Mahindra

XUV700

Mahindra XUV700

The Mahindra XUV700 is a successor to the iconic XUV500 SUV, with a new design, updated features, and plenty of goodies for buyers. Mahindra & Mahindra has decided to slot the XUV700 in a higher segment, which explains the name change. This new entrant has already set the cat amongst the pigeons, with its numerous variants, configurations, and trims.

How is the Design?

The Mahindra XUV700 retains some Cheetah design elements, while the overall look and feel is more rugged and evolved than before. The design lines are cleaner this time, while the stance is lower than the earlier version. The bonnet looks muscular, while the new grille stands out, getting twin vertical bars. This dramatically enhances its presence on the road. The vertical bars on the grill seamlessly flow into the headlamp cluster, creating a splendid look. The new Twin Peaks Mahindra logo is positioned proudly on the centre of the grill as well. The side profile is now neater, with the flush-door handles which automatically open when you approach the vehicle in the top model.Mid-range variants will require popping the handle for opening the same, while the base variant will require a click for unlocking (with the key).

The arrow-like tail lights add their own special touch to the rear, while the design feels quite modern overall. However, there are multiple elements at play here, including disproportionately lengthy DRLs and the massively-sculpted wheel arches, which do not go well with the 18-inch alloy wheels. Design is a subjective affair, although the XUV700 does manage to stand out on the road without a doubt. Some more refinement may have been par for the course in the segment, although the SUV is still as muscular, and appealing as before.

What’s the Interior like?

Mahindra has de-cluttered the XUV700’s interior, keeping things simple, with the stylish display panel that covers a large chunk of the car’s dashboard. The tablet looks quite like that of a current gen Mercedes Benz, with a central touch screen unit and digital instrument console, both stacking up at 10.25 inches. The whole effect is quite premium and the good thing is that it will be available for all the variants, excepting the base model. The latter will get an 8 inch infotainment system with a 7 inch instrument console. The plastic quality of the dashboard is impressive, with a stylish leather strip. However, the beige leather and wood finish combo may not be to everyone’s taste. The same can be said about the glossy piano black finish as well. Fit and finish are on the better side for the XUV700, as compared to its predecessors.

The HVAC setup still has dials and buttons, while the rest of the console is reminiscent of the XUV500. The central console has a rotary controller, meaning that you can skip the screen for some functions. The toggle-switches also take care of several functions. There are two central console shelves for phones, while one of them gets wireless charging facilities. Cup holders have also been positioned behind the gear lever on the console. The steering wheel has a nice feel to it, while the buttons also take care of several features.

The seats are big and well-cushioned, although slightly firmer than what you would want. They offer good comfort and support levels. There are 5 and 7 seater configurations for the SUV. The middle room has generous legroom, with good space for tall people as well. The huge panoramic sunroof also contributes to an airier cabin. The wheelbase has gone up by 50mm although interior room has not increased largely in the last row (for 7 seater versions). However, there is a big glass area, with dedicated air conditioning vents as well.

The XUV700’s rotary controller and gear lever may be ergonomically slightly rear-seat, like the switches for the power window functions. The third-row reclining feature should have been positioned at the top instead of the back, since one has to reach behind for pulling the handle. Boot space is low when all three seating rows are in place. However, luggage space increases exponentially when the third row is folded.

Tech and Infotainment

Mahindra has gone all out, in terms of the technology and infotainment features in the XUV700. The base variant gets a 7 inch instrument console and 8 inch infotainment system. The others have a combination of 10.25-inch digital instrument console and infotainment systems. The instrument panel has vibrant color themes, while there are customizable options aplenty. The AdrenoX informatics system is the key highlight, which could be one of the most advanced in its segment. It gets several options and features, along with in-built apps such as Zomato and JustDial. This puts the XUV700 a notch above several of its rivals in this aspect. Yet, the system feels complex to use at times, with the menus not being as simple as you want.

The XUV700 also gets a premier Sony 3D audio unit with a 13-channel amplifier, 12 speakers and one subwoofer. There is the Alexa voice assistant integrated into the car and the entire connected car suite, meaning easy updates and alerts from home about the vehicle. The powered driver seat has door-mounted switches, while there is dual-zone climate control with an air purifier. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also present.

How does it perform?

The petrol engine is the most powerful option in the sub-30 lakh band, offering a whopping 200 hp and 380 Nm in overall output, paired to 6-speed manual or automatic transmission systems. The diesel engine has three states of tune, i.e. base MX variants get 155 hp and 360 Nm of power and torque figures with a 6-speed manual transmission system while the others have 185 hp and 420/450 Nm tune states with 6-speed automatic transmission systems. The diesel engine is also one of the most powerful options in its segment, scoring way ahead of rivals like the Tata Safari, Hyundai Alcazar, and the MG Hector Plus.

The mStallion petrol engine is the show-stealer of the lot however, in terms of power and overall performance. Driving the XUV700 makes for a pleasurable experience as a result. The petrol mill is fast to respond and accelerate with sizable power delivery from 1,400 RPM and upwards. The engine revs till 5,800 RPM, allowing drivers to experience great performance. The turbo-petrol engine seems to get just the right torque as a high-end diesel engine. The automatic version can also touch 100 kmph in only 9.32 seconds, while the manual version is also quicker. Acceleration is seamless. Yet, both the automatic and manual transmission systems are not quick-shifting; the manual feels slightly sluggish, while the automatic unit has gaps between shifts. However, they work smoothly for daily commutes and regular trips. It is only when the engine is pushed, that these little niggles surface. The clutch is also light, which is a good thing, although better engagement was the need of the hour. The petrol-manual version is ideal for cruising with its tall-gearing while the refinement of the petrol engine is excellent. The diesel engine also feels adequately refined with a pleasing note.

The petrol does not have drive modes, although the diesel has Zip, Zap, and Zoom driving modes. The first one reduces power for relaxed cruising, while the other two get peak power. The Zoom mode has sharper responses on the throttle. There is some turbo lag, although the XUV700 wins full points for performance.

Can it go off-road?

More than being a proper off-roader, the XUV700 may be best described as a soft-roader, one that works well for several stretches, although it is not suited for hard-core off-roading activities. The lack of off-road driving modes is a concern, while there is Hill Descent Control (HDC) available. You can manually put the car into first gear and come downwards.

The console has an AWD mode which makes the car hold nicely while driving on rough terrain, complete with waterways and potholes. The traction was adequate with good power delivery. Climbing steep trails is also easier. The car feels more in control of its surroundings, while the high torque helps the car overtakeand breeze through sharp uphill bends with ease. The Front Radar module, while helpful, may keep detecting tall grass shoots as obstacles. However, the sheer width of the car is not suitable for narrower routes. Overall, the XUV700 does fine on dirt paths, although it is not a conventional off-roader in that sense.

How’s the Driving Experience?

The XUV700 has better driving dynamics than before. The bouncy and jittery ride quality is a thing of the past. Torque steer and poor handling are also swapped for a more composed, mature, and predictable handling mechanism. The suspension system has undergone a massive transformation. The rear and front independent suspension systems make use of frequency-selective dampers. The linkages at the rear also comprise an extra control-blade link for enhancing the movements of individual wheels.

Grip at the rear is decent enabling for sharp and nice cornering. The electric power steering has great feel, while being light at lower speeds, although it remains stable and planted at higher speeds. Speed also remains good over surfaces which are damaged or slightly broken. The XUV700, however, feels more composed and stable at higher speeds. The car does have a fairly low centre of gravity although there is still evident body roll.

How’s the Mileage?

Overall fuel economy is on the better side and is at par with its competitors for this segment of SUVs.

Safety Equipment

Mahindra has equipped the XUV700 with several safety features. The ADAS package is a key highlight of the car, while there are both radar and camera options, linked to autonomous emergency braking and forward collision warning systems. Adaptive cruise control is another feature which enables one to safely follow cars passing ahead, while there is also Smart Pilot Assist or traffic assist, which can manage difficult crawls with aplomb. The tuning is great and the only thing that needs a relook is the Lane Keep Assist. There are safety alerts (customizable), which you can program with an individual’s voice. Some of the other features include booster headlights, auto-high beam assist, driver drowsiness detection, ABS, ESP, seven airbags (including a knee airbag), and more.

Which variant to buy?

The Mahindra XUV700 comes with numerous variants for buyers. The AX3 is an ideal budget-option for buyers, while the AX5 is a value-for-money offering. The AX7 variant is packed with features, although it is slightly on the costlier side. Those looking for sporty driving and performance and with lower commutes may find the petrol version more towards their linking. Those covering long distances every month may choose the diesel version. The automatic transmission is costlier than the manual counterpart as well. All-wheel drive is only available for the top-end AX7 diesel-automatic version which is also costlier, although this is a handy feature in several parts of the country.

The MX variant offers decent features at a comparatively reasonable price which takes on sub-4m compact SUVs. The AX3 offers premier experiences within a budget. The AX5 adds features like a panoramic sunroof, LED headlamps with sequential turn indicators, driving modes, 17-inch alloy wheels, two extra airbags, and cornering lamps. There is also ESP for the diesel variant. The 7-seater option is available by paying extra over the 5-seater configuration. The AX7 variant is significantly costlier and comes with a 7-seater layout, ADAS, side airbags, 18-inch alloys, ESP, 6-way electronic driver’s seat adjustment, dual-zone climate control, an air purifier, ergo lever for the co-driver’s seat, auto wipers and headlamps, reverse camera, tyre pressure monitor, leather gear lever and steering wheel, and leatherette door trims and seats. Many features are firsts in their segment. By paying slightly more above the diesel-automatic version, buyers may get the AWD version. The Luxury Pack is available at a high price with several engine and transmission options. This offers several goodies as well. The AX5 is the variant with the highest value for customers.

Which Cars Compete in this Segment?

The XUV700 is within the same market as the MG Hector, Hyundai Alcazar, and the Tata Safari on various grounds. However, its diesel and petrol engines outstrip them all in terms of power and torque. The pricing is the highlight. Some variants directly eat into the sub-4m compact SUV category, offering great features for buyers, while the higher-end variants compete with bigger SUVs. The XUV700 has a deluge of variants and configurations, along with engine options, which make it a superior option to several rivals in multiple segments and at multiple price points. On the variety quotient alone, it makes for a compelling proposition.

Verdict

The XUV700 stands out for its attractive design, huge list of features and several segment-firsts, enhanced safety, powerful engine, great performance, and competitive pricing, along with its huge list of variants, configurations, and engine-transmission options. Agreed, some plastics are still not the best inside, there is still some body roll, and the infotainment system could have been more user-friendly. The third row is also not as spacious as one would desire. However, for power, performance, looks, features, and value alone, the Mahindra XUV700 is one of the best options for SUV buyers across segments.