A decade after absolutely destroying all competition with the bold and muscular XUV500, Mahindra is back with another revolutionary model. Mahindra and Mahindra recently launched their 5-seater SUV, the XUV700. To denote the difference in the capabilities of its predecessor, and as a part of Mahindra’s initiative to expand its SUV line-up, they named it the XUV 700 (pronounced as XUV, 7 double “Oh!”).
Mahindra finally pulled the curtains back on their all-new platform, developed especially for their new line of cars—the W601. The XUV700, dubbed the Global SUV, is the first vehicle to feature this platform. It also carries the brand new Mahindra logo (reserved only for Mahindra’s SUVs). This beast is Mahindra’s answer to Tata’s Safari and the MG Hector. Read on to find out how Mahindra introduced a plethora of segment-first features that revolutionized the Indian automotive market.
The XUV700—Based On An All-New Platform
For this all-new W601 platform, Mahindra used the lightweight index concept. First introduced by BMW, in this concept, the body’s torsional stiffness divides the BIW (body in white) weight. Also, in the front suspension towers, a vertical load is applied upwards on the right side and downwards on the left side.
The XUV700 is based on the W601 platform and uses High Strength Steel (HSS), Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS), and Boron Steel. There are more than 6,300 welding points. It has over 155 meters of structural sealants. The XUV700 was Mahindra’s way of reclaiming the number one SUV segment position. So, they swung for the fences, and we can say for sure that they knocked it out of the park.
mStallion and mHawk—the Powerful Engines Beneath the Hood
Mahindra launched the XUV700 with two powerful engines as well. One of them is a 2-liter turbo petrol engine—the mStallion, which delivers about 197hp and about 280 lb. ft of torque. The mStallion takes the XUV700 from 0-100 mph in 9.5s and gets it across the quarter mile in 16.83s at a speed of 135.5 mph.
The higher trims get a 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine—the mHawk, which produces 182hp and a whopping 309 lb. ft of torque. The mHawk takes the vehicle from 0-100 mph in 9.88s and gets it across the quarter mile in 17.17s at 133.8 mph. Both engines have the option to deliver all that power through a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic (Torque Converter) transmission with manual override. Hence, it doesn’t matter if someone prefers one transmission or fuel type over another. There’s an XUV700 for everyone.
Mahindra XUV700: Interiors
Inside the XUV700, the design is pretty straightforward, plush, and clean. It gives off a premium vibe, with the display panel taking center stage. It stretches across half the dashboard and consists of two 10.25-inch screens. There’s soft leather everywhere, and the cabin gets a faux wood trim that gives the interior a rich feel.
The large and generous seats come with soft cushioning with a hint of firmness, offering you good all-around support. The plush seats ensure your body is free from aching even if you were to spend long hours in the cabin. The SUV is available in both 5- and 7-seat configurations. Both configurations have enough room to even tall passengers can enjoy the ride. The third row in the 7-seat configuration falls slightly short when it comes to headroom. However, dedicated air vents make the trip easier for the passengers in the third row.
XUV700’s Segment-First Features
Mahindra took the market by storm when it launched the XUV700 because it was one of the few SUVs in its price range to offer so many features at such a low price (starting at about $23,000). Furthermore, some of them are segment-firsts. Before Mahindra rolled out the XUV700, these features could only be found in luxurious SUVs from Range Rover, Mercedes, or BMW. They include the following:
- Memory Seat: With the XUV700, you get a 6-way powered driver’s seat that comes with a memory function. Using the three slots, you can save your preferred seat arrangement with a single click.
- Flush-fitting Door Handles: In a bid to give the vehicle a more premium design and aid the aerodynamics, Mahindra offers Range Rover-inspired flush-fitting door handles with the XUV700 that will automatically pop out when the key is in close proximity.
- Driver Drowsiness Detection: The XUV700 senses if the driver is tired and isn’t able to pay complete attention to driving the car. In such circumstances, the system instantly alerts the driver.
- Built-in Alexa: Operate the panoramic sunroof, climate control, light, or play your road trip song by simply saying ‘Hey Alexa’. Furthermore, the XUV700 supports select Alexa functionality with no network coverage too.
- 3D Maps Integration on Instrument Cluster: In a similar fashion to the luxurious Mercs, the XUV700 has 3D maps, navigation, and live traffic integrated directly into the digital instrument cluster.
- Dual-zone Climate Control
Mahindra XUV700: The Safest Indian Vehicle
Opting for the XUV700 is easily one of the safest choices one can make in the Indian automotive market. That’s because the XUV700 has been awarded the “Safer Choice” by the Global NCAP. The XUV700, with its 5-star rating for adult occupant protection, is currently the safest made-in-India car to be tested by the Global NCAP. For the uninitiated, an excellent global NCAP score means better safety when a vehicle crashes head-on or gets T-boned from the side.
Furthermore, the XUV700, comes loaded with a lot of safety features like the ADAS and Auto-Emergency Braking (AEB) that will help you avoid accidents.
Domination With Revolution is Mahindra’s Game
The XUV700 is undoubtedly one of the best cars for you if you are looking for a fully-loaded SUV on a budget. It has the best features in the segment and the maximum number of safety features that you will require to keep yourself safe from any kind of accident. The XUV700 is one of Mahindra’s most ambitious and popular products ever, and the time spent in the design and development of the SUV reflects on its great reviews from people all over India and about twice as many sales compared to its rivals.
Variants and prices aside, the XUV700 is still a great package. Even if you consider the little cheap bits in the interior and the usability of the infotainment system, it’s not a big deal because the pros outweigh the cons by a long shot. The powerful engines just blow the competition away. Looking at the specs of the XUV700 at such reasonable prices, we know that Mahindra has not come to play. It has come to dominate the market.
