Mahindra XUV 7XO first drive: More premium, more techy, still very much

Mahindra has given the XUV 700 a meaningful upgrade, and with it comes a new name, the XUV 7XO. This upgrade doesn’t just come in the form of a cosmetic refresh or feature tweaks. The idea here is to retain what made the XUV700 successful while moving the SUV further up the ladder. We recently spent time with the SUV in Jaisalmer to understand whether Mahindra has got the balance right.

Mahindra XUV 7XO: Familiar design, but clearly more premium

The XUV 7XO is now closer to the recently launched XEV 9S in terms of design language and cabin technology, but it still has its own identity and positioning. At first glance, the XUV 7XO doesn’t look entirely new, and that’s intentional. Mahindra didn’t try to fix what wasn’t broken. Instead, people from the design team have refined the basic shape to make it look more premium.

The LED DRL signature still reminds you of the XUV 7O, but the entire lighting assembly is new. The grille has been reworked with fresh slats, the bumper design is new, and the lower section looks more detailed than before. The fog lamps have also been changed and now come in a jewel-style pattern. Needless to mention, they provide a great appearance during the night.

Moving to the sides, the top variant gets 19-inch alloy wheels which suit the size of the car, while the lower variants get 18-inch units. Otherwise, the side profile remains almost the same. At the rear, the design is clean and familiar, inspired by the XEV 9S. Overall, the XUV 7XO still has that boxy, upright SUV stance that Indian buyers love, but it now looks more modern and expensive without trying too hard.

Mahindra XUV 7XO: Cabin, where the big upgrade is!

Step inside, and this is where the XUV 7XO really differentiates itself from the outgoing XUV 700. One of the biggest highlights comes in the form of a triple-screen layout that immediately catches the eye. This setup includes a digital instrument cluster, an infotainment screen and a dedicated screen for the front passenger. All large, 12.3 inches in size. The screens are fast, responsive, well organized and easy to read. The setup runs on the Adrenox AI platform, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon and the upgrade in computing power is also noticeable. It obviously feels smoother than before.

The addition of Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos really enhances the experience. The display quality is really impressive. Colors pop, contrast is strong, and the system feels more like a high-end home setup than a car infotainment screen. Plus, the sound system makes it even better. This is one of the key areas where Mahindra has really excelled.

Seat comfort is another strong point. The front seats are well padded, well bolstered, and feel supportive for long drives. The quality of the foam and padding has improved significantly, and both the front and rear seats now get ventilation, which is a big plus for Indian conditions. The quality of materials throughout the cabin also feels a step up. The textures, color options and overall fit and finish give the XUV 7XO a truly premium feel. Lastly, you also get a panoramic sunroof, which Mahindra claims cuts UV rays and helps reduce cabin temperatures by around 2.5 degrees.

You get rear AC vents, sunshade, a central armrest and adjustable recline, giving passengers a really comfortable seating position. An interesting feature here is Mahindra’s “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD) setup. You can mount a tablet or iPad for rear passengers and power them using the 65W charging outlet. The clever thing is that the system allows the same content to be reflected on all screens (front and back). There’s also Boss Mode, which allows the rear occupants to adjust to the front passenger seat. This brings additional convenience. The third row is easy to access thanks to the one-touch tumble function, but once you get back there, there’s little knee room, under-thigh support is almost non-existent due to the low seat base, and headroom is limited. This is not a place where you would want to spend hours. For short trips, this may work. That said, Mahindra hasn’t neglected convenience here. You still get rear AC vents, fan speed controls, speakers, and a 12V charging socket.

Under the hood, the XUV 7XO continues with the familiar engine options. You can choose between petrol and diesel, both available with manual and automatic gearboxes. We drove the 2.2-litre diesel automatic, which produces 185 hp and 450 Nm of torque. On the road, the engine feels strong and confident. There is a bit of initial turbo lag, but once there the torque comes on smoothly and consistently.

One of the biggest upgrades comes in the form of a new suspension setup. Mahindra says this is the world’s first DaVinci damping system, and the results are evident on the road. Ride quality has improved significantly. Broken roads, expansion joints and uneven surfaces are handled with ease. The suspension absorbs imperfections well, making the XUV 7XO feel more comfortable and composed than before.Handling has also improved. Despite its size and weight, the SUV feels stable and predictable, instilling confidence on highways and winding roads alike.Security has been taken seriously. The XUV 7XO now gets Level 2 ADAS (Sense+), which adds more active safety features to an already strong safety package. Six airbags, including curtain airbags, are now standard across all variants.

Mahindra XUV 7XO: Should you buy it?

When the refreshed profile and capabilities are combined with the long feature list and competitive pricing, the XUV 7XO makes a very strong case in its segment. Prices range from Rs 13.66 lakh, ex-showroom to Rs 24.92 lakh, ex-showroom.

If you liked the XUV 700 but feel it could use more refinement, better technology and a better cabin experience, the XUV 7XO offers exactly that. Simply put, the XUV 7XO ticks all the right boxes for Indian buyers: design, comfort, technology, safety, performance and value for money. As an upgrade or even as a new purchase in this segment, it is easily one of the strongest contenders you can buy today.