Mahindra & Mahindra has refreshed its flagship SUV and given it a new name in the process. Meet the XUV 7XO, the facelifted and reworked successor to the XUV700, launched at an introductory price of ₹13.66 lakh ex-showroom. Deliveries begin on January 14.
The brief here is clear. Keep what worked, add more tech, sharpen the styling and stretch the feature list to a point where rivals have to recheck their brochures.
Familiar shape, more details
The XUV 7XO gets a noticeably revised face with a new grille, twin-pod LED projector headlamps and a redesigned bumper featuring a faux silver skid plate. Along the sides, the SUV retains its muscular stance, flush door handles and floating roof treatment, but now rides on new 19-inch dual-tone alloy wheels.
At the rear, the design leans closer to Mahindra’s electric SUVs, with reworked LED tail-lamps featuring honeycomb detailing, a more sculpted bumper and a sportier roof spoiler.
Screens take the entire stage
Inside is where the biggest change lies. The dashboard now features a three-screen layout, each measuring 12.3 inches, covering the digital instrument cluster, infotainment system and a passenger-side display. The cabin also gets a new beige-tan colour scheme, giving it a more upmarket feel.
Rear-seat comfort has been improved with an electric Boss Mode that moves the co-driver seat forward at the touch of a button. As before, Mahindra continues to offer both seven-seat and six-seat layouts, the latter with captain seats in the second row.
Nothing left off the list
The XUV 7XO comes loaded. Highlights include a panoramic sunroof, powered front seats, ventilated seats for both rows, dual-zone climate control, rear wireless charging, ambient lighting, a powered tailgate and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
Safety is equally comprehensive. Standard equipment includes seven airbags, electronic stability control, electronic parking brake with auto-hold and front and rear parking sensors. Higher variants add Level 2 ADAS, a 540-degree camera system, hill hold and descent control, tyre pressure monitoring and auto-dimming mirrors.
Proven options continue
Under the bonnet, the XUV 7XO carries forward the familiar engines. The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol produces around 200 bhp and 380 Nm, while the 2.2-litre diesel develops up to 185 bhp and 450 Nm. Both engines are available with six-speed manual and automatic gearboxes, with all-wheel drive offered on select diesel variants.
Price and rivals
The XUV 7XO is offered in multiple variants, with introductory prices applicable for the first 40,000 units. The range spans from ₹13.66 lakh to ₹24.92 lakh ex-showroom, depending on engine and configuration.
Rivals include the Tata Harrier, Tata Safari, MG Hector, Jeep Compass and the Hyundai Alcazar. With sharper styling, a tech-heavy cabin and aggressive pricing, the XUV 7XO looks set to carry forward the XUV700’s success story.
