Mahindra XUV700 makes global debut

The highly anticipated Mahindra XUV700 SUV has just been revealed, ahead of its launch in October. The XUV700 was originally designed as the next-generation XUV500, though Mahindra later decided to reposition the model due to its plan of massively expanding it SUV portfolio. Thus as we previously reported, the XUV500 nameplate will return in 2024, though as a Hyundai Creta rival.

• Petrol and diesel engine option
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
• New tech and features

The decision to expand its SUV range is pretty obvious, as Mahindra intends to play to its strength in a market that has seen tremendous, sustained growth in the segment. To that extent, Mahindra has even introduced a new logo that will be worn by exclusively by its SUV range, with the XUV700 being the first model to do so. 

2021 Mahindra XUV700: design

When looking at the XUV700’s design, it’s easy to see the ties to its predecessor, especially when you look at its stance and proportions. However, there is plenty that is new here, such as the grille design with its outwardly bent vertical bars, the new headlights with massive C-shaped DRLs that drop down into the bumper, pop-out door handles that sit flush with the body, large and angular tail-lights, and the twin five-spoke alloy wheels.

2021 Mahindra XUV700: interiors and features

On the inside, it’s clear that Mahindra has gone with a clean and modern design. The dashboard is dominated by a dual 10.25-inch screen layout – one for the infotainment and the other for the instrument cluster – housed in a single, massive panel. The infotainment system uses the brand’s newly developed AdrenoX interface with in-built Amazon Alexa virtual assistant for carrying out a variety of voice commands.

Mahindra has also packed the XUV700 with a host of other features, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, wireless charger, panoramic sunroof, auto booster headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery and dashboard inserts, an electronic parking brake, and a custom-built 12 speaker setup – including a subwoofer – with 3D surround sound that has been designed by Sony.

2021 Mahindra XUV700: safety

Another area where Mahindra has gone all out with the XUV700 is the safety tech on offer, and the biggest talking point here is the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). It includes Forward Collision Warning (FCW) – which warns you of a possible collision and if you don’t react, it uses Autonomous Emergency Brakes (AEB) to stop the car. Other features include lane departure warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, smart pilot assist, traffic sign recognition and driver drowsiness detection.

In addition, the XUV700 also comes with seven airbags, ABS with EBD, customisable voice alerts for speeding, and seatbelts with lap and retractor pre-tensioners for front seats.

2021 Mahindra XUV700: engine and gearbox

Power for the new XUV700 comes from either a petrol or diesel powertrain. The 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol Mahindra mStallion unit is tuned to produce 200hp and 380Nm. On the other hand, the diesel is a 2.2-litre, four-cylinder mHawk turbocharged unit that will come in two states of tune. The lower state unit (reserved for the entry level version) will produce 155hp and 360Nm, while the unit in higher variants will churns out 185hp and 420Nm (450Nm with the automatic gearbox). The diesel engine also comes with four drive modes – Zip, Zap, Zoom and Custom – that are claimed to alter performance and steering response.

Both engines can be had with 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic gearbox options, though the lower-spec diesel will only be available with a manual. There is also an all-wheel-drive model on offer, coupled to the XXXX gearbox.

2021 Mahindra XUV700: competition check

With the Alturas effectively discontinued, Mahindra has a lot riding on the XUV700 that now bears the mantle of the company’s flagship product. It will go up against formidable rivals like the Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus and the Hyundai Alcazar.