Mahindra has given the XUV700 a visible style update and a new name, the XUV 7XO. The facelift aims to sharpen the SUV’s appeal with refreshed styling, a richer interior and more technology while keeping the powertrain choices familiar. This piece breaks down the facelift in detail, covering exterior tweaks, cabin upgrades, features, safety tech, engines, pricing and key rivals.
Quick summary
- The XUV 7XO is the facelifted XUV700 with revised front and rear treatments, new alloy wheels and fresh colour options.
- It is offered in six variants: AX, AX3, AX5, AX7, AX7 T and AX7 L, with introductory ex-showroom prices from ₹13.66 lakh to ₹24.92 lakh.
- Major interior highlights include a triple 12.3-inch display setup, a Harman Kardon 16-speaker audio system and BYOD rear-screen mounts.
Exterior styling: sharper but familiar
Mahindra has focused the facelift where it shows the most: the face of the SUV. The XUV 7XO gets a wider black grille with vertical chrome slats, a chunkier layered bumper and a silver skid plate that adds contrast. The dual-pod LED projector headlamps remain at the edges of the grille while the familiar C-shaped LED DRLs are retained. New 19-inch dual tone alloys improve stance and presence.
From the side the silhouette is largely the same as the outgoing XUV700, but details such as flush door handles, black roof rails and fresh paint options modernise the look. At the rear the design remains clean and simple, with tail lamps that take inspiration from Mahindra’s electric XEV 9S and a dark cladding lower bumper with a slim silver insert.
Interior and comfort: tech focus with premium touches
The cabin receives a clear technology uplift. A triple 12.3-inch display layout sits across the dash, integrating the touchscreen infotainment, driver display and co-passenger screen into a near seamless panel. The cabin theme combines beige and brown tones for a premium feel described by Mahindra as a “hazelnut caramel” mix.
Comfort features are generous. The XUV 7XO offers ventilated front and second row seats, power adjustment for front seats with a Boss mode for the co-driver seat, dual zone automatic climate control and a powered tailgate. Rear occupants have sunshades and ventilation features and front seat backs come with mounts to attach personal devices under the BYOD scheme.
Features and infotainment: party mode included
Mahindra has loaded the 7XO with high-end kit. The headline items are the triple 12.3-inch screens, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The SUV also borrows the ‘Groove Me’ feature from Mahindra’s BE 6 and XEV 9e, which allows users to create an in-car party experience. Other touches include ambient lighting strips, leatherette steering, and extensive connectivity and seat comfort options.
Safety and ADAS: Level 2 capabilities
Safety spec is strong for the segment. The XUV 7XO offers up to seven airbags, electronic stability control, hill hold assist, tyre pressure monitoring system and a 540-degree camera system. Mahindra has fitted a level 2 ADAS suite that brings assisted driving features suitable for city and highway use. Notably the camera system provides a view underneath the car as well as around it, intended to help navigate uneven roads and obstacles.
Powertrain and drivability
Mechanically the 7XO carries forward the engine line up from the XUV700. Buyers can choose between:
- a 2.0-litre turbo petrol that makes around 200 PS and 380 Nm, and
- a 2.2-litre diesel with up to 185 PS and as much as 450 Nm.
Transmission options include 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic units. Front wheel drive will be standard while an AWD option will be offered with the diesel-automatic package at a premium. Mahindra states the AWD option costs about ₹2.45 lakh extra.
Variants, pricing and practical notes
The XUV 7XO is available in six variants at launch: AX, AX3, AX5, AX7, AX7 T and AX7 L. Introductory ex-showroom prices range from ₹13.66 lakh to ₹24.92 lakh across India. Boot space is similar to the XUV700 at roughly 240 litres with all seats in place and expands usefully when the second and third rows are folded. Buyers can choose either a six-seater layout with captain chairs or a seven-seater layout with a bench in the second row.
Rivals in the segment
The XUV 7XO competes with established mid-size three-row SUVs. Key rivals include the Tata Harrier and Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus, and the Hyundai Alcazar. Each rival brings its own strengths in design, space or feature package, and Mahindra appears to be positioning the 7XO to win customers through a mix of refreshed design, advanced tech and a strong value proposition.
Verdict: who should consider the XUV 7XO
The XUV 7XO makes sense for buyers who want a feature rich, tech forward family SUV with a commanding road presence. The facelift tightens the styling and significantly improves in-car tech, which will be attractive to tech minded buyers and families who value rear occupant entertainment. Those seeking maximum fuel economy or the simplest ownership may prefer rivals with smaller engines or simpler equipment, but for buyers wanting space, equipment and a modern cabin, the 7XO is a credible proposition.
