Buying a new car in India is a big decision, isn't it? We all think about a lot of things: how much it will cost, how safe it is for our family, what the monthly maintenance will be, if it has all the latest features, and how good the company service is. Finding a car that ticks all these boxes can be tough. But what if there was an SUV that promised to deliver on most of these fronts, especially in the popular 7-seater segment? Enter the Mahindra XUV700 AX7 7Str Diesel, a car that has truly shaken up the Indian SUV market. Let's dive deep into why this might be your next family car.
Main Highlights
Engine Specifications
The Mahindra XUV700 AX7 7Str Diesel comes with a powerful 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine. This engine is known for its strong performance and refined nature, making it a joy to drive both in the city and on highways.
- Engine Type: 2.2L mHawk Diesel
- Maximum Power: 185 PS (at 3500 rpm)
- Maximum Torque: 420 Nm (with Manual Transmission), 450 Nm (with Automatic Transmission) (at 1600-2800 rpm)
- Transmission Options: 6-speed Manual or 6-speed Automatic
Design Overview
The XUV700 AX7 truly stands out with its modern and muscular design.
- Exterior: It boasts a bold front grille, signature C-shaped LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights), and arrow-head LED taillamps that give it a distinct road presence. The flush door handles add a touch of premium feel, while the large alloy wheels complete its aggressive stance.
- Interior: Step inside and you are greeted by a premium cabin. The dual 10.25-inch screens for infotainment and the instrument cluster create a futuristic cockpit. High-quality materials, comfortable seating for seven, and ample space make long journeys enjoyable. The beige and black theme often found in the AX7 variant adds to the airy feel.
Key Features
Mahindra has loaded the XUV700 AX7 with features that make it a compelling package.
- Dual 10.25-inch Infotainment and Instrument Cluster Screens
- AdrenoX Connected Car Technology (with Alexa integration)
- Skyroof (segment-largest panoramic sunroof)
- 360-Degree Surround View Camera
- Wireless Phone Charging
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Sony 3D Immersive Sound System
- Powered Driver Seat with Memory Function
- Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold
- Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) - including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking, and more
Ground Clearance of Mahindra XUV700 AX7
- The XUV700 AX7 offers a good ground clearance of approximately 187 mm, which is adequate for tackling most Indian road conditions and minor off-road trails.
Boot Space of Mahindra XUV700 AX7
- With all three rows up, the boot space is around 240 litres.
- Folding down the third row expands it to about 440 litres.
- With both the second and third rows folded, it offers a massive cargo area of around 870 litres.
Dimensions of Mahindra XUV700 AX7
- Length: 4695 mm
- Width: 1890 mm
- Height: 1755 mm
- Wheelbase: 2750 mm
Powertrain Options
While this post focuses on the diesel variant, the XUV700 also comes with a powerful 2.0-litre mStallion turbocharged petrol engine. Both engines are available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The AX7 Diesel variant we are discussing can be chosen with either of these transmission options.
Safety Features
Safety is a cornerstone of the XUV700. It is packed with features to keep you and your family secure.
- Up to 7 Airbags
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- Traction Control System
- Hill Hold Control and Hill Descent Control
- ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
- Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite: Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition, and High Beam Assist.
NCAP Rating Table
The Mahindra XUV700 has received impressive safety ratings from leading global and national assessment programs.
| Rating Body |
Adult Occupant Protection |
Child Occupant Protection |
| Global NCAP |
5 Stars |
4 Stars |
| Bharat NCAP |
5 Stars |
5 Stars |
Rivals of Mahindra XUV700 AX7 7Str Diesel
The XUV700 AX7 competes in a very tough segment in India. Its main rivals include:
- Tata Safari
- MG Hector Plus
- Hyundai Alcazar
- Kia Carens (top variants)
How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)
Pros (Advantages)
- Powerful Performance: The mHawk diesel engine offers fantastic power and torque, making highway driving effortless.
- Feature Loaded: From dual screens to ADAS and a panoramic sunroof, it offers features usually found in much more expensive cars.
- Excellent Safety: Top NCAP ratings and a comprehensive suite of safety features give great peace of mind.
- Spacious and Comfortable: Good space for the first two rows, making it ideal for families.
- Eye-catching Design: Modern and premium aesthetics, both inside and out.
- Value for Money: Considering its features, performance, and safety, it offers great value.
Cons (Disadvantages)
- Third-Row Space: While it's a 7-seater, the third row can be a bit cramped for adults on longer journeys. Best suited for children or short trips.
- Fuel Economy: Being a powerful and heavy SUV, the diesel mileage might not be the absolute best in its class, though it is reasonable for its size and power.
- Initial Nigles/Software Glitches: Some early owners reported minor software issues, though Mahindra has been actively addressing these with updates.
- Mahindra Service Network: While improving, the service experience can sometimes be inconsistent across different dealerships in India.
Conclusion
The Mahindra XUV700 AX7 7Str Diesel is more than just an SUV; it's a statement. It brings together powerful performance, cutting-edge technology, top-tier safety, and a premium experience, all at a competitive price point in the Indian market. If you are a prospective car buyer in India looking for a feature-rich, safe, and powerful 7-seater family SUV, the XUV700 AX7 Diesel should definitely be at the top of your list. It's a car that promises to make every journey memorable. We highly recommend you take it for a test drive to experience its capabilities firsthand.
