Buying a new car in India is a big decision, right? You think about so many things: how much it costs, how safe it is for your family, what the monthly maintenance will be like, if it has all the cool new features, and if the company offers good service. It is a big investment, and you want to make the right choice. Well, today, we are going to deep dive into a car that is creating a lot of buzz in the market: the new Mahindra AX7L Ebony Edition 7Str Diesel AT AWD. This top-tier variant of the popular XUV700 brings a premium feel and powerful performance. Let us see if it truly stands out as the ultimate choice for Indian families.
Main Highlights
Engine Specifications
The heart of the Mahindra AX7L Ebony Edition is its robust diesel engine, known for its strong performance and refinement.
- Engine Type: 2.2-litre mHawk Diesel Engine
- Maximum Power: Around 185 PS
- Peak Torque: Around 450 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed Automatic Transmission (AT)
- Drive Type: All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
- This engine offers a fantastic balance of power for highway cruising and torque for city driving, making it a joy to drive.
Design Overview
The Ebony Edition is all about making a statement with its dark, sophisticated theme.
Exterior Design
- Bold and Dominant Presence: The XUV700 already has a commanding road presence, and the Ebony Edition enhances this further.
- Dark Accents: Expect a lot of blacked-out elements like a dark chrome grille, black alloy wheels, and possibly dark roof rails, giving it a very premium and aggressive look.
- Signature Lighting: It retains the distinctive C-shaped LED DRLs and LED headlamps, ensuring excellent visibility and a modern appearance.
Interior Design
- Premium Black Theme: The cabin gets an all-black treatment with high-quality materials and dark trim, providing a luxurious and sporty feel.
- Spacious and Comfortable: Being a 7-seater, it offers ample space for all occupants, especially in the first two rows. The seats are well-cushioned for long journeys.
- Advanced Cockpit: The dual-screen setup for infotainment and instrument cluster looks futuristic and is very user-friendly.
Key Features
The AX7L variant is loaded with cutting-edge technology and comfort features:
- Dual 10.25-inch Screens: A large touchscreen infotainment system and a fully digital instrument cluster.
- AdrenoX Connect: Advanced connectivity suite with over 70 connected car features.
- Skyroof: A massive panoramic sunroof that adds to the cabin's airy feel.
- 360-degree Surround View Camera: Makes parking and maneuvering in tight spots much easier.
- Wireless Phone Charging: Convenient charging for your smartphone.
- Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control: Keeps the cabin temperature comfortable for front and rear passengers.
- Sony 3D Sound System: A premium audio experience for music lovers.
- Powered Driver Seat with Memory Function: Offers ultimate convenience for multiple drivers.
- ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems): Includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Warning, and more.
What is the Ground Clearance of the Mahindra AX7L Ebony Edition?
- The Mahindra AX7L Ebony Edition boasts a healthy ground clearance of approximately 200 mm (unladen). This is excellent for tackling Indian roads, speed breakers, and even light off-roading.
What is the Boot Space of the Mahindra AX7L Ebony Edition?
- With all three rows of seats in use, the boot space is around 240 litres.
- If you fold down the third row, this expands significantly to approximately 600 litres, offering ample space for luggage on family trips.
What are the Dimensions of the Mahindra AX7L Ebony Edition?
- Length: Approximately 4695 mm
- Width: Approximately 1890 mm
- Height: Approximately 1755 mm
- Wheelbase: Approximately 2750 mm
Powertrain Options
While the focus here is the 7Str Diesel AT AWD, the XUV700 range also offers a powerful 2.0-litre Turbo Petrol engine and front-wheel-drive (FWD) options in both petrol and diesel. However, the AX7L Ebony Edition 7Str Diesel AT AWD represents the pinnacle of performance and capability within the diesel lineup, especially with its All-Wheel Drive system, which provides enhanced traction and control in varied conditions.
Safety Features
Mahindra has always prioritised safety, and the XUV700 range, including this Ebony Edition, is a testament to that.
- Up to 7 Airbags: Including knee airbags for the driver.
- ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems): As mentioned, this includes features like AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking), Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control.
- ABS with EBD: Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution.
- ESP (Electronic Stability Program): Helps maintain vehicle control in critical situations.
- Hill Hold and Hill Descent Control: Useful for driving on inclines.
- TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System): For optimal tyre safety and performance.
- ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts: For secure child seat installation.
NCAP Rating Table
Safety is a non-negotiable, and the Mahindra XUV700 (on which the AX7L Ebony Edition is based) has proven its mettle with stellar safety ratings.
| Rating Agency |
Adult Occupant Protection |
Child Occupant Protection |
| Global NCAP |
5 Stars |
4 Stars |
| Bharat NCAP |
5 Stars |
5 Stars |
These ratings highlight the XUV700's strong build quality and robust safety structure, making it one of the safest SUVs in India.
Rivals of Mahindra AX7L Ebony Edition 7Str Diesel AT AWD
In the competitive Indian SUV market, the Mahindra AX7L Ebony Edition goes head-to-head with some formidable opponents:
- Tata Safari
- MG Hector Plus
- Hyundai Alcazar
- Jeep Meridian
- Selected variants of Toyota Innova Hycross
How is the Car? Pros & Cons
Let us break down the advantages and disadvantages of this impressive SUV to help you make an informed decision.
Advantages (Pros)
- Powerful Diesel Engine: Offers excellent performance and refinement, especially on highways.
- Advanced Safety (ADAS & 5-Star Rating): Top-notch safety features provide peace of mind.
- Feature-Loaded Cabin: Packed with premium features like dual screens, panoramic sunroof, and excellent sound system.
- Commanding Road Presence: The Ebony Edition's dark theme adds to its already imposing design.
- Comfortable Ride Quality: Handles bad roads well and offers a comfortable experience for long journeys.
- AWD Capability: Provides superior traction and confidence on challenging terrains or during monsoons.
- Mahindra Service Network: A wide and accessible service network across India.
Disadvantages (Cons)
- Fuel Efficiency: While good for its class, it might not be as fuel-efficient as smaller cars.
- Third-Row Space: The third row is better suited for children or for short journeys for adults.
- Price: Being a top-end variant with AWD, it comes at a premium price point.
- Waiting Period: Depending on demand and location, there might still be significant waiting periods.
- Complex Infotainment: While feature-rich, the AdrenoX system can take some getting used to for new users.
Conclusion
The Mahindra AX7L Ebony Edition 7Str Diesel AT AWD is undoubtedly a strong contender for anyone looking for a premium, feature-packed, and safe 7-seater SUV in India. It offers a fantastic blend of power, luxury, and advanced technology, all wrapped in a visually striking package. With its 5-star safety rating and capable AWD system, it is built to handle diverse Indian conditions with confidence.
While it comes with a premium price tag and some minor compromises in third-row space, its overall package of performance, safety, and features makes it a highly desirable choice. If your budget allows and you prioritize cutting-edge technology, robust build quality, and a powerful diesel automatic with AWD, the Mahindra AX7L Ebony Edition should definitely be on your shortlist. It is more than just a car; it is a statement, a reliable family transporter, and an adventure-ready machine all rolled into one. Happy car hunting!
