When I first heard about the Mahindra XUV700, I didn’t think much of it. Another SUV in a sea of mid-size crossovers. Another launch headline. Another promise of “bold design” and “cutting-edge features.” I’ve followed the Indian auto market for over a decade now, and I’ve grown a little skeptical. We’ve seen our share of decent cars, but rarely anything that truly breaks through the ceiling of expectation.
Then I got behind the wheel of the XUV700. And everything changed.
The First Impression: Bold, But Not Just for Show
Most SUVs in India tend to play it safe. Not the XUV700. From the get-go, its presence is undeniable. The grille—oversized, sure—but not in a gaudy way. The C-shaped DRLs look like someone actually cared about design, not just compliance. It’s muscular, but not bloated. Think of it like that one guy at the gym who’s built but still agile. You can respect that.
But aesthetics alone don’t win hearts. What caught me off guard was what Mahindra has done under the hood and inside the cabin. I’m not just talking specs (we’ll get to those), but the philosophy of the car. This thing doesn’t feel like a product. It feels like a statement.
Performance: It’s Got Grit
Let’s talk numbers, but I’ll keep it real. The XUV700 comes with two engine options—a 2.0L turbo petrol mStallion engine that churns out 200 PS, and a 2.2L mHawk diesel that goes up to 185 PS in the higher trims. These aren’t just digits meant to inflate brochures. On actual roads—Indian roads—this performance matters.
I took the petrol variant on a weekend trip to Lonavala with three friends and a trunk full of everything from snacks to camping gear. It pulled like a beast on the expressway, but what impressed me more was how planted it felt during sudden lane changes. No floaty drama. No nervous steering. It felt European. Dare I say, even German-esque?
The diesel variant I drove later had that classic torque-rich feel Mahindra’s known for, but with a surprising level of refinement. No agricultural tractor vibes, I promise.
And if you’re into adventure or off-roading? The AWD variant isn’t a gimmick. It genuinely holds its own, especially with drive modes like Zip, Zap, and Zoom (yes, quirky names, but they work). I tried a muddy trail during monsoons near Pune and didn’t once feel like I was going to call a tow truck.
Interior: Mahindra Went to Finishing School
Now here’s where it gets personal. I’ve driven SUVs that cost twice as much as the XUV700 but felt like they were designed by engineers who’ve never taken a road trip. The XUV700, in contrast, feels like someone asked: “What would we want as Indian drivers?”
You sit in the cabin and you notice little things. Dual 10.25-inch screens give it that Mercedes-lite feel. The panoramic sunroof? Huge. But more than size, it’s the sense of openness it gives—perfect for long night drives under the stars or for kids to gaze out during road trips.
But what really sold me was the AdrenoX connected car tech. I used Alexa to adjust the AC and change the music while driving, which made me feel like I was in some futuristic version of an old Mahindra Scorpio ad. And yes, that 3D sound system by Sony? It’s not just branding. It’s genuinely immersive. Highway songs hit differently.
Safety and Thoughtfulness: More Than Just Checkboxes
This is where Mahindra truly impressed me. We’ve often treated safety as a luxury in India—something optional, something “nice to have.” The XUV700 flips that narrative.
Global NCAP awarded it 5 stars for adult safety. That’s no small feat.
Seven airbags, ADAS features like lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, emergency braking—it’s not just marketing fluff. I tested the adaptive cruise on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, and it handled varying speeds with impressive finesse. No sudden jerks. No panicky reactions. Just smooth adjustments.
This is a car that’s actively looking out for you. And that kind of attention makes a difference, especially for families.
Pricing: The Cherry on Top
Here’s the kicker. The Mahindra XUV700 starts at around ₹14 lakh (ex-showroom), and even the top variants sit comfortably below what you’d expect to pay for this level of features.
It punches far above its weight. If I had to explain it to someone outside India, I’d say—it’s like getting an Audi-level experience for the price of a Toyota.
Final Thoughts: Why the XUV700 Isn’t Just a Car, It’s a Turning Point
I’ve seen Indian auto brands evolve over time. From bare-bones people movers to city-smart hatchbacks. But the XUV700 marks something else—a psychological leap. It’s Mahindra saying, “We’re not just here to compete. We’re here to lead.”
For too long, Indian consumers have settled for “good enough.” The XUV700 doesn’t settle. It dreams bigger—and invites you along for the ride.
So if you ask me whether it’s worth buying? That’s not even the right question.
The right question is: Why haven’t more Indian manufacturers built something like this before?
The Mahindra XUV700 isn’t just an SUV. It’s a flag planted in the future of Indian automotive engineering.