hp. This makes the XU700 diesel the most powerful in its class, ahead of the Hyundai Alcazar, with its 115hp, 1.5-litre diesel, and also the Hector Plus and the Safari, which use the same 170hp 2.0-litre Fiat-sourced diesel engine.

The firecracker in this segment, however, is the new petrol engine that replaces the XUV500’s 140hp, 2.2-litre petrol unit. The new ‘mStallion’ 2.0-litre turbo-petrol puts out an impressive 200hp, and with the Safari a diesel-only offering, Hyundai Alcazar’s 2.0-litre naturally aspirated unit producing 159hp, and the MG Hector Plus using a 143hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol, the XUV700 claims the title of being the most powerful here too.

Not surprisingly then, driving the XUV700 is an absolute delight. Mahindra concentrated much of the review drive to its massive new test facility, and with only a short dash from Mahindra Research Valley to the test centre. We would have liked to drive more in the real world, but the high-speed track really let us experience the strong performance from the engines.

Mahindra XUV700: performance

The petrol and diesel engines get the same 6-speed manual and 6-speed auto options, but it’s the 200hp petrol that is quite the firecracker. Put your foot down and the XUV700 lunges forward on the back of a lusty flow of power that comes in thick and fast from as low as 1,400rpm. The engine revs to a high 5,800rpm, thus allowing you to really wring out all that the engine has. What’s nice is that the turbo-petrol unit has a nice and strong torquey, diesel-like character at the lower end too. Acceleration is very brisk and in our preliminary tests, we clocked a 0-100kph time of 9.32sec in the automatic and we expect the manual to be a bit quicker – a sub-10sec time for an SUV around the 2-tonne mark is very impressive. Keep your foot down and there’s no let-up in acceleration, and on Mahindra’s test track it was quite easy to hit upwards of 190kph.

However, it has to be said that both, auto and manual boxes aren’t what you’d call quick shifters: the manual isn’t super slick, and the auto has a discernible pause between shifts. That being said, this is only when you are flat out rushing it, while in everyday driving and even slightly spirited runs, it does just fine. What's also nice is that despite the high torque, both manual boxes have a light clutch, though the engagement could have been more progressive.

The auto box’s shift logic is also very well sorted. While we had limited time in real-world traffic, it never felt like it was in the wrong gear and at no point did I try and reach for the (missing) paddles for manual intervention. Refinement within the cabin is expectedly vibration free.

The gearing on the petrol-manual is a bit on the tall side, which gives it a nice long-leggedness that is great for cruising. Overall refinement of the petrol is just superb. For those wanting a smooth and effortless drive, you just can’t have it better than the XUV700 for the money.

The 2.2-litre diesel too is superbly refined, and while the engine note is audible as you pile on the revs, it isn’t really harsh or intrusive. Performance is also very impressive, and unlike the petrol that has no drive modes, the diesel has three – cheekily called Zip, Zap, Zoom. In Zip, power is reduced to 155hp and so this mode is meant for relaxed driving, whilst Zap and Zoom get the full 185hp. The only difference between the two modes is a sharper throttle response in Zoom, which extracts the maximum performance from the engine.

Performance is something the diesel XUV700 has no shortage of. There is a bit of a turbo lag, but this is only in relation to the strong performance that comes in at the 1,400rpm mark, which from then on stays strong and linear till about 4,000rpm. On the whole, its performance is clearly a strong point, and we registered a 0-100kph time of 10.34sec in the auto.

Drivability is very good too, there’s ample torque, making the engine very tractable, and the manual can easily pick up pace cleanly from as low as 1,200rpm in sixth. Work the 'box properly though and you will be rewarded with a spirited drive. The gear ratios are well spaced but seem a tad shorter geared, more for performance rather than efficiency, which should work out just fine as the diesel engine is inherently efficient.

Fuel efficiency figures haven’t been disclosed yet, but Mahindra says the XUV700 should be the most fuel-efficient car in its class.

Mahindra XUV700: ride and handling

The biggest area of improvement over the XUV500 is the dynamics. Gone is the jittery ride, the torque steer and the sloppy handling, which is replaced by a sure-footed composure and easy and predictable handling. The key to the XUV700’s transformed ride and handling is the suspension system.

Like the Jeep Compass, the XUV700’s front and rear independent setup use frequency selective dampers where two parallel oil flow paths are tuned to deliver a different and optimal damping rate for both, high and low frequency ranges. The rear linkages also include an additional control blade link to better define individual wheel movement and it all works well.

Road grip is good and cornering is quite sharp. The electric power steering also has just the right amount of feel; it’s light enough at low speeds but feels secure and stable at higher speeds. Out on the highway, you can also hold your speed over slightly broken surfaces with a good degree of confidence. Speaking of confidence, on the high-speed track, the XUV700 felt quite composed at high triple-digit speeds.

If anything, the XUV700, which still has a high centre of gravity, feels a bit top heavy and rolls a little when pushed hard. Also, the ride is not quite as settled as some of its rivals.

Mahindra XUV700: safety

Lately, Mahindra has put a lot of effort into safety and its XUV300, which has a 5-star GNCAP rating, can lay claim to being India’s safest car. While the XUV700’s crash rating isn’t out as yet, expect a very good performance here too. More importantly, though, the company has also invested a lot into active safety, and in what is unique in the segment, the XUV700 has a very comprehensive ADAS package.

The system uses both, camera and radar which when linked to Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Autonomous Emergency Brakes (AEB) work very well; we simulated this on the test track and came away quite impressed. Also impressive is the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which enables you to safely follow a car ahead, and the Smart Pilot Assist or traffic assist (AT only), which can manage stop-start crawls too. The tuning is spot on and changes in pace are quite smooth and natural. The only aspect of the ADAS system that needs fine-tuning is the Lane Keep Assist, which works well in corners but does not keep the car centred on straights. That aside though, the ADAS package is very commendable and revolutionary in this segment.

There’s also a novel personalised safety alert that can be programmed with the voice of a loved one to remind you to slow down when you come to a set speed! How cool is that?

Other active safety features are driver drowsiness detection, auto high beam assist and booster headlights that increase illumination above 80kph; Mahindra says the lumens and spread do not exceed the permissible limit. ABS and ESP round off the active safety bits, while seven airbags, including a knee airbag, bring up the passive features.

Mahindra XUV700: verdict

It’s impossible to ignore prices for the XUV700 and while Mahindra has only released details for four of the lower trim, 5-seater manual cars, the pricing has rocked the market. At Rs 11.99 lakh for the MX petrol-manual, the entry XUV700 is priced like a sub-four-metre SUV, and at Rs 14.99 the mid-level AX petrol-manual is still brilliant value.

Mahindra will also have on offer pretty much every powertrain combination and plenty more variants too, so it’s clear then that the company is throwing everything it can into the XUV700. This is the model with which Mahindra is plotting its fightback, after the specialist SUV maker lost ground to Tata Motors, Hyundai and even new entrants like Kia. In that sense, the XUV700 comes in at the right time.

Variants and prices aside, the XUV700 still comes across as a very compelling package. Yes, there are some cheap bits inside, it does miss some features like cooled seats and the infotainment system could have been more logically designed. However, these niggles are insignificant in the light of its strengths. The brilliant engines just blow the competition away, it’s easy to drive and live with, and if that’s not enough to wow, the incredible features list and tech certainly will. The XUV700 is best-in-class in so many areas, and when you factor in the knockout prices, it’s clear that Mahindra isn’t just here to play, it’s come for the kill. The competition had better run for cover.

Mahindra XUV700

₹ 15.69 lakh * on road price (New Delhi)

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Mahindra XUV700 petrol AT review: The Refined Beast

Has mahindra managed to hit the sweet spot with the xuv700’s all-conquering 2-litre turbo-petrol engine or there’s more to this than meets the eye.

The automobile market has been witnessing a steady decline in the demand for diesel-powered vehicles and this shift in balance is also seen in the SUV segment where oil burners were once the default choice. Traditional SUV manufacturers like Mahindra have decided to go back to the drawing board and create a state-of-the-art gasoline motor and in comes the 2-litre mStallion powertrain. It is the company’s first turbo-petrol that made its debut with the Thar in 2020, but the new XUV700 boasts an output of 197bhp, 85 horses more than its rugged sibling. We find out how it fairs in real-world driving conditions.

Behind the wheel We buckle up, fire up the 2-litre engine and spend some quality time with the most powerful petrol powertrain in the segment. With 197bhp and 380Nm of torque, it certainly looks impressive on paper, but what will straightway catch your attention is how quiet this engine is as no buzz or clatter can be heard in the cabin. As we are driving the top of the line variant, the AX7L automatic, we shift the gear stick to drive mode and without any delay, the turbo-petrol took off in a linear fashion. Of course, the XUV700 doesn’t throw you back into the seat, but it has enough grunt and feels quick of its feet. Mahindra has managed to neutralize the initial lag that is typically experienced by a turbo-petrol engine. The 2-litre heart, in many ways, behaves like a diesel engine as the torque kicks in below 1,500pm and once the needle crosses 1,800rpm, the turbine in the turbocharger starts gushing out additional power, ensuring that the XUV700 is responsive at slow speeds. Without any power surge, the full-sized SUV is a pleasure to drive in stop-start traffic and offers plenty of punch to overtake in city driving conditions effortlessly.

Well, all that sounds good, but how does it drive on the highway? The 2-litre turbo-petrol is the happiest at midrange speeds where the XUV700 pulls away and reaches a high three-figure mark without breaking a sweat. What is notable is that the motor remains poised beyond its optimal range as the top-end grunt doesn’t taper off. With a smooth and powerful petrol engine, the XUV700 is mated to a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, which anticipates the requirements in city driving conditions to perfection as it changes gears when needed. If you have a lead foot and like to step on the pedal, then the transmission isn’t as spirited as one would have liked and feels slightly lazy. The addition of paddle shifters could have been the solution for this, but when it comes to tackling daily commutes or cruising on the highway, the XUV700 is a breeze to drive. The petrol trims miss out on two features that their diesel counterparts get — the optional all-wheel-drive system and four driving modes — Zip, Zap, Zoom and Customer.

Space and safety Mahindra has left no stone unturned when it comes to comfort as the seats are plush, beautifully contoured and provide exceptional support. The second row has plenty of shoulder space and the bench is comfortable though the under-thigh support is average at best, like most of the vehicles in this segment. Mahindra has opted for a fixed second-row bench, so you can’t slide it according to your requirement, but if you are sitting behind the front passenger seat, you can increase the legroom by pushing it forward.

The third row does lack space, both in legroom and headroom, and at best, can be occupied by children. It does come with fan speed control and a 12V charging socket (no USB port). As the second-row seat only folds, getting inside the last row can be quite a challenge as the entrance is quite narrow.

The XUV700 is the first in the segment to offer Advance Driver Assistance System (ADAS). It comes equipped with effective Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Brakes (AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control ( ACC ), blind view monitoring and much more. The XUV700 is equipped with 7 airbags and a curtain airbag that protects all three rows. It has also received a global NCAP rating of 5 stars for adult protection and 4 stars for child safety.

Cat on the prowl: Ride and handling The XUV700 is based on a new monocoque platform that is 80% stiffer than the XUV500. Keeping an eye on the future, the underpinnings are also scalable to accommodate a 48V mild-hybrid system. The new SUV is equipped with rear suspension independent multi-link type with frequency-selective dampers (FSD), which is a first in the segment. All this in the real world means that the XUV700 remains surefooted when it enters and exits twisties. As it’s a big SUV with a high centre of gravity , a body roll can be felt while taking corners though it remains poised. On high speeds and open straights, the XUV700 remains stable and self-assured. The SUV offers a state of tranquillity as it sails past urban challenges like manoeuvring in the city or parking at tight spots as the steering wheel is responsive and the light. The ride quality, on the other hand, could have been more comfortable especially at slow speeds as the road conditions can be felt when going through potholes. In the hindsight, the XUV700 doesn’t wallow when it drives over undulations or make passengers feel unsettled on broken roads.

Upping the ante The XUV700 is a more evolved Cheetah inspired design of the XUV500 as it looks mature and muscular. It sports a busy looking design with six vertical slats on the front grille and fangs like elongated DRLs. The SUV looks a bit more squarish from the front with a brawny designed bonnet and a chunky bumper. The side profile does remind us of the XUV500, but it comes with new diamond-cut 18-inch alloy wheels and flush door handles that neatly tuck inside the body panel. For weight reduction purposes, Mahindra has decided to opt for a tailgate made from composite plastic.

The XUV700 is packed with so much tech and gizmos that its driving console comes across as Star Trek’s USS Enterprise’s command bridge. Open the door and the seat automatically moves back for easy access into the cabin. The showstopper without a doubt has to be the twin 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and the infotainment unit, which is powered by Mahindra’s AdrenoX connect AI technology. The touch screen offers multiple customized options, crisp graphics, wireless Android Auto connectivity, but the display could have been more responsive. The cabin, on the other hand, is made up of high-quality materials like leather strip on the dashboard, the piano black finish on the centre console that houses a dual-zone climate control, wireless phone charger, seat adjustment controls on the door panel for convenience, the largest panoramic sunroof in the segment, 360-degree camera and electronically adjustable seats with driver seat memory function. There’s something special for music aficionados as the top variant XUV700 comes equipped with a 12-speaker Sony music system that boasts of 3D surround. With a long list of features, what’s a bit surprising is that it doesn’t come with auto-dimming inside rearview mirror, ventilated front seats and paddle shifters.

Final word With the latest price hike, the XUV700 petrol trims continue to be smartly priced starting from Rs 12.95 lakh to Rs 23.80 lakh, ex-showroom. It takes on compact vehicles as well on its direct full-sized SUV rivals. The XUV700 is the most advanced SUV in its segment when it comes to features, comfort and safety, but the ace in the pack is the 2-litre turbo petrol engine which is both powerful and refined. Mahindra certainly has a segment disruptor that ticks all the right boxes.

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Mahindra XUV700 Review: Living with it

David taylor, 10 jan 2023.

Mahindra’s new medium SUV – the XUV700 – joined our fleet just before the recent end-of-year break. Is the fresh offering from the brand any good? Let’s hit the road.

The best thing about conducting an extended test is that it provides an opportunity to form a more in-depth understanding (and, sometimes, appreciation) of a new model. Our usual 10-14 day tests are quite thorough, but because all testers need to have a chance to drive test cars during the rest of the year, individuals may not necessarily get enough seat time to notice all of a vehicle’s quirks and talents.

While most motoring journalists prefer to test products from established brands (so that they can have benchmarks on which to base their evaluations), I chose to veer off the established path this year and sampled the new Mahindra instead. Due to calendar clashes, we were unable to attend the local debut of the XUV700, but, when I had a small taste of a homologation unit of the model back in July 2022 , I was quietly impressed with it. December, then, proved the perfect opportunity to assess the newcomer.

The middling and (not to be too unkind) plain-Jane Mahindra SUV range from years ago is gone; it has been replaced by a line-up of thoroughly modern, well-equipped and nicely finished family cars. The Indian brand is on the up; first, it launched the underrated XUV300 (one of the safest models in its class) and now the XUV700 . Clearly, Mahindra, which recently adopted a new logo, has done something right – the XUV700 has been voted Car of the Year in its home country, where the waiting list for one is long.

There are 3 derivatives in the XUV700 range and our test unit was the top-of-the-range 2.0T AX7 L. The entry point to the new range is a 5-seater, with the middle and top versions being 7-seaters. Like virtually all medium SUVs that offer 3rd-row accommodation, the Mahindra’s luggage space is limited when all seats are in use. Fortunately, we didn’t need to utilise the additional seats, so they stayed folded flat.

Our test unit (finished in the signature Electric Blue hue), ticked many boxes in the design stakes. The XUV700 features a variety of contemporary visual elements, such as bold – and bright – daytime running lights, sweeping LED indicators, attractive wheels, flush-fitting door handles and wrap-around tail lamps.

When you step inside, you’ll soon discover that the cabin’s visual appeal and build quality represent a huge leap forward for Mahindra products. Gone are the days when cheap-feeling scratchy and poorly-fitting plastics, and the overwhelming smell of adhesive, dominated the ambience. The interior has a reassuring solidity and it has all the gadgets and gizmos you’d expect at the price (just over R550k).

3 Things To Like about the Mahindra XUV700

The headline act is the new 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine, which is nicely matched with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain’s peak outputs (149 kW and 380 Nm) translate into effortless performance, both from a standstill and in gear (it produces brisk overtaking acceleration). The ‘box’s mapping software is intuitive enough to know when to kick down and when to hold onto gears.

No official performance figures are stated for the XUV700, but our test equipment revealed that 0-100 kph was dispatched in just 9.28 sec; it confirmed our suspicion that the model’s quicker than expected.

But this is not what the XUV700 is about. Instead, you (like me) will be impressed with just how quiet the model’s powertrain is at the national limit. It’s a pity the tyres generate notable noise when they traverse coarser road surfaces, but the grumbling can be easily drowned out by the excellent Sony audio system.

The vehicle arrived with the trip computer readout at 9.8 km/L (10.2 L/100 km) and after our long, open-road journey out to the magnificent Breedekloof Valley, the Mahindra indicated 12.1 km/l (8.2 L/100 km). Yes, the consumption does appear to be a bit heavy, but the XUV700 does offer punchy performance, plus it tips the scales at 1960 kg – so, that’s acceptable in my book. The vehicle has a 60-litre fuel tank.

Sadly, there’s no diesel engine in the local XUV700 line-up, but Mahindra will be launching an off-road-biased variant of this vehicle (the Scorpio-N) later this year; that should include a turbodiesel derivative.

Comfort and Practicality

In our line of work, we get to drive almost every new model from each brand in the market and my wife definitely raised her eyebrows when I announced the new XUV700 would be our chariot throughout the December holiday. See, her last taste of the brand came with the Mahindra Quanto in 2015, which, well, failed to impress her. After the first hour of travelling in the XUV700, however, she exclaimed: “It’s SO comfortable” and “this aircon is saving my actual life” (the temperature reached a baking 35°C at one point).

The quality of the seats is excellent – they’re neatly trimmed and offer plenty of support; once you have found your ideal driving position, you’ll be hard-pressed to think of a medium SUV (yes, from mainstream brands) that is as comfortable and well-thought-out at this price point. Drawbacks? Well, the steering feels extremely light and it’s not the sharpest (most accurate). While this is a bonus within the confines of a tight parking lot or a narrow street, we often needed to make tiny steering inputs on the open road.

When undertaking long-haul journeys with the family, space and comfort are priorities and, when in 5- (as opposed to 7-seat) configuration, the XUV700’d load bay comfortably swallowed all the things you’d need for a few nights away, as well as golf clubs and fishing gear. The 2nd row of seats is easily foldable (if you need extra cargo space), but if you’re carrying passengers, the seats can be reclined for comfort.

Inside, there’s plenty of oddment space, with 2 cupholders in the centre and a large storage bin (big enough to hold a 1-litre bottle) – in every door. The bin in the central armrest is also impressively deep.

Safety and Tech Features

The standard spec is impressive across the range; the 2.0T AX7 L comes with a large panoramic roof, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and fancy-looking digital displays. We appreciated the 2 USB ports and the wireless charging pad that kept our devices topped up, because they were constantly streaming music and running navigation apps (Waze and Google Maps). There’s even Amazon Alexa functionality.

The AX7 L is distinguished from the AX7 derivative by high-end features such as a 12-speaker 3D audio system from Sony (which is very good, by the way), keyless entry and start, reach adjustment for the steering column, wireless charging pad, 360-degree cameras and additional safety equipment, including a knee airbag, blind-spot monitor and stop&go functionality for the adaptive cruise control system.

Speaking of safety, the Mahindra was fitted with 7 airbags, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and -keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, tyre pressure sensors and smart pilot assist. Mahindra claims Level 1 autonomy – that’s impressive! – and we experienced the emergency autonomous systems in action when a vehicle ahead of us turned at the last minute, which prompted the XUV700 to alert us of an imminent collision. Had we not braked immediately, the car would have stepped in milliseconds later.

Despite the many advances that the XUV700 incorporates, there were a couple of niggles that blotted its copybook. We encountered an electronic error on the fuel trip computer – it simply would not display a distance-to-empty figure, so we had to estimate a range based on consumption and tank size.

Secondly, the infotainment screen would lag upon start-up and, on a few occasions, it remained off until the vehicle was switched off and back on again. The digital dashboard also refused to boot up once, but nothing a quick off/on couldn’t resolve. We hope that a software update will root out these tech gremlins.

Other gripes concerned the infotainment system’s user experience – its interface requires a bit of familiarisation (it’s not what we’d call user-friendly). Also, the rearview mirror vibrated constantly – even on the smoothest roads – and we reckon that could be fixed by the installation of a sturdier mounting.

The evidence in its favour is overwhelming – the XUV700 is a massive step up for Mahindra; it brings new levels of build quality, refinement and comfort to the brand. The timing’s good too, because many consumers are switching from established brands (that are now priced beyond the reach of the average buyer) to up-and-coming brands that offer “more car, for less money”. Haval and Chery are 2 examples!

If the pre-order success is anything to go by (over 1 100 units of the XUV700 had been reserved by the end of December 2022), Mahindra has got a winner on its hands. If you want something that’s a bit more off-road-biased, the XUV700’s more outdoorsy Scorpio-N brother will be launched quite soon…

As of January 2023, the Mahindra XUV700 is priced from R474 999, with the flagship model going to R559 999.

Mahindra XUV700 specs and pricing

Browse through Mahindra units for sale in South Africa here

Further Reading

Mahindra Scorpio-N Detailed

Mahindra XUV300 Announced

Having contributed to multiple motoring titles as well helping run the public relations machine of the Johannesburg International Motor Show, Dave has experience in both sides of the motoring industry. He's based in the Western Cape and has driven & photographed too many cars... he's still trying to remember them all.

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Mahindra XUV700 Review: The Slingshot XUV!

We get our first taste of the Mahindra XUV700 AX7 at the carmaker’s state-of-the-art testing facility

Words: Neeraj Padmakumar

Mahindra has launched the XUV 700 in India, leaving the entire industry awestruck with the price tags . We put this SUV to rigorous testing at the MSPT , the proving ground where it was originally tested and crafted to perfection. I got to drive three different variants of the vehicle here- XUV 700 AX7 diesel, AX7 petrol, and a really short stint with an AWD-equipped variant which could be based on the AX7. Here are all your answers.

What Is It?

Mahindra XUV 700 slots in as the modern-day replacement for the XUV 500, one of the hugely popular nameplates from the manufacturer. It has quite a number of things that essentially give it an upper hand over the aged predecessor. There are two different trim series for the XUV 700, which further draws it closer to the XUV 500 territory in terms of pricing and kit-levels. Mahindra has given the XUV 700 absolutely disruptive pricing, more of which could be found in our previous story. The prices of just the AX3 and AX5 are known yet. However, it was the fully loaded AX7 that we put to test at the M&M proving ground.

Mahindra XUV700 is underpinned by an all-new monocoque platform. The vehicle measures 4695 mm in length, 1890 mm in breadth, 1755 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2750 mm. While the width remains the same as that of the XUV 500, the new vehicle is 110mm longer than its predecessor with 50 mm hike in the wheelbase as well. It however stands 30mm shorter than the 500. Mahindra has not revealed the exact ground clearance of XUV 700. From my rendezvous with the car, I can easily assure you that it has a ground clearance quite befitting for an SUV (Forget figures for now!).

The bumpers and overhangs have been designed keeping terrain-handling in mind. The XUV 700 has approach, departure, and ramp over angles of 22.6, 24, and 20.7 degrees respectively. These proved to be quite confidence-inspiring and usable on the simulated off-road track at MSPT.

The XUV700 gets a contemporary design that clearly depicts its rich lineage. The Mahindra design team has been successful in drawing it close to the popular XUV 500 in terms of the root level design, even while infusing massive waves of post-modern aesthetics and hi-fi styling into the overall shape. This deserves immense appreciation as not doing so would have made this vehicle an ‘absolute stranger’ to most prospective customers.

Mahindra wanted this SUV to have a ‘sharply focussed design’. They made it a point to stick to this all the way from the early sketches to the final product. The XUV 700 has some major design highlights to flaunt, including a few segment-firsts. The fascia looks quite sci-fi and action-ready with the clear-view LED headlamps, long C shaped DRLs, large Mahindra signature 6 slat/ 7 slot grille which houses the brand’s all-new visual identity (The XUV 700 is the first vehicle to get the new logo ), and a handsome bumper that neatly houses the LED fog lamps and cornering lamps.

The silhouette resembles that of the XUV 500 in a few areas of design and deviates sharply in the others. The key highlight here is the ‘Smart Door Handles’ that pop out from the SUV’s brawn only when it is unlocked. You guessed it right- this is similar to what we have seen on the Land Rover Velar, new Disco Sport, and the Evoque (Porsches, Lamborghinis and the list goes on!). Obviously, packing these into a sub- 30 lakh car demands some compromising reworks. The XUV 700’s smart door handles are quite fancy, but demand you to use a ‘press’ as a trigger instead of the ‘touch’ you have been used to, on the high-end cars- Quite forgivable an offense going by the segment that this vehicle falls into. In addition to the visual flair, these handles also contribute to the overall aerodynamics of the car. The XUV 700 gets 18-inch (R18) alloy wheels shod with 235/60 rubber.

The rear design is quite eye-pleasing. Our test car in a magnificent shade of Blue looked quite handsome from the rear, Mahindra seems to have nailed the tailgate design, which by the way is made of plastic! The manufacturer claims that using plastic for building the tailgate has had no impact on the structural rigidity, but has instead reduced the overall weight by quite a few kilos. Going by the construction of this chassis, it is hard to disbelieve this ‘no safety-loss’ claim. The arrowhead LED tail lamps look magnificent too. Interestingly there are no ‘faux exhaust tips on the rear bumper’, as is the current trend, which I personally feel to be something laudable.

Talking design, one should definitely take note of how well the new logo looks in flesh. The chrome 3D logo sits majestically on a gloss Black surface at the front and rear of the XUV 700 and directly on the alloy wheels. The glossy Black background does a great job in projecting its layers and the designer’s creative soul the way they deserve to be, under most lighting conditions. (I am desperately waiting to see this on the Thar.)

The XUV 700’s cabin looks tempting and future-ready. It is as plush as it seems to be. There is generous use of soft-touch materials, high-quality leatherette and classy trims and finishes inside the cabin. The dashboard and screens get a clean tile layout which Mahindra claims to have been inspired by outer space. The displays use colors that infuse a deep sci-fi feel in the beholder.

The seats get premium leatherette upholsteries which feel quite nice to be on. Considering these, I do believe that many might miss ‘ventilated seats’ in this car during the Indian summers. The car, however, has dual-zone climate control with a dedicated ‘MAX AC’ button to keep things under control. The D-styled steering wheel is leather-wrapped and so is the gear knob.

XUV 700 comes with the largest-in-class panoramic sunroof, which the manufacturer calls ‘Skyroof’. While this might sound (and is) fancy, the humongous size of this glass roof makes the entire cabin very pleasant and airy. It even has its impact on the third row! The Skyroof can be operated via voice commands and a dedicated switch on the steering wheel, and gets an anti-pinch function as well.

Seating And Comfort

The driver seat is motorized and gets three different memory functions. The front seats offer high levels of comfort with their design and cushioning. The second row gets a 40:60 split-bench with comfortable cushioning and recline function. The headroom is decent despite the panoramic sunroof, and the leg and knee rooms are good as well. There is also a clone of ‘Boss mode’ which allows the second-row occupant to easily adjust the co-driver seat to his/her comfort. The third row, however, does not feel the best in the segment. The leg and knee rooms here are hardly adequate for 6-feet adults and the thigh support too is on the lower side. However, the XUV 700 does offer more room and comfort on the third row than its predecessor. The last benchers also get air vents and a couple of storage spaces. With all three rows in use, there is not much boot space on offer. Should you be ok to have the third row folded, the vehicle would comfortably accommodate your airport baggage!

The vehicle is available in both the 5 and 7 seater configurations, of which the former sounds more appealing to me ( purely personal opinion though).

XUV 700 could be called the most feature-packed Mahindra of recent times. It comes with a lot of kit, including many segment-firsts. The cockpit technology is the show stopper here- meet ADRENOX. The ‘X’ in its name apparently stands for the ‘X-factor’, something that this system is all about!

The ADRENOX is a cockpit engine that has a highly polished user interface. It gets two large 10.25-inch displays as its heart and soul- one as the infotainment touchscreen, and the second as a digital instrument cluster with a magnificent UX design. Both these display units are seamlessly integrated into a single free-standing unit, which could remind you of some modern-day Mercs at times. The overall design and layout of these are very aesthetic and equally ergonomic.

These display units are manufactured by Visteon and stand out from the others on sale currently for their technological supremacy. These units get a layer of what they call ‘LOCA’ (Liquid Optically Clear Adhesive) in them. This fluid replaces the layer of air between the touchscreen (the actual outer sheet of glass where you touch) and the actual display unit and minimizes the compromise in image quality caused due to refraction. Thus, you get to experience rich, clear images and videos at all times. This technology essentially bumps up the visibility in sunlight and overall image vibrance by fair amounts and reduces reflection. On a more practical note, I found this instrumentation display to be more ‘all-day usable’ than those of some of the rivals. It goes easy on the eyes and straight into them!

The other features onboard the XUV 700 include dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, air purifier, electronic parking brake, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), blindspot detection, 360 camera, etc.

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Best In Class Infotainment And Audio

The infotainment touchscreen offers good touch response and a handsome interface. It gets everything from wireless Apple Carplay/ Android Auto and Alexa integration to connected car tech. The central tunnel also gets a dedicated 4-way joystick control for the infotainment system ( ‘which looks quite similar to the BMW i-Drive’, if I am to describe it a bit too poetically) The audio system on this car is undoubtedly the best in its class. XUV 700 gets Sony’s immersive 3D sound system with 12 speakers (including a subwoofer and 445 Watts Amplifier)

Sony has custom-made the speakers for this vehicle and it is the first time that the consumer electronics giant is doing so for an Indian carmaker. The audio system uses Sony’s patented ‘Sound Building Blocks’ technology to create various spatial sound conditions inside the car. On a more exciting note, this system can convert any stereo soundtrack into 3D audio, meaning you can even stream the radio in 3D, thanks to the 5.1 channel sound reproduction system.

The car lets you choose from a set of 3 different sound fields and further fine-tune the size of the same. The actual impact of this system is phenomenal. Imagine watching a movie in this (which is something that the infotainment here would let you do) and you will feel no different from being in a theatre.

This audio system gets the DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) as well, which converts even compressed audio formats ( mp3, AAC, WMA, mp4 etc) into high-quality audio. There is also Sound Dependent Audio and EQ Control (SDVC) to beef up things further.

Specifications: Platform, Engine, Transmission

The XUV 700 is built on an all-new in-house developed monocoque chassis from Mahindra. The design and construction of this architecture have a high focus on safety, dynamics, and occupant comfort. The chassis makes generous use of High Strength Steel and other materials, that actually keep it light even while providing high torsional and bending stiffness and thus better crash-worthiness. The platform’s ring structure also contributes to this and to improving the overall NVH levels. The XUV 700 has the best in class ‘Light Weight Index’ of 3.96.

The XUV 700 gets two engine options to choose from- a 2.0L T GDi turbocharged petrol (essentially an improved version of the m-Stallion) producing 200 hp and 380 Nm, and a 2.2L m Hawk diesel engine capable of churning out 185 hp and up to 450Nm, on the automatic variant (best-in-class-torque figures).

Both these engines can be had with a 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic gearboxes. The petrol produces the same figures with both these boxes. However, the diesel engine has either 155hp/ 360Nm or 185hp/ 420Nm with the manual boxes, and 185 hp and 450Nm with the automatic. It was the diesel automatic that we spent most of our time with.

How Does It Drive?

The diesel engine feels punchy and has a great low-end grunt. You get access to up to 225 Nm at 1000 rpm. The mid-range is quite strong. It is also 70 kilograms lighter than the previous M-Hawk and offers up to 16.8 km/l. But it cannot be called silent by any standards. It is decently loud, especially when played hard. However, the supreme cabin acoustics mean that the occupants remain detached from the distractions caused by the engine growl. (You also miss the turbo whines in the process!)

The 6 AT by (Japanese) AISIN is quite peppy in nature and won’t get you bored with lame shifts. Floor the gas and the transmission would act accordingly. It uses a stiffer torque converter than other ATs in the segment. However, should you wish to go for manual shifts on the AT, the lever is your only option as there are no paddle shifters.

The XUV700 has three different drive modes on offer, which essentially alter the throttle response, gear mapping (on the AT alone), steering response, etc. The preset modes are -Zip, Zap, Zoom (pretty fancy names indeed), where Zoom equals the familiar ‘Sport’ mode, Zap is for the city and Zip is the most-down tuned. Plus, there is also a custom mode that lets you choose your own settings for the above parameters.

0-60 kph comes in quickly, and the vehicle feels very planted at three-digit speeds. I pushed it to 180+ kph on the High-Speed Track and still felt at home! There are no disturbing vertical movements or other dynamic undulations.

In light of the short sorties I had with the petrol-powered XUV 700, the gasoline engine feels much refined, and significantly peppier than the diesel. It gets dual valve technology and has a lightweight construction as well. It uses a new-generation turbocharger and is claimed to be more efficient, delivering 13.5 km per liter. 200 hp feels quite enthusing and there is a usable low-end grunt as well.

The XUV 700 gets a highly reworked suspension setup. The front axle has tougher MacPherson struts while the rear gets an independent multi-link with high degrees of reworks gone into it, something which Mahindra calls ‘Controlled Blade’ suspension. The new XUV’s suspension comes with a revolutionary technology called ‘Frequency Selective Damping’, which improves both the handling and ride quality alike. It provides a planted ride in corners and on the highways even while providing a comfortable ride on rough patches These dampers now use tougher bearings and have an FSD valve as their heart. . Think of this as the best form of mechanical suspension available. Better still would be just air suspension and electronic dampers!

Corner-manners of this vehicle are incredible. I could push the XUV 700 into banked corners of the high-speed test track, at speeds north of 120 kph with ease. The vehicle felt very planted and comfortable. Owing to the high ride height, there sure is some body roll, but the vehicle stays in control at most times. The tyres also offer commendable grip. The electronic power steering feels connected and responsive, thanks to the bigger motor. It feels light as a feather at low speeds but proactively puts up weight with speed and offers more connection with the roads.

ADAS- Level 2 Autonomous Driving

Mahindra XUV 700 comes with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System), something which we had first seen on the MG Gloster . While the Gloster had Level 1 autonomous driving, the XUV gets Level 2, meaning the car gets steering assist (though highly controlled) as well. The vehicle uses a camera unit and radar to detect obstacles in front and adapt its speed and direction accordingly. The system offers functions like Forward Collision Warning, Auto Emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, Smart Pilot Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic signal Assist ( which detects speed limit warning and adapts to it automatically), and high beam assistance.

The ADAS on the SUV 700 is sourced from the Korean supplier Mando. This system feels more suited for the Indian traffic scenario than the one we had seen previously on the Gloster. Everything from the detection and the way the vehicle reacts to the situation seems to be fine-tuned for the Indian roads.

The XUV 700’s overall structure feels quite crash-worthy. Plus, there are other safety equipment on offer like 7 airbags (including driver knee airbag and a rear curtain airbag that extends till the last row), ABS, ESP, driver drowsiness detection, 4 disc brakes etc.

Price And Rivals

The XUV 700 is placed into a highly competitive segment. It would face its major competition from the Tata Harrier/ Safari , MG Hector/Hector Plus , Kia Seltos , and Hyundai Creta/ Alcazar . The prices of the base MX and lower AX variants are highly aggressive. It is undoubtedly the most tech-packed and best-driving vehicle in its segment, at the moment, and the one with the most affordable entry-spec variants. With the Alturas out of business, it does have additional pressure on its shoulders for being the worthy flagship for the brand and that of being the forerunner of the future Mahindra lineup. From what we have come to know yet, there is no reason to complain so far. We also know that more variants and more colors are coming, the prices of which would obviously be higher. Let’s just hope they don’t shoot too high.

Contributing Photographer (s): Basil

Neeraj Padmakumar

Neeraj is a seasoned automotive journalist with over 8 years of experience writing about cars, bikes, EVs, and industry stories. He has worked with many publications in the past and is currently the lead writer and publisher at Vroom Head. Neeraj is passionate about all things automotive and loves sharing his knowledge and insights with readers. His work is known for being deep, informative, engaging, and up-to-date.

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2024 Mahindra XUV700 first drive review

When the Mahindra XUV700 was launched in 2021, it signalled a new era for Mahindra. It was the first vehicle to wear their new twin-peaks logo – a statement of intent from Mahindra to show the world that it was ready to go toe to toe with the big guns. It had powerful petrol and diesel power plants, a robust monocoque, optional all-wheel-drive, and it got ADAS – a first for an Indian automaker. But the competition doesn't stand still. Tata Motors steadily upgraded the Safari and Harrier , culminating in the thoroughly refreshed models launched last year. And Toyota threw a wrench in the works with the all-new Innova Hycross . Mahindra has now responded by giving the XUV700 a minor mid-cycle refresh. Is it still the segment benchmark? Let's find out.

2024 Mahindra XUV700 styling

It would be unfair to call this update a facelift because, on the face of it, nothing has changed. The 2024 Mahindra XUV700 is now available in a new Napoli black paint scheme on all variants, while the top AX7 and AX7L can be had with a stealthy all-black theme. This encompasses gloss black roof rails, a black grille, and black 18-inch wheels. Together with the Napoli black paint job, this all-black theme looks decidedly more menacing than the regular XUV700.

If colour is more your thing, then all the other shades previously available on the XUV700 can now be paired with a Napoli black roof for a dual-tone theme. The rest of the XUV700's exterior remains unaltered. It continues to feature impressive LED headlamps and taillamps with sequential turn indicators, along with its distinctive smart door handles, which I must admit are growing on me.

2024 Mahindra XUV700 interior and equipment

The biggest change to the 2024 Mahindra XUV700 is the addition of captain's chairs in the middle row of the top AX7 and AX7L variants. Seating capacity goes from seven to six, but the enhanced comfort of the middle row more than makes up for it. The captains chairs are nearly identical to the front seats and are armchair comfortable, offering impressive bolstering, under-thigh support, and even individual armrests.

Front passengers are now treated to ventilated front seats; however, activating them requires one to dive into the infotainment screen, as no dedicated button has been added. The seat memory function has also been updated to now incorporate the outside rear view mirror position. In terms of aesthetics, the air vents and console bezel are now finished in dark chrome, while the seats and door panels continue to be trimmed in white leatherette, providing a nice contrast to the dark exterior.

On the tech front, Mahindra’s Adrenox suite is now capable of over the air updates and now boasts 13 additional features for a grand total of 83 connected car features. The new features include service reminders, alerts for low batteries, and brake pad wear, among other critical malfunction alerts, which are meant to mitigate the risk of failures and improve reliability. Additionally, the new M lens function allows drivers to scan symbols on buttons and telltale lights to find out what they mean.

The XUV700 also retains its impressive array of safety features, including seven airbags, ABS, ESP, driver drowsiness detection, and a robust monocoque that earned it a five-star G-NCAP rating. Add to this the suite of ADAS features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep assist, and you have one of the safest cars in the country.

2024 Mahindra XUV700 engine and drivetrain

The 2024 Mahindra XUV700 continues to be powered by either the 2.2-litre turbo diesel or the 2-litre turbo petrol. The turbo diesel is available in two power outputs: the base model gets 153bhp and 360Nm, while the higher variants get 182bhp and 420Nm with the manual and 450Nm when mated to the automatic. The petrol variant we had on test produces 197bhp and 380Nm of torque and can be mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.

The petrol engine is just as refined and powerful as before, with plenty of bottom-end grunt to haul this three-row SUV to 100kmph in under ten seconds. The engine also stays refined and smooth all the way to the redline. The ratios on the six-speed automatic are also well matched to the torque of the engine, and it is rarely left hunting for gears.

2024 Mahindra XUV700 ride and handling

In addition to safety, the other upside of the Mahindra XUV700's high torsional rigidity is its impressive handling. For our test, we headed to some wonderful winding roads around Tamhini Ghat, and the XUV700 didn't disappoint. Body roll is present but well controlled, and the 235-section tyres generate a respectable amount of grip. The steering is light and reasonably precise; however, it does not transmit any substantial feedback on what the front tyres are up to.

The ride quality is similarly impressive, and the XUV700 soaks up the rough stuff with aplomb. The suspension is particularly adept at soaking up the expansion joints on our motorways, which, when combined with its effortless performance, results in a first-rate mile muncher.

2024 Mahindra XUV700 verdict

The 2024 Mahindra XUV700 is an incremental improvement on what was already a very impressive car. While the competition has caught up, the XUV700 is still a well-rounded package that comes in both petrol and diesel guise and with optional AWD. Ex-showroom prices for the 2024 Mahindra XUV700 range from Rs 13.99 lakh to Rs 26.99 lakh for the AX7 diesel AWD with all the bells and whistles. The question of whether or not it can take on the updated Tata Safari will require a full comparison test, but thankfully, you won't have to wait too long for that. Stay tuned!

Related Stories

Mahindra XUV700 User Reviews

Looking for Mahindra XUV700? Here are the reviews and ratings by XUV700 owners from across the country.

764 Ratings

Select Your Variant

• All Versions

AX 7 Luxury Pack Diesel AT AWD 7 STR

• Ratings 4.9

MX Petrol MT 5 STR

AX 7 Luxury Pack Petrol AT 7 STR

• Ratings 4.8

AX 5 Diesel MT 7 STR

• Ratings 4.3

AX 5 Petrol MT 7 STR

AX 7 Luxury Pack Diesel MT 6 STR

MX Petrol MT 7 STR

• Ratings 5.0

AX 5 Diesel MT 5 STR

• Ratings 3.7

AX 7 Diesel AT 7 STR

AX 7 Luxury Pack Diesel 7 STR Blaze Editon AT

• Ratings 4.5

AX 7 Petrol AT 6 STR

AX 7 Luxury Pack Diesel AT 6 STR

AX 7 Luxury Pack Petrol AT 6 STR

AX 7 Diesel MT 7 STR

AX 7 Luxury Pack Diesel AT 7 STR

• Ratings 3.0

MX Diesel MT 5 STR

AX 3 Petrol MT 5 STR (ESP)

AX 5 Petrol MT 5 STR (ESP)

AX 5 Petrol AT 5 STR

AX 7 Petrol MT 7 STR

AX 5 Petrol MT 5 STR

AX 5 Diesel AT 5 STR

AX 7 Diesel AT 6 STR

AX 3 Diesel AT 5 STR

AX 5 Diesel AT 7 STR

AX 3 Diesel MT 5 STR

MX Diesel MT 5 STR (ESP)

• Ratings 4.0

AX 5 Petrol MT 7 STR (ESP)

MX Diesel MT 7 STR (ESP)

AX5 Select Diesel MT 7 STR

MX Diesel MT 7 STR

AX5 Select Petrol MT 7 STR

AX 3 Petrol AT 5 STR

AX 7 Diesel MT 6 STR

AX 7 Luxury Pack Petrol 7 STR Blaze Editon AT

MX Petrol MT 5 STR [2021]

AX 7 Diesel AT AWD Luxury Pack 7 STR [2021]

• Ratings 4.7

AX 7 Diesel AT Luxury Pack 7 STR [2021]

• Ratings 4.4

MX Diesel MT 5 STR [2021]

AX 7 Diesel AT 7 STR [2021]

AX 7 Luxury Pack Diesel AT AWD 7 STR [2023-2024]

AX 7 Diesel MT Luxury Pack 7 STR [2021]

• Ratings 4.6

AX 7 Petrol AT Luxury Pack 7 STR [2021]

AX 7 Diesel MT 7 STR [2021]

AX 7 Petrol MT 7 STR [2021]

MX Petrol MT 5 STR [2023-2024]

AX 5 Diesel MT 5 STR [2021]

• Ratings 3.5

AX 5 Diesel MT 7 STR [2021]

• Ratings 4.2

AX 5 Petrol MT 5 STR [2021]

AX 7 Petrol AT 7 STR [2021]

AX 7 Luxury Pack Diesel AT 7 STR [2023-2024]

AX 7 Luxury Pack Diesel MT 7 STR [2023-2024]

AX 7 Diesel AT AWD 7 STR [2021]

AX 3 Diesel MT 7 STR [2021]

AX 5 Petrol MT 7 STR [2021]

AX 3 Diesel MT 5 STR [2021]

AX 3 Petrol MT 5 STR [2021]

AX 3 Petrol AT 5 STR [2021]

AX 5 Petrol AT 5 STR [2023-2024]

AX 7 Petrol MT 7 STR [2023-2024]

MX Diesel MT 5 STR [2023-2024]

AX 7 Diesel AT AWD 7 STR [2023-2024]

AX 5 Petrol AT 5 STR [2021]

• Ratings 3.3

AX 7 Diesel MT 7 STR [2023-2024]

AX 5 Petrol MT 5 STR [2023-2024]

AX 5 Diesel AT 5 STR [2023-2024]

AX 7 Luxury Pack Petrol AT 7 STR [2023-2024]

MX Diesel MT 5 STR (ESP) [2023-2024]

MX Petrol MT 5 STR (ESP) [2023-2024]

AX 7 Petrol AT 7 STR [2023-2024]

AX 5 Diesel AT 7 STR [2021]

AX 3 Diesel MT 7 STR (E) [2023]

AX 3 Diesel AT 5 STR [2021]

AX 7 Diesel AT 7 STR [2023-2024]

AX 5 Diesel MT 5 STR [2023-2024]

AX 5 Diesel AT 7 STR [2023-2024]

AX 3 Diesel AT 5 STR [2023-2024]

AX 5 Diesel AT 5 STR [2021]

MX Petrol MT 5 STR (E) [2023]

AX 3 Petrol MT 5 STR [2023-2024]

AX 3 Diesel MT 7 STR [2023-2024]

AX 5 Diesel MT 7 STR [2023-2024]

AX 5 Petrol MT 5 STR (E) [2023]

AX 3 Petrol AT 5 STR [2023-2024]

AX 5 Petrol MT 7 STR [2023-2024]

AX 3 Diesel MT 7 STR (ESP) [2023-2024]

AX 3 Diesel MT 5 STR [2023-2024]

AX 5 Petrol MT 7 STR (E) [2023]

AX 5 Petrol MT 5 STR (ESP) [2023-2024]

Categories  ( out of 5 )

• 4.7 Exterior
• 4.7 Comfort
• 4.7 Performance
• 4.2 Fuel Economy
• 4.6 Value for Money

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• Planning To Buy A Mahindra XUV700? Here Are Pros And Cons

By Shubham Parashar

1 mins read

Published on October 19, 2021

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• The Mahindra XUV700 is the new flagship model in the carmaker's line-up.
• It is offered in both diesel and petrol iteration with MT and AT variants
• It gets the AWD system only in the range-topping diesel automatic variant

The Mahindra XUV700 was launched in India last month and prices for the base MX variant start at Rs. 11.99 lakh while the range-topping Mahindra XUV700 AX7 has been priced at Rs. 17.59 lakh for the petrol manual variant, going up to Rs. 19.79 lakh for the top-of-the-line AX7 diesel automatic trim. However, the luxury pack variant for the AX7 manual variant is priced at Rs. 19.99 lakh and the for the AX7 automatic trim is priced at Rs. 20.99 lakh for the petrol and Rs. 21.59 lakh for the diesel variant. The fully loaded AWD AX7 Automatic luxury trim is priced at Rs. 22.89 lakh. The new Mahindra XUV700 rivals the likes of the Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus and Hyundai Alcazar among others.

Also Read:   Exclusive: Mahindra XUV700 MX Entry Variant Review

• Bigger Dimensions: The Mahindra XUV700 is built on a new W601 monocoque platform and will be larger than the exiting XUV500 in every aspect. In terms of dimensions, the new SUV measures 4695 mm in length, 1890 mm in width, and 1755 mm in height. So, compared to the XUV500 it's 110 mm longer but 30 mm shorter, while the width remains unchanged. The XUV700's wheelbase is also 50 mm longer at 2750 mm.

The front seats and comfy and offer good support lack ventilation while the addition of a Head-up Display would've been seamless in this tech-friendly cabin.

• Feature Rich Cabin: On the inside, it gets a very well-laid-out and premium cabin with larger comfortable seats, premium upholstery, and a host of smart features. It features Alexa support and a fully connected car technology called Adrenox, which comes with voice command to access various in-car functions. Other premium feature also included a Sony-powered 12-speakers 3D surround sound system, six-way power adjustable seats with memory and welcome function and panoramic sunroof are only limited to the top-end variants. The range-topping trims also get three pre-set drive modes - Zip, Zap, and Zoom, along with a Custom setting. The XUV700 will come with a well-laid-out cabin offered in both 5- and 7-seater options. The base MX Series models of the XUV700 come with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 7-inch instrument cluster, android auto, steering mounted switches, and Day & Night IRVM. The AX series models come with HD dual-display units with two 10.25-inch screens for infotainment and instrumentation, ventilated seats Amazon Alexa Built-In, Wireless Android Auto and Apple Car Play, wireless charging and AdrenoX Connect with 60+ Connected features. Features like the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) technology will be limited to the range-topping AX7 variants.
• Engine options: Mahindra is offering the new XUV700 with both the petrol and diesel engine options. The Mahindra XUV700 petrol version gets a 2.0-litre mStallion turbocharged petrol engine that is tuned to make 197 bhp at 5000 rpm and develops a peak torque of 380 Nm at 1750 to 3000 rpm. The engine comes mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic torque converter gearbox. The diesel variants get a 2.2-litre, four-cylinder mHawk oil burner that is offered in three states of tune. For base variants it is tuned to churn out 153 bhp at 3750 rpm and 360 Nm at 1500 to 2800 rpm, while is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. There's a more powerful option as well which makes 182 bhp at 3500 rpm and this version is offered with the option of both - a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic torque. While the former offers a peak torque of 420 Nm at 1600 to 2800 rpm, the automatic option with the optional All-Wheel Drive (AWD) transfer case develops 450 Nm at 1750 to 2800 rpm.
• Safety Features: The SUV is also high on safety with features like front, side and curtain airbags, 360-degree camera, ISOFIX seat mounts, hill hold/descent function and electronic parking brake and Dynamic Stability Program (DSP) among others.
• Lower Variants Only Five-Seater: Mahindra is offering the XUV700 with the seven-seater option only on the range-topping seven-seater variant. Lower variants are offered only as five seater.

Power Output of the Mahindra XUV700 MX series is comparitively lower.

• No Automatic In Base MX Variant: The base variant of the Mahindra XUV700 does get both petrol and diesel engine options but both engines are mated to a six-speed manual transmission as standard. Automatic transmission isn't available even as an optional offering.
• Low Power Output In Base MX Diesel Variant- For base variants, the 2.2-litre, four-cylinder diesel variant is tuned to churn out 153 bhp at 3750 rpm and 360 Nm at 1500 to 2800 rpm, while is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox as standard.
• No Petrol AWD options on offer- The petrol variants of the Mahindra XUV700 doesn't get the all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Customers can opt for the AWD system only in the AX7 diesel variants.

Last Updated on October 19, 2021

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Mahindra XUV700 Owner Review, Hits, Misses, Good, Bad & Ugly

Even for a non-aggressive driver, the XUV700 delivers a fuel efficiency figure of around 10 km/l.

BHPian Mudhalaipatti recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Pre Car Buying

Some old-timers may recollect me as the owner of a Red XUV5OO from a long time ago. My ownership experience was short-lived as I had to fly off to a far off land for almost a decade. This pandemic was already shifting some of my priorities, when a personal encounter with Mr COVID and life flashing before my eyes, made me realize that I should donate at least 20L to an Indian Car Manufacturer.

The 7 seater options are rather limited. Innova is dull and boring and overpriced. I didn't even test drive it. The safari, while packaged neatly somehow didn't win my heart. Can't pinpoint as to what. Perhaps It didn't have that wow factor as the XUV7OO did. Next is the MG Hector Plus. I didn't quite like the handling of this one. Also, the missing features in a 7 seater was a deal-breaker. The 6-seater top variant is a joke, especially for the last row passengers. heheh and then the Ertiga. I can think of a nasty analogy for Ertiga being on this list, but then the mods would ban me for a lifetime and then for 7 more lives.

I already had a soft corner for Mahindra (from the earlier XUV5OO romance) and the announcement of the 5OO offspring and that too at the right time galvanized the choice. I wasn't very impressed with the front design. But then I'm growing older and at least the car should look wiser. That's what the better half commented.

When the variants were announced, I was ready to drop Mahindra from the list altogether. I felt cheated. There's a difference between "starting at 12L" and "you get 4 wheels and an engine at 12L". I know, I know, I'm being a little harsh. I'm still yet to come to terms with the whole product packaging/variants.

I wanted to book the AX7 L variant. But then the wise souls of this forum warned of production priorities for Mahindra and that AX7 L apparently wouldn't land before Musk lands on Mars. So rather grudgingly had to settle down for an AX7 Manual Petrol. (The real reason - Approval denied by the almighty for an extra 2L for some gimmicks)

I was in a hurry and petrol variants were the ones to roll out of the Mahindra Factory first. After years behind an automatic, I was itching to get back to "driving" and so manual was a no brainer. No other considerations went into choosing XUV7OO AX7 Manual Petrol. A 7 seater was always the preferred one.

Booked the vehicle on 7-Oct with the dealer and then the circus began. I'll not rant about delivery schedule announcements, as enough has been said already. And wouldn't pile on folks-in-waiting's misery.

Poor sales guys at Mahindra dealership, who were kept in the blind throughout the process. Mahindra if you want to direct sell your vehicles, just like Tesla. Do it. Rather than this one leg in one soup scenario. I'll elaborate on why I feel strongly about this in the coming sections when I talk about the niggles and issues faced.

Now the clock is ticking and between haggling with OLA drivers (trust me on this. I had to haggle the price with OLA auto/cars every time. Will talk about this on a gloomy day) and driving a motorcycle in monsoon rains, my patience was wearing thin. After a nasty rain ride, one day and with no news of a delivery schedule went ahead and booked an Ertiga CNG with an Rs 11K booking amount.

An hour later, after I reach home, the dealer calls me up and utters the magic words. "Your car has been allocated". After a few back and forth, the dealer suggested the 8th Nov delivery date, while I wanted it sooner. The vehicle arrived at the dealer yard on 28-Oct. I went in for a PDI on 29-Oct and there was a soft delivery of the vehicle on 1-Nov. i.e a nice photo op with fireworks, cake cutting and a bit of over the top deco. And then the Deepavali mood set in and nothing moved. The vehicle was sent for RTPO registration on 8-Nov and finally got to drive home the beauty on the evening of 8th .

Pricing and Discounts

XUV7OO and Discounts don't go well in one sentence. It's premium pricing galore.

Vehicle cost is Rs 17.59 lakh

Insurance: First I was quoted an insane 1L insurance, which after haggling brought it down to Rs 72,805. Insurance apparently is through Mahindra and the service provider is Chola MS.

Any idea how good or bad their servicing is? Here is the final insurance doc. Also how to get a full policy document that details the inclusions and exclusions. The call to customer care was not very helpful, as they asked me to use the mParivahan app and that app doesn't load the policy details after multiple tries.

The next accessories amount to 25K. No negotiation on this. Interestingly didn't like many of the accessories that Mahindra had on their site. The site looked incomplete and half baked. Hope they improve the offering in the coming weeks and months. Btw I picked only 7D floor mats (The review of this will be out shortly), Illuminated Scuff Plates, Sunshades, Car Cover and Mud Flaps. Only the floor mats were installed and others are in transit. When I go to fix the number plate, I'll fix the rest. Apparently, to fix the mudflaps, you have to take out the wheels. I declined the side steps and the back crash bar and of course the jarring chrome package. I was heavily "encouraged" to go with all the accessories, which I enthusiastically declined. Now the pricing for the accessories as per the site.

XUV700 Sun Shades (Set of 4 Pcs) for All Variants - ₹1,710.00

XUV700 Sporty Black & Blue Body Cover for All - ₹2,300.00

XUV700 Front and Rear Mud Flap Kit (Set of 4) - ₹600.00

Illuminated Scuff Plates & 7D Floor Mats- I was not provided with the price for these and it is also not available on the site. Excluding these, the cost of accessories comes to 4610 and I expect to pay a total of around 7000. I was told that the dealers would raise a refund request and it would take a month to get the remaining amount from Mahindra. Let's see. Mahindra, why not allow us to choose what we want and pay for what we want!

And the Final Invoice is below.

Oh did I say anything about the day 1 niggle. That deserves a separate section. Read on.

But first, some more photos before the rains came down.

Having driven this for more than a week, here is the good, bad, ugly list

Welcome Gesture: The fact that the seat moves out of the way when you are hoping in and moves back to your pre-set position once you are seated, is absolutely my top favourite. Makes ingress and exit so much knee cap friendly.

Startup Animation: Man, you have to see it to be amazed. The cool dashboard animation at startup is neat. I love it. This whole screen feels so awesome.

Screen Dimming at night: Another thoughtful gesture, where the middle infotainment system goes dim and almost blacks out with just the Mahindra logo, is cool. Doesn't disturb the sleeping driver :-)

Touch screen response: The fact that there are so many configurable items, like the sound of your turn indicator, sound staging etc, There was a lot of cool features already. I hope Mahindra can keep updating this, so we get new features every now and then. Did I already hear a request to add the Fart Horn? You silly folks.

The hat this screen wears is so thoughtful. Avoids most of the glare during daytime. There has not been a bright day so far and so can't really comment on those super bright days. But it looks to hold up just fine.

Nice Touches here and there: Silver lining or rather chrome lining to the roof lamps

The navigation maps open up on the main screen. This can be enlarged to a full screen , which is kind of cool and less distracting to look at another screen.

The cabin lamps now become reading lamps. Fantastic design. In my 5OO, the whole cabin will light up, sometimes blinding me, when switched off. My eyes would take a few seconds to adjust. Not anymore. These lights are angled, so it shines light only on the steering wheel for the driver and for the passenger, just on their lap, shielding our eyes from the bright light.

The bottle holder in the door is angled and it makes it easy to take out and put it back.

The cabin is super quiet with the engine running and on highways. So quiet that I can barely hear the horn when the music is playing. Nice soundproofing all around. Check out the foam padding on the engine cover . Nice touch.

Also, the Floor Carpet is heavily padded and I guess it helps in filtering out the road noise to a great degree. Heck, even the windshield is certified "acoustic" something. Will the damn rains let up, for me to take some pics !!

Sound Staging - You are able to choose where the sound comes from . Do not know how often we will use this on a daily basis. But it's nice to show off to kids. If I'm driving alone, I might choose a different setting. This is where the AX7 L Sony speakers would excel. This setup is not bad, but it's nowhere near the Sony speakers.

Between the 3 display options (Normal, Minimum and Info) for the main dash, I like the Info setup. It gives a nice suggestion to upshift or downshift the gear.

The cabin door handles: These are glossy black and within a day of use, I see scratch marks on them. Wonder what those would look like in the long run. A fabric material or anything that is not glossy would have been nice.

Head Rest: All the headrests have just two heights that can be adjusted to, which is annoying. There's only one groove . Why not have multiple grooves which allow for more height adjustments of the headrest.

The "Tesla Door Handles": In broad daylight when you don't have to search for the handles this thing works just ok. Albeit this is still one input more than needed Step 1 - Locate and push the handle to pop out. Step 2 - Pull the door. However, in the dark, it becomes annoying. Annoying to the core, just to search for the damn door handle. It drove me nuts the first evening and still is to this day. What were you thinking Mahindra !@#$. In a Tesla vehicle (your inspiration), the handle pops out when you walk in. If Mahindra had implemented the automatic door pop out in all versions and not restricted it to the AX 7 L variant, it would have been cool. If Mahindra wanted to separate feature sets across variants, the least they could have done was to have illuminated door handles, when the unlock key is pressed. I don't want to look like a blind man or worse someone "feeling" his own car before fingering it. I'm that mad at his door handle setup.

We all have seen, how stuffy the door handle wells become after a few years. That's one of the most scratched surfaces of the car. Imagine how this car would like scratched and ugly the door handle area would be, without the "well" to hide it.

The reverse camera doesn't come up on random occasions. I haven't been able to establish a pattern in this short timeframe. But this sure is annoying.

As the boot sequence takes a good 30 seconds or so until that loads basic functions like the volume control don’t work.

And btw the full boot sequence happens after a gap. I.e if you stop and start your car within a few minutes, the software doesn’t seem to boot from start. It just comes up quick. But when you start your car after a few mins, you just have to wait till your coffee is cold before starting off.

First Day Niggles

My PDI was mostly cosmetic and mechanical related. I couldn’t test the AdrenoX connected car features as I was told that delivery has to be prepared and that can happen on the day of actual delivery. Having been forewarned of software glitches, I hardly raised an eyebrow when I couldn’t connect to the car when I drove home the vehicle. This was the error message I was getting.

The problem was the SIM in the car was not active and not locking on to a cell signal.

As you can see in this picture, the image was greyed out.

I was hoping to go in after a week or so by which time the software issue may have been fixed.

Surprise, surprise. The next day morning as soon as the sun was out the relationship manager called and was extremely apologetic and mentioned that a fix is available and that if I want I can come in the same day.

I had set aside time for the coming days and weeks for these service visits anyway and so drove down to the service centre, where the 2 odd GB worth of software update was applied and I was able to connect to the car via my phone.

I was told that the Mahindra team was in full strength at the stroke of dawn to get this issue sorted out, including conference calls with the tech teams. I was told that mine is the first vehicle ever to be actually delivered and driven home in TN. Really ?!!! Its hard to believe considering the number of deliveries so far. Anyway must appreciate the earnestness with which the Mahindra team was involved in resolving this issue.

However, would this story end here? Not really. First, the previous software version loaded in under 5 seconds. While this new one took a sweet 30 seconds. I understand that this version might not have gone through the rigours of software testing and performance testing. However, I can live with it for the time being. But 30 second load time is clearly unacceptable.

Update: The very next day, I was told that a fix is ready and this time, the service mechanic and the RM would come to my place to fix the issue. Talk about being proactive eh. Nice. Apparently, it was a cache clearing issue. Not that that fixed the long boot time, I was informed that the system takes that much time to connect and activate all sensors and stuff. That's BS. Hope that future upgrades will address this issue.

The second issue was with maps. Apparently, there was a new maps update as well and that resulted in the GPS module not locking in on the map, which rendered the maps really unusable. Took a few more hours to fix it via software update. This is not OTA update yet. The service centres use the USB stick mode for all these.

By this time, a Mahindra employee had driven down from Coimbatore to speak to me about the overall experience and this niggle in particular. Mahindra is indeed treating this vehicle special. I gave him my feedback on a number of items and hope there are resolutions to these issues.

And now some under the hood pics.

Software Niggles

The ADRENOX app is a little weird. Sometimes it shows that the headlamps are on, while there are not.

I paired my phone once, however, there are two phones listed on the screen. Deleting one, actually deletes both and you sendup with nothing

Even though my phone is paired and the phone phonebook download is complete, I don't get to see the call history, phonebook or any other useful information. I'm given to understand that Mahindra is yet to get certification for Android Auto or Apple Car play and until then some of these may not be working. Really Mahindra !!

Double-tapping the button that has a sort of copy/paste symbol brings up the options menu for the driver side main display. However, on more than one occasion double-tapping, single tapping, triple tapping, Chin tapping didn't work. All it brought out was the almighty's remark 'The chimp is thinking eh ?'.

Some Things to Keep in Mind

Even when you lock the vehicle, having the key nearby will keep the boot door unlocked. It will get automatically locked when you/key moves out roughly 6 feet from the car. Also without pressing the unlock button, with just the keys in hand, the boot door opens up.

When you manually close the OVRMs, it doesn't close flush like 5OO. Very good chance a 2 wheelers nicks it.

Long pressing the unlock button on the key fob, will open the sunroof, driver side window and blow fresh air into the cabin for a few seconds. Nice feature if you want to let off some heat from the car when it had been standing in the sun for a while.

Remotely switching on the vehicle or switching on climate control is disabled in the AX7 variant and is available only in AX7 L *sigh*

I personally find the placement of the door unlocks buttons not so intuitive. This is at the very bottom of the panel and I find it a little challenging to find it and unlock it. With the XUV automatically unlocking when switched off, there are instances where I'm in neutral when I have to dump a body quickly, I can't afford to fumble you see.

There's a good gap between the "luggage area" and the seats (when they are in folded position). If you are planning to stuff luggage in this position, make sure nothing slips through the cracks. It might be a bit challenging to retrieve them.

Unlike the 5OO, this is not a flatbed. There's a small bump in the middle. Barely noticeable, but it is there for the second-row passengers. The price to be paid for lowering the height eh!

XUV7OO is about 10 cm longer than the XUV5OO. And so if you are hoping to reuse your 5OO cover, it might look like your 7OO has no trouser manners.

To get to the last row, you have to fold one seat in the second row. However this folding mechanism works, only and only if you push the lever, fold the seat and tilt it over, all in one smooth motion. If you take a millisecond pause between folding the seat and tilting it, you will not be able to tilt the seat.

If you have enabled StopnGo, when your engine is off in a traffic light, the AC, Entertainment system et works, but not the sky roof. However asking Alexa nicely to open and close will make it work, for those urgent over the top selfies.

Browsing is enabled through the infotainment system. The inbuilt news app is read out by Alexa. Cool feature. I'm told that there's a daily limit of 2GB and the sim is from Vodafone. After the 2 GB or so limit is reached, some of the connected car features may not work as expected. Try not to watch movies. Speaking of movies, if you load up a USB with movies you can watch movies. I'm told that there may be more apps added in the future. Would love to see Apple Car Play at the earliest.

Nice to have software features

By default, the Adrenox App shows a silver colour AX7 L. It would be nice to have the actual colour, in my case, the red coloured car displayed along with the pic of the actual variant. Also some other information like colour, cylinders are empty. Would be nice to have all the relevant information filled out.

The remote car feature allows only the driver side windows to open and close. The provision to open all doors would be nice.

ALARM BELLS - PRIVACY CONCERNS

I knew the car has a lot of connected car features, but the sheer amount of data this thing is collecting and perhaps storing on the cloud is impressive and at the same time scary. I have been searching all manuals, T&C and there's no mention of how secure this data is, i.e is this encrypted, can anyone at Mahindra look at this data. How are they using this information?

We have already seen how AADHAAR is being missed by govt and private parties. Does Mahindra share this wealth of data with anyone? If yes, who and under what conditions. How is my personal data protected?

While I understand that our privacy is already compromised with the use of smartphones, this is taking it to another level. Just look at the amount of data that's collected.

Driving Dynamics

And now the meaty bit. I have driven this vehicle for over 400 km in mixed city and highway conditions. Over dirt roads (i.e state highways) and cratered roads (i.e national highways). And here are my observations.

FE - I wouldn't call myself an aggressive driver, not a sedate driver either and the FE is roughly around 10Km/L. I was advised against filling the tank full for the initial few days. I expect the FE to improve to double digits, somewhere around 15 km/L or at least that's my wish. And I was told this was a direct fuel injection setup which should ideally give better FE. Let's see.

Acceleration - Boy oh boy. The 2 Lt Turbo Charged Engine delivers an awesome adrenaline rush. The joy you get in leaving behind the traffic and never seeing them again is hehe one of the mortal pleasures. However, you would have to tame your habits in city driving.

Braking - Acceleration and Braking should be a good couple. If one is out of balance, you risk your life. Mahindra has done an amazing job a.k.a choosing just the right bite for such a powerful vehicle. But, but, but...be careful. As I mentioned earlier, you don't get to actually see the vehicle accelerating and so the words stuck to OVRMs should in fact be stuck to the windshields. "Objects in front of you, are closer than they appear". Or at least for me, I hard braked on a number of instances before finding a fine balance. In those braking situations, the vehicle stopped/slowed down as per expectations, except that the back row passengers were flung in front. I'm sure most of you will not drive like me/maniac, but be mindful of the power of acceleration and the bite of the brakes. I suggest the second-row passengers wear a seat belt as well, just to avoid them being on your lap when you brake.

Suspension - The independent multi-link frequency selective dampers set up in the rear is interesting. Here is why. On highways or other well-paved roads, you feel like you are actually flying. The suspension is so smooth. The almighty, one more than one instance indicated that she feels like she's cruising.

Now the other extreme, in deep potholed roads, dirt roads, can't-be-called-a-road, the suspension handles it brilliantly. Sure you do feel the potholes, but it's much much more subdued than in a similar vehicle. This is one better than the XUV7OO actually.

Now comes the quirk. Have you come across roads, where there are multiple layers of good tar and after some rains or similar event, there's a pothole on the top tarmac? This is not really a bottomless pit, but the bottom of this pit is another asphalt and the dept of this crater is more than a few CMs. I don't want to risk my life to take a pic of these potholes. Hope you get the picture *Pun Intended*. You may encounter these on National Highways. These pits are the nemesis of the XUV7OO suspension setup. While the suspension handles real craters with ease, these pseudocraters confuse the living hell of the suspension, I think. You think XUV will handle it and go over it and you feel like a hammer dropped on your head. There's this nasty thud, makes you wonder if the wheel hit the wheel well. I get a feeling that the suspension is not really tuned for these outliers. Anyway, what do you do to enthuse situations? Identify the real craters and drive over them, identify these pseudocraters and avoid them like plagues or err real craters.

Handling - This is by far the best I have seen. Enough said.

In summary, taking all of the above into consideration, I would consider XUV7OO to be more of a highway rider than a city rider.

What I thought are features that I could compromise in AX7, are now proving to be troubling.

• Absence of telescoping steering wheel adjustment.
• Automatic Door Handles *Duh*
• Dash Camera and continuous recording - This one is interesting and I'm getting mixed signals. I'm told that the camera on the windshield is used not just to read road signs and to alert on speed limits, it actually records footage. Much like a dashcam. And that the ECU supports up to 32GB of memory card, worth 10 hours of driving videos and its loop recording. However, a number of questions are outstanding - Will the recorded videos be visible in the Gallery App. Will users are able to delete them as needed, do we need to go to the service centre to insert this memory card, is the memory card an option to purchase from Mahindra and can it be installed from the market and lots more. There has not been any clear answer from Mahindra. Hoping to get these cleared out in the coming weeks and months.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

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