Mahindra XUV 700: The Mahindra XUV 700 has established itself as a pivotal offering in India’s competitive SUV market since its groundbreaking launch in 2021.
Now, with the 2025 iteration, Mahindra has significantly refined and enhanced their flagship SUV, reinforcing its position as a vehicle that challenges the conventional boundaries between premium features and accessibility.
The XUV 700 represents Mahindra’s ambition to create world-class vehicles with distinctly Indian sensibilities, combining advanced technology, robust performance, and value in a package that resonates with domestic consumers while meeting global standards.
The 2025 XUV 700 builds upon the strong foundation of its predecessor, introducing thoughtful improvements across various aspects of the vehicle while maintaining the core DNA that made the original so compelling.
It continues to embody Mahindra’s vision of creating vehicles that elevate the Indian automotive industry on the world stage, demonstrating that indigenous engineering and design can compete with established international manufacturers.
Mahindra XUV 700: Design Evolution
The 2025 XUV 700 maintains the distinctive silhouette that made the original instantly recognizable, but introduces subtle refinements that enhance its premium appeal.
The front fascia features an evolved version of Mahindra’s signature grille, now with more intricate detailing and improved integration with the sleeker LED headlamps.
The C-shaped LED daytime running lights have been redesigned for improved visibility while maintaining their distinctive appearance.
In profile, the XUV 700 continues to project a commanding presence with its substantial dimensions and muscular wheel arches.
New alloy wheel designs ranging from 17 to 19 inches (depending on the variant) add contemporary flair. The rear has been subtly refreshed with redesigned LED taillights featuring distinctive light signatures that enhance visibility and aesthetic appeal.
The overall proportions remain well-balanced, with the XUV 700 measuring 4,695mm in length, 1,890mm in width, and 1,755mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,750mm that facilitates generous interior space.
The commanding road presence is complemented by attention to aerodynamic efficiency, with the design team focusing on reducing drag to improve fuel economy and high-speed stability.
Interior Comfort and Quality
Stepping inside the 2025 XUV 700 reveals an interior that has seen significant enhancements in terms of material quality, fit and finish, and overall refinement.
The dashboard maintains the clean, horizontal layout of the previous model but incorporates improved soft-touch materials with more consistent panel gaps and better tactile feedback from buttons and controls.
The seating arrangement continues to offer flexibility with both 5-seat and 7-seat configurations available. The front seats feature enhanced bolstering and cushioning, with additional adjustment ranges in higher variants.
Second-row comfort has been improved with optimized seatback angles and better thigh support, while the third row remains usable for adults on shorter journeys – a rarity in this segment.
Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels have seen substantial improvement through additional sound insulation at key points throughout the structure, creating a quieter cabin environment that enhances the perception of quality.
Climate control effectiveness has been enhanced with a more powerful compressor and optimized airflow patterns to ensure all three rows receive adequate cooling – a crucial consideration for Indian conditions.
Technology and Connectivity
The technological suite in the 2025 XUV 700 represents one of the most significant areas of advancement. The centerpiece remains the dual 10.25-inch screens for the infotainment system and digital instrument cluster, but both now feature higher resolution displays with improved graphics processing for smoother animations and more responsive touch inputs.
The AdrenoX connected car platform has been comprehensively upgraded with enhanced functionality:
Improved voice recognition with better understanding of Indian accents and dialects
OTA (Over-The-Air) update capability for both infotainment and vehicle systems
Enhanced smartphone integration with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Expanded connected car features including remote engine start/stop, geofencing, and vehicle tracking
Integration with smart home systems allowing control of compatible home devices from the vehicle
The premium 12-speaker Sony sound system has been retuned to deliver better audio fidelity across various music genres, with specific attention paid to reproducing the mid-range frequencies that are crucial for Indian music. Wireless charging capabilities now include higher wattage for faster charging of compatible devices.
Performance and Powertrains
The 2025 XUV 700 continues to offer two engine options, both refined to deliver improved performance and efficiency:
The 2.0-liter mStallion turbocharged petrol engine now produces 210 PS and 380 Nm of torque, featuring updates to the turbocharger and engine management system that enhance throttle response and reduce turbo lag.
This engine can be paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or an improved 6-speed torque converter automatic.
The 2.2-liter mHawk diesel engine is available in two states of tune: 155 PS/360 Nm for lower variants and 185 PS/420 Nm for higher variants.
Both feature updates to the fuel injection system and turbocharger geometry that improve combustion efficiency and torque delivery at lower RPMs. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic.
The all-wheel-drive system, available on higher diesel variants, has been enhanced with improved electronics that provide faster torque distribution between the axles, enhancing traction in challenging conditions.
The drive modes (Zip, Zap, Zoom, and Custom) have been recalibrated to offer more distinctive characteristics, allowing drivers to better tailor the vehicle’s behavior to their preferences.
Ride and Handling
The 2025 XUV 700 builds upon the already impressive dynamic capabilities of its predecessor. The suspension setup – front McPherson struts and a rear multi-link arrangement – has been retuned to provide better body control during cornering while maintaining a comfortable ride over broken surfaces.
The frequency selective dampers now offer improved response to different road inputs, providing better isolation from high-frequency vibrations without compromising handling on winding roads.
The electronic power steering has been recalibrated to provide more consistent weighting across different speeds, addressing one of the few criticisms of the earlier model.
The result is a more connected feel that enhances driver confidence without increasing effort during parking maneuvers.
Braking performance has been enhanced with larger front discs on higher variants and an evolved ABS calibration that provides more consistent pedal feel and shorter stopping distances, particularly on wet surfaces.
The overall dynamic package strikes an impressive balance between comfort and capability, allowing the XUV 700 to fulfill its dual role as both a comfortable family cruiser and an engaging driver’s vehicle.
Variant Structure and Features
| Variant | Key Features | Powertrain Options | Price Range (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MX | Dual 10.25″ Screens, 7 Airbags, LED Headlamps, Auto AC, 17″ Steel Wheels | 2.0L Petrol MT, 2.2L Diesel MT | ₹13.5-15.0 Lakh |
| AX3 | AdrenoX Connected Car Tech, 17″ Alloy Wheels, Push Button Start, LED DRLs, 6-Speaker Audio | 2.0L Petrol MT/AT, 2.2L Diesel MT/AT | ₹15.5-17.5 Lakh |
| AX5 | Panoramic Sunroof, 18″ Diamond-Cut Alloys, Curtain Airbags, LED Fog Lamps, Cornering Lamps | 2.0L Petrol MT/AT, 2.2L Diesel MT/AT | ₹17.5-19.5 Lakh |
| AX7 | ADAS Features, 18″ Diamond-Cut Alloys, Wireless Charging, Electronic Parking Brake, Dual-Zone Climate Control | 2.0L Petrol MT/AT, 2.2L Diesel MT/AT, AWD Option | ₹19.5-22.0 Lakh |
| AX7 Luxury | All AX7 Features plus 19″ Alloys, 12-Speaker Sony Audio, Ventilated Seats, Driver Seat Memory, Head-Up Display | 2.0L Petrol AT, 2.2L Diesel AT, AWD Option | ₹22.0-25.0 Lakh |
Safety Features
Safety continues to be a cornerstone of the XUV 700’s value proposition, with the 2025 model further enhancing its impressive credentials in this area. Standard across all variants are:
7 airbags (front, side, curtain, and driver knee)
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
All-wheel disc brakes with ABS, EBD, and Brake Assist
ISOFIX child seat anchors
Tire pressure monitoring system
360-degree camera system with blind spot view
Higher variants feature an evolved version of Mahindra’s ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) suite, which now includes:
Autonomous Emergency Braking with improved pedestrian detection
Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go functionality
Lane Keep Assist with haptic steering feedback
Traffic Sign Recognition with speed limit notification
Driver Drowsiness Detection
High Beam Assist
The vehicle structure has been further reinforced in specific areas based on real-world crash data analysis, with the aim of maintaining or improving upon the 5-star Global NCAP safety rating achieved by the previous model.
Key Points About the 2025 Mahindra XUV 700
Improved Efficiency: Both engines have been optimized for better fuel economy, with the petrol variant now delivering up to 14.5 km/l and the diesel achieving up to 17.8 km/l under standard testing conditions.
Enhanced Warranty: Mahindra offers a comprehensive 3-year/unlimited kilometer warranty as standard, with options to extend to 5 years/150,000 kilometers for additional peace of mind.
Maintenance Costs: Service intervals remain at 10,000 kilometers, but the maintenance schedule has been optimized to reduce the total cost of ownership over a 5-year period.
Color Options: The 2025 XUV 700 is available in seven exterior colors, including two new options – Nebula Blue and Crimson Red – that highlight its distinctive design elements.
Manufacturing Excellence: The XUV 700 is produced at Mahindra’s state-of-the-art facility in Chakan, which implements advanced manufacturing processes and quality control systems that meet global standards.
Export Markets: Building on domestic success, the 2025 XUV 700 is being exported to several international markets including South Africa, Australia, and parts of Southeast Asia, demonstrating its ability to compete on the global stage.
Market Positioning
The XUV 700 occupies a unique position in the Indian market, straddling the space between premium mass-market SUVs and entry-level luxury offerings. Mahindra has positioned the 2025 model to appeal to diverse customer groups:
Family-oriented buyers seeking a spacious, feature-rich vehicle with strong safety credentials
Technology enthusiasts attracted by the advanced connected features and driver assistance systems
Performance-oriented customers who appreciate the powerful engine options and engaging driving dynamics
Value-conscious premium SUV buyers looking for luxury features without the luxury price tag
The XUV 700 competes with a wide range of vehicles, from the Tata Safari and MG Hector Plus at the lower end of its price spectrum to the Jeep Compass and entry-level variants of the Volkswagen Tiguan at the higher end.
It distinguishes itself through a combination of size, features, performance, and value that few competitors can match across their entire model range.
Driving Experience
Behind the wheel, the 2025 XUV 700 delivers a driving experience that belies its size and price point. The petrol engine provides eager acceleration with minimal turbo lag, while the diesel offers impressive torque delivery that makes it particularly well-suited to highway cruising and fully-loaded family trips.
Both engines are well-matched to their respective transmissions, with the automatic offering smooth shifts and responsive kickdown when needed.
The elevated seating position provides excellent visibility, while the well-weighted steering and controlled body movements inspire confidence during cornering.
The ride quality strikes an impressive balance between comfort and control, with the suspension effectively filtering out road imperfections without feeling overly soft or wallowy.
NVH levels have been notably improved across all variants, with reduced wind noise around the A-pillars and mirrors, and better isolation of road and tire noise from the cabin.
The diesel engine, in particular, is significantly more refined than in earlier iterations, with less vibration transmitted through the steering wheel and pedals.
Mahindra XUV 700:
The 2025 Mahindra XUV 700 represents a thoughtful evolution of what was already an impressive vehicle. By addressing key areas for improvement while building upon established strengths, Mahindra has created an SUV that continues to challenge conventional segment boundaries and expectations.
The combination of striking design, advanced technology, powerful yet efficient powertrains, and comprehensive safety features makes the XUV 700 a compelling proposition in an increasingly crowded market.
Its ability to offer a premium experience without the premium price tag continues to be one of its strongest selling points.
As the automotive landscape evolves with increasing focus on electrification and connectivity, the XUV 700 demonstrates Mahindra’s commitment to keeping pace with global trends while maintaining the core attributes that resonate with Indian consumers.
It stands as a testament to the company’s journey from a manufacturer of rugged, utilitarian vehicles to a creator of sophisticated, technologically advanced products that can compete on the world stage.
With the 2025 XUV 700, Mahindra has once again raised the bar for what consumers can expect from an Indian automotive manufacturer, reinforcing the notion that world-class vehicles can indeed emerge from domestic innovation and engineering excellence.