Mahindra XUV 7XO Facelift Review
Mahindra has finally introduced the facelifted version of the XUV700, now renamed XUV 7XO. While the core structure remains familiar, Mahindra believes the updates are significant enough to justify a new name. The focus is clearly on technology, screens, powertrains, and feature upgrades rather than a complete redesign.
This review is based on real-world driving impressions and detailed observations from extended usage.
Price and Variants
The Mahindra XUV 7XO is positioned across a wide price range.
Starting price: ₹16.44 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai)
Top-end price: Around ₹30 lakh for the diesel automatic AWD
Price differences explained:
Diesel costs roughly ₹1 lakh more than petrol
Automatic adds around ₹2 lakh
All-wheel drive adds approximately ₹3 lakh
Variant lineup
AX
AX3
AX5
AX7
AX7 Technology
AX7 Luxury (AX7L)
All variants get a triple-screen setup as standard, which is a segment-first. Six-seater options are available only on AX7 Technology and AX7 Luxury variants. There is no MX variant anymore.
Exterior Design Changes
The facelift follows an evolutionary design approach rather than a radical one.
Front design updates
New grille design
Redesigned bumper
Completely new LED headlamp setup
Dual projector headlights for high and low beam
Similar DRL signature as before
Mahindra LED branding integrated into the lamps
Fog lamps have been repositioned lower in the bumper along with cornering lamps. The lack of proper housing makes the setup feel slightly aftermarket in finish.
ADAS hardware has been upgraded:
More powerful radar
Improved lane keep assist with higher megapixel camera
Side profile
Sheet metal remains unchanged
Length stays close to 4.7 metres
Wheelbase remains approximately 2.75 metres
Top variants now get 19-inch alloy wheels with 235/55 tyres. While the tyre width remains the same, the profile is lower than before. Alloy wheel design may divide opinions and gloss black surfaces are prone to scratches and dirt.
Other highlights:
Flush-fitting door handles
Electrically retracting handles
Chrome beltline
Fixed roof rails
Cameras on ORVMs
Rear design
Inspired by Mahindra’s electric SUVs
Full LED tail lamps with dynamic swipe indicators
Honeycomb treatment on lighting elements
Rear spoiler with high-mounted stop lamp
Shark fin antenna
The boot lid remains manually operated. It is extremely light as it is made of composite plastic. There is no powered tailgate, likely to keep weight in check.
Interior Layout and Cabin Quality
Second row experience
The second row sees several meaningful improvements.
Key features:
New color scheme with premium tan and beige tones
Improved cup holder design
Center passenger now gets an adjustable headrest
Rear sunblind
Large door pockets
Ambient lighting
Comfort highlights:
Good knee room and legroom
Decent under-thigh support
Impressive headroom despite panoramic sunroof
Missed opportunity:
No sliding second-row seats
Seat recline function is available and works well, improving long-distance comfort.
Third row experience
The third row is best suited for children.
Limitations:
Very limited legroom and knee room
Poor under-thigh support
Tight headroom
Available features:
AC vents with blower control
Cup holders
12V charging socket
Ingress and egress are difficult, especially for adults.
Dashboard, Screens and Technology
The XUV 7XO introduces three 12.3-inch screens, one each for:
Digital instrument cluster
Central infotainment
Passenger display with privacy filter
Infotainment system highlights
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Faster processor than earlier XUV700
Built-in navigation
Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision support
Harman Kardon 16-speaker sound system
Apps include:
YouTube, Amazon Prime, Jio apps
Alexa integration
Shopping and food delivery apps
Passenger screen allows video playback without distracting the driver.
Camera system
540-degree camera view
Transparent chassis mode
3D vehicle visualization
Adaptive guidelines
This is one of the most advanced camera systems currently offered in the segment.
Controls and Ergonomics
This is where the XUV 7XO divides opinion.
Positives
New premium switchgear inspired by Mahindra EVs
Electrically adjustable driver seat with memory
Auto-dimming IRVM
Wireless charger
65W USB-C fast charger
Ventilated front seats
Negatives
Over-reliance on touchscreen controls
Removal of physical AC dials
Hazard light button responsiveness is inconsistent
Touch panel lacks tactile feedback
Steering wheel piano black finish attracts scratches and fingerprints
The steering wheel design itself feels oversized and reflective, reducing driver confidence.
Boot Space and Practicality
Boot space is limited with all three rows up
Adequate for small bags only
When the third row is folded:
Boot space improves significantly
With second and third rows folded:
Very large cargo area for long trips
Additional details:
Space for warning triangle and toolkit
Spare wheel is steel and smaller than regular tyres
No alloy spare provided
Safety and ADAS
Safety equipment includes:
Seven airbags as standard
Advanced driver assistance systems
Improved radar and camera setup
Auto emergency braking
Lane keep assist
Blind view monitor
ADAS visuals on the driver screen are informative but not always accurate in crowded urban scenarios.
Petrol Engine Performance
The petrol engine is the standout performer.
Engine specifications
2.0-litre turbo petrol
200 horsepower
380 Nm torque
6-speed torque converter automatic
Front-wheel drive only
Driving impressions
Extremely smooth and refined
Strong low-end and mid-range performance
Turbo lag is well controlled
0 to 100 km/h in around 9.3 seconds
Top speed close to 200 km/h
Limitations:
Gearbox upshifts early
No paddle shifters
Top-end performance feels restricted
Fuel efficiency is low at 5 to 7 km/l
This engine is fun but thirsty.
Diesel Engine Performance
The diesel remains the more balanced choice.
Engine specifications
2.2-litre diesel
185 horsepower
450 Nm torque (automatic)
420 Nm torque (manual)
Zip, Zap and Zoom drive modes
Performance figures
0 to 100 km/h consistently under 10 seconds
Strong mid-range torque
Highway cruising at 100 km/h around 1,700 rpm
Fuel efficiency:
City: 8 to 10 km/l
Highway: Up to 15 km/l
The diesel feels more stable, planted, and confidence-inspiring, especially on highways.
Ride, Handling and Suspension
Mahindra has significantly improved the suspension setup.
Better ride comfort over broken roads
Reduced harshness over speed breakers
Still feels top-heavy around corners
Body roll is present but controlled
The suspension upgrade makes a noticeable difference to everyday comfort.
Verdict
The Mahindra XUV 7XO facelift focuses heavily on technology, performance, and screen-based features. While the petrol engine delivers thrilling performance, the diesel remains the more practical and efficient option.
What works:
Triple-screen setup on all variants
Strong petrol and diesel engines
Improved suspension comfort
Advanced camera system
Feature-rich cabin
What does not:
Excessive touch-based controls
No paddle shifters
No powered tailgate
Third-row practicality remains limited
For buyers prioritising performance, technology, and presence, the XUV 7XO still remains one of the most powerful and feature-packed SUVs in its segment.
Mahindra XUV 7XO Facelift FAQs
What is the Mahindra XUV 7XO?
The Mahindra XUV 7XO is the facelifted version of the XUV700. Mahindra has introduced extensive design, technology, and mechanical updates, which is why the company has given it a refreshed name instead of calling it a simple facelift.
What is the price range of the Mahindra XUV 7XO?
The Mahindra XUV 7XO starts at around Rs 16.44 lakh on road Mumbai for the base variant. The price goes up to nearly Rs 30 lakh for the top end diesel automatic with all wheel drive.
What variants are available in the XUV 7XO?
The XUV 7XO is offered in AX, AX3, AX5, and AX7 variants. The AX7 is further available as AX7 Technology and AX7 Luxury. Both six seater and seven seater configurations are offered on select variants.
Does the Mahindra XUV 7XO get a triple screen setup?
Yes, all variants of the Mahindra XUV 7XO come with a triple 12.3 inch screen layout. This includes the digital instrument cluster, the central infotainment screen, and a passenger side entertainment screen with a privacy filter.
What engines are available in the Mahindra XUV 7XO?
The XUV 7XO gets a 2.0 litre turbo petrol engine producing around 200 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque. It also gets a 2.2 litre diesel engine producing 185 horsepower with up to 450 Nm of torque in the automatic version.
Is the Mahindra XUV 7XO available with all wheel drive?
All wheel drive is available only with the diesel automatic variant. The petrol version is offered exclusively with front wheel drive.
How fast is the Mahindra XUV 7XO?
The petrol automatic version can do 0 to 100 kmph in around 9.3 seconds, while the diesel automatic also manages sub 10 second acceleration. This makes the XUV 7XO one of the quickest SUVs in its segment.
What is the fuel efficiency of the XUV 7XO?
The petrol version delivers around 5 to 7 kmpl in real world driving conditions. The diesel version is more efficient and can return around 8 to 10 kmpl in the city and up to 15 kmpl on highways.
What are the key interior upgrades in the XUV 7XO?
Major upgrades include ventilated front seats, a 16 speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ambient lighting with multiple modes, powered driver seat with memory, and a new premium color theme inspired by Mahindra electric SUVs.
Does the Mahindra XUV 7XO get ADAS?
Yes, the XUV 7XO gets ADAS as standard across all variants. The radar and camera system has been upgraded for longer detection range and improved lane keep assist performance.
How practical is the third row in the XUV 7XO?
The third row is best suited for children. Legroom, knee room, and under thigh support are limited for adults, although features like AC vents, cup holders, and recline function are provided.
What are the biggest drawbacks of the Mahindra XUV 7XO?
Some drawbacks include heavy reliance on touch controls, no paddle shifters, average petrol fuel efficiency, limited third row comfort, and the absence of features like a powered tailgate and heads up display.
