Mahindra has pulled off a blinder with the XUV700, and its pricing has sent shock waves in the car market. You see, you do not expect an SUV of this size and engine to be priced under Rs 12 lakh. However, there is a lot more to the Mahindra XUV700 than just a lip-smacking price tag. Yes, we have driven the SUV, and here is what you should know about the newest SUV from Mahindra.
How Does The ‘Mahindra XUV700’ Look?
The XUV700 is based on an all-new platform and comes across as a new SUV positioned above the XUV500. Hence, it is bigger than the current XUV500 and surely looks like a bonafide luxury SUV. This styling is one of Mahindra’s best efforts, with a lot of aggression and a simple yet effective design. The LED headlamps are huge and come with a unique DRL (Day-Time Running Lights) signature.
You will also notice the new logo while the grille gets vertical bars and is finished in chrome. The AX7 seen here wears 18inch wheels, which are simple in design but effective nevertheless. The rear is more flamboyant with massive tail-lamps and a tapered look, giving it a sportier stance. No doubt, the new XUV700 turns heads.
What about the Interior?
The interiors are an even bigger surprise with a clear effort to become more premium. Light-colored leatherette inserts, black panels, and a silver insert lined up with a wood finish on the door pads. The quality and fit/finish are the best we have seen on a Mahindra and look plush.
The design is easy on the eye, too, with twin 10.25-inch displays occupying the dash. The instrument cluster is digital, which can be changed via the steering controls and a touch screen with the new infotainment system.Â
Needless to say, it is also a connected car with inbuilt apps too. We will talk about the features in detail later. For now, the feature list is huge with wireless smartphone connectivity, wireless charging, dual-zone climate control, a 12 speaker Sony 3d audio system, powered driver’s seat, air purifier, seats that welcome you by retracting, a panoramic sunroof, etc.
Is it Spacious?
The XUV700 being longer than the XUV500 helps it in having a more spacious cabin. The light-colored upholstery and the massive sunroof further adds to the sense of space inside. The front seats are comfortable, while the rear seats offer immense support.
While you do not get individual captain seats at the rear, the bench seat has good legroom and headroom. At the same time, you can also move the front passenger seat to get more space by simply using a lever conveniently located for easy access for the rear seat passenger.
What about the Driving Experience?
While there is a 2.0l turbo petrol on offer with 200bhp, we drove the 185bhp 2.2l diesel. While diesel is low on power than petrol, there is more torque at 450Nm for the automatic we tested. The diesel is smooth and has loads of torque, making the XUV700 easy to drive and powerful.
The automatic gearbox is not sluggish; hence put your foot down, and the car responds. It is comfortable and not slow in the city, save for a tiny bit of lag at the start. You will also like the light steering, which u-turns and drives it easier at low speeds.
On the highway, the ample power shows its potential with even triple-digit speeds, not a problem. It feels stable and confident at high speeds too. It is easily the most powerful diesel engine in its class. Driving modes on the diesel can be configured according to your needs, whether for more economy or more performance.
Final Thoughts on ‘Mahindra XUV700 ?
With prices starting at just under Rs 12 lakh for the base version to an expected price of Rs 20 lakh for the top-end diesel AT as shown here, the XUV700 is a disruption of the highest order in this segment. It packs in features seen in luxury SUVs priced much higher and has the most powerful engines plus drives very well too. Mahindra has left no stone unturned with this. I highly recommend buying it and do wait until September for the bookings to start.
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