Ownership Review of the Mahindra XUV700: A Comprehensive Look at India’s Bold New SUV

The Mahindra XUV700 has taken the Indian automotive market by storm since its launch, captivating SUV enthusiasts with its bold design, advanced features, and impressive performance. As a new entrant in Mahindra’s popular XUV series, the XUV700 has become a strong contender in the highly competitive mid-size SUV segment. Offering a premium experience at an affordable price point, the XUV700 promises to cater to both city driving and long-distance travel with its rugged build and cutting-edge technology. Having spent a significant amount of time behind the wheel, here is a detailed ownership review of the Mahindra XUV700.

Exterior Design: Bold, Aggressive, and Modern

The Mahindra XUV700’s exterior design is nothing short of striking. The SUV features sharp lines, a bold front grille, and sleek, modern LED lighting. The front end is aggressive, with the large Mahindra logo sitting proudly in the middle of the grille, flanked by well-defined LED headlamps and a stylish bumper. The XUV700’s front profile exudes confidence, while the side and rear views reflect a more refined design.

One of the standout features of the XUV700 is its LED DRLs, which are distinctive and add a touch of modernity to the overall design. The C-shaped rear LED tail lamps are another visual highlight, giving the car a sophisticated and contemporary look. The SUV’s overall stance, with muscular wheel arches and sculpted bodywork, gives it an aura of strength and readiness.

The build quality feels solid, with no noticeable rattling, and the fit and finish are impressive for its price range. In terms of dimensions, the XUV700 is larger than many of its competitors in the segment, offering a commanding road presence that adds to its appeal.

Interior Comfort and Cabin Space

Step inside the XUV700, and you’re greeted by a cabin that is both spacious and premium. Mahindra has done a commendable job in elevating the interior experience with high-quality materials and a thoughtful layout. The dashboard features soft-touch plastics, premium leather upholstery, and metal accents that make the cabin feel upscale. The dual-tone theme with a mix of beige and black adds a touch of sophistication, while the 10.25-inch infotainment screen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster provide a futuristic feel.

The front seats offer excellent comfort and support, with ample adjustability to suit different driving positions. The driver’s seat comes with memory functions and electrical adjustments, ensuring that finding the perfect driving position is never a hassle. The SUV’s wide cabin ensures that both front passengers have plenty of space, and the large windows allow ample natural light to flood the cabin.

In terms of rear passenger comfort, the XUV700 shines with its roomy second row. The SUV comfortably accommodates three adults, with plenty of legroom and headroom. The rear seats are also well-cushioned and offer good support, making long journeys a breeze. Ventilated seats in the front and rear add to the comfort factor, especially during hot and humid conditions.

Performance and Driving Dynamics

When it comes to driving dynamics, the XUV700 excels in balancing comfort and performance. The SUV comes with a choice of two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine. The petrol engine produces around 200 bhp and 380 Nm of torque, while the diesel engine generates 185 bhp and 420 Nm of torque (in the manual variant) or 450 Nm (in the automatic variant). Both engines are mated to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, with the option of AWD (All-Wheel Drive) for the diesel variant.

On the road, the XUV700 delivers an engaging driving experience. The turbocharged petrol engine offers swift acceleration, making city driving and highway overtakes effortless. The diesel engine, on the other hand, provides an excellent balance of power and torque, especially when cruising on highways. The diesel variant feels particularly powerful, with strong low-end torque that ensures smooth and responsive performance.

One of the standout features of the XUV700’s driving dynamics is its ride quality. The SUV handles rough patches and undulating roads with ease, absorbing bumps and dips efficiently. The McPherson Strut suspension at the front and Multi-Link suspension at the rear provide a well-balanced ride, ensuring that both the driver and passengers stay comfortable over long distances.

The steering feedback is precise, offering a good connection with the road. Although the XUV700 is a large SUV, it feels nimble and agile in urban traffic, thanks to the well-calibrated steering. The AWD variant further enhances the driving experience, providing additional traction on slippery or uneven surfaces.

Technology and Features

Mahindra has equipped the XUV700 with a wealth of cutting-edge features, making it one of the most tech-laden SUVs in its segment. The AdrenoX infotainment system offers seamless connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the large touchscreen is easy to use, with crisp graphics and quick responses. The digital instrument cluster provides customizable readouts and displays all the vital information in a clear and legible manner.

The XUV700 is also one of the first vehicles in India to feature Level 1 Autonomous Driving Technology through the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) package. Features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition significantly enhance safety and convenience.

Other premium features include a 360-degree camera, dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, wireless charging, and a premium 12-speaker sound system by Sony, which elevates the in-car experience. The ambient lighting further adds to the premium vibe, offering multiple color options for the cabin.

Safety Features

In terms of safety, Mahindra has spared no expense in making the XUV700 one of the safest SUVs in its segment. It comes equipped with 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC (Electronic Stability Control), and traction control as standard. The ADAS features, as mentioned earlier, add an additional layer of safety, especially during highway drives.

The rigid body structure and the inclusion of pedestrian protection further ensure that the XUV700 provides a high level of crash protection. Mahindra has paid attention to both active and passive safety systems, ensuring that the XUV700 is equipped to handle any situation on the road.

Fuel Efficiency and Practicality

In terms of fuel efficiency, the XUV700 is reasonably competitive for its segment. The petrol variant delivers around 12-14 km/l, while the diesel variants offer 15-18 km/l, depending on driving conditions. While not the most fuel-efficient in its class, the XUV700 offers a solid balance between performance and efficiency, especially considering its size and capabilities.

The boot space is another strong point, with a capacity of 464 liters, offering ample room for luggage or weekend trips. The split-folding rear seats allow you to expand the cargo area when needed, making the XUV700 a practical choice for long journeys.

Final Verdict: A Strong Contender in the SUV Segment

The Mahindra XUV700 is a remarkable package that ticks all the right boxes for a modern SUV. It offers an attractive mix of bold design, premium features, advanced technology, and solid performance at a competitive price point. The XUV700 is well-suited for families who need space, comfort, and practicality, while also appealing to driving enthusiasts with its powerful engines and engaging driving dynamics.

With its high-tech features like ADAS, its solid build quality, and a well-rounded driving experience, the XUV700 stands tall in the competitive SUV market. If you’re in the market for a feature-packed, well-rounded SUV that delivers on both style and substance, the Mahindra XUV700 is a choice worth considering.