Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra has given the XUV700 a new identity, and it is now called the XUV 7XO. Along with the new name comes a series of meaningful updates, including subtle design changes, a far more tech-focused cabin, and several feature upgrades aimed at pushing the SUV further upmarket.

Being a facelift, the changes on the outside are intentionally restrained. While the overall dimensions remain unchanged, several styling updates give the XUV 7XO a fresher and more contemporary look. Up front, it now features a dual-tone grille finished in silver and black. This is flanked by reworked C-shaped DRLs, which are now sleeker and more compact than before. The lower bumper has also been redesigned and houses dual pod fog lamps that now offer a cornering function.

Another notable update is the introduction of new 19-inch alloy wheels, which come wrapped in 255/35 section CEAT tyres. These larger wheels not only enhance the stance but also add to the premium appeal.

From the side, the XUV 7XO remains instantly recognisable as the XUV700. It continues to measure 4,695 mm in length and rides on a 2,750 mm wheelbase. Flush-fitting door handles are retained, but they now pop out automatically as you approach the car with the key.

At the rear, the changes are subtle and largely focused on the tail lamps. They now get revised graphics with a honeycomb pattern for the indicators and reverse lights. The tailgate also features larger XUV 7XO lettering, replacing the earlier XUV700 badge.

In terms of colours, Mahindra has expanded the palette. Buyers can choose from Desert Myst, Ruby Velvet, Nebula Blue, Stealth Black, Galaxy Grey, Everest White, and Midnight Black.

This is where the XUV 7XO sees the biggest transformation. The cabin has been completely redesigned, from the seats and centre console to the screens and switchgear. It now gets a tri colour interior theme with black, cream, and tan shades, used generously across the dashboard, door pads, and upholstery.

More importantly, the cabin feels well built. The plastics feel solid, and the soft touch materials on the dashboard and doors add a noticeable sense of premiumness.

Despite the redesign, interior space remains unchanged. The front seats offer good cushioning and under thigh support, and the addition of memory settings for the driver’s seat and ORVMs adds convenience. The second row continues to be spacious, with enough room to comfortably accommodate three adults, making it suitable for long distance travel.

The third row remains similar to before and is best suited for children or adults on short journeys. That said, occupants do get dedicated AC vents with a blower and cup holders, which improves usability.

Technology is one of the strongest highlights of the XUV 7XO. Right from the base variant, Mahindra now offers a triple screen layout, something typically reserved for higher end models. As you move up the variant range, the feature list only grows stronger.

The infotainment system is now powered by a Snapdragon chipset, and the improvement in responsiveness is immediately noticeable. It feels quicker, smoother, and far more intuitive than before. The addition of ChatGPT integration further enhances the experience and gives the system a future-ready feel.

Rear seat passengers benefit from a 65 watt charging port for fast device charging, while the ambient lighting system is fully customisable. You can choose different colours for the dashboard, front door pads, and the rear section of the cabin.

Other notable features include a 540 degree surround view camera, a 16 speaker Harman Kardon audio system with Dolby Atmos, ventilated seats for both rows, wireless charging, a frameless IRVM, and memory functions for the seats and ORVMs.

Safety continues to be a strong focus. While the XUV700 had already scored a five star rating at Global NCAP, Mahindra claims the XUV 7XO is engineered to achieve a five star rating under Bharat NCAP as well.

To support this, it now gets seven airbags, including a driver knee airbag. The 540 degree camera not only aids parking but also allows the driver to see the surface under the car. Level 2 ADAS continues, but it now comes with a dedicated visual display on the instrument cluster, making the system easier to understand and use.

That said, there are a few areas where execution could have been better. The touch panel housing controls for the camera, hazard lights, and other functions looks premium, but its responsiveness can be inconsistent, sometimes requiring a tap and at other times a firm press, which can be distracting while driving.

There are also no physical buttons for the air conditioning controls. While the system can be accessed via the knob and touchscreen, dedicated buttons would have improved usability. Additionally, while rear seat ventilation has a physical button, the front seat ventilation is buried within the touchscreen menus.

Lastly, the cream coloured A and B pillars with a speckled finish can appear dirty at first glance, even though this is actually a deliberate styling element.

The XUV 7XO continues with the same engine options as before. These include a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine producing 200bhp and 380Nm, and a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine delivering 182bhp with 420Nm in the manual version and 450Nm with the automatic gearbox.

We tested the turbo-petrol paired with the six-speed automatic during our drive. The engine is smooth and refined, with minimal vibrations, and offers strong performance for a vehicle of this size. The six-speed torque converter complements it well, delivering smooth shifts, though there is a slight delay typical of this type of gearbox. The petrol engine misses out on paddle shifters and drive modes, but given the strong performance, these omissions are unlikely to be deal breakers for most buyers.

At low speeds, the steering feels light and makes the XUV 7XO easy to manoeuvre. As speeds increase, it gains weight and feels reassuring. That said, the shape of the steering wheel and placement of buttons can feel a bit odd. During quick turns, the palm can occasionally brush against the buttons.

The XUV 7XO rides on a well-engineered suspension setup featuring a multi-link rear suspension, frequency selective damping, stabiliser bars, and Mahindra’s new DaVinci suspension tuning philosophy.

At low speeds over sharp potholes and broken surfaces, the ride can feel slightly stiff and a bit crashy. However, it never feels uncomfortable, and the suspension settles quickly. As speeds rise, the ride quality improves significantly. The SUV feels more composed, flatter, and confidence inspiring, even on rough or gravel roads. Overall, the setup feels best suited for Indian road conditions, offering better comfort and control as speeds increase.

So, does the XUV 7XO move the game forward? The answer is yes.

It builds on the strengths of the XUV700 and adds meaningful upgrades where it matters most. The interior feels more premium, the technology is a clear step up, the ride quality has improved, and the safety package remains one of the strongest in the segment.

It is not without flaws, with a few usability quirks and some missing features, but these do not take away from the core strengths of the SUV. Mahindra has done well to offer strong value across the range, especially on the lower variants, while making the higher trims feel genuinely modern and feature rich.

The XUV 7XO also enters a competitive space shared with the recently launched Tata Safari Petrol. The petrol manual XUV 7XO starts at Rs. 13.66 lakh, ex-showroom, which is Rs. 37,000 more than the Safari. However, the top spec AX7L petrol automatic undercuts the Safari Red Dark Edition by over Rs. 1.5 lakh. A similar trend is seen in the diesel automatic variants as well, where the XUV 7XO emerges as the more affordable option.

With both SUVs now updated with new technology, design, safety features, and multiple powertrain choices, the rivalry in this segment has become even more interesting.

Pictures by Kaustubh Gandhi