Buying a new car in India is a big decision, right? You're not just looking for a ride; you're looking for a partner for your family, your adventures, and your daily commute. Naturally, you think about your budget, how safe the car is, monthly maintenance costs, the latest features it offers, and how reliable the company service will be. Well, if a powerful, feature-packed, and safe 7-seater SUV is on your mind, then the new Mahindra XUV700 AX7 7Str Diesel AT AWD is definitely a car you need to know more about. Let's dive deep into what makes this SUV a strong contender for your garage.
Main Highlights
Engine Specifications
The heart of the Mahindra XUV700 AX7 Diesel AT AWD is truly impressive. It boasts Mahindra's renowned mHawk engine, known for its robustness and performance.
- Engine Type: 2.2-litre mHawk Turbo Diesel
- Maximum Power: Approximately 185 PS (at 3500 rpm)
- Maximum Torque: Approximately 450 Nm (at 1750-2750 rpm)
- Transmission: 6-speed Automatic
- Drive Type: All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
This combination ensures a smooth yet powerful driving experience, perfect for both city commutes and long highway trips, even when fully loaded or tackling varied terrains.
Design Overview
The XUV700 stands out with its bold and futuristic design.
- Exterior:
- Front: Features a large, imposing grille with Mahindra's new Twin Peaks logo, sharp C-shaped LED DRLs, and sleek headlamps that give it a premium and aggressive look.
- Side: Muscular wheel arches, sharp character lines, and those cool flush door handles that pop out when needed, adding to its sophisticated appeal.
- Rear: Distinctive arrow-shaped LED tail lamps and a sculpted tailgate ensure it looks stylish from every angle.
- Interior:
- Cabin: Step inside, and you're greeted by a luxurious and spacious cabin. The dual 10.25-inch screens for infotainment and the instrument cluster dominate the dashboard, giving it a high-tech feel.
- Materials: Premium soft-touch materials, a well-laid-out dashboard, and comfortable seating for all occupants make long journeys a pleasure.
- Visibility: The commanding driving position offers excellent visibility, enhancing confidence behind the wheel.
Key Features
The AX7 variant of the XUV700 is loaded with technology and comfort features:
- Infotainment System: Dual 10.25-inch HD screens for the infotainment and digital instrument cluster.
- Connectivity: AdrenoX connect suite with Alexa built-in for seamless smartphone integration and remote car control.
- Sunroof: Segment-leading Skyroof (panoramic sunroof), adding to the sense of space and luxury.
- Safety & Convenience: 360-degree camera for easy parking, wireless charging for smartphones.
- Comfort: Dual-zone automatic climate control, powered driver's seat with memory function.
- Audio: Premium Sony 3D sound system (specific to AX7 L variant, but AX7 typically has good audio).
- Other: Auto booster headlamps, electric parking brake, smart door handles.
What is the Ground Clearance of Mahindra XUV700?
The Mahindra XUV700 offers a healthy ground clearance of approximately 200 mm. This is quite good for an SUV of its size, allowing it to easily tackle broken roads and moderate off-road trails common in India.
What is the Boot Space of Mahindra XUV700?
As a 7-seater SUV, the boot space naturally varies:
- With all three rows up: Approximately 240 Litres. This is enough for a few soft bags or small luggage.
- With the third row folded down: Expands significantly to around 470 Litres, offering ample space for larger suitcases and family trips.
What are the Dimensions of Mahindra XUV700?
Here are the approximate dimensions of this impressive SUV:
- Length: 4695 mm
- Width: 1890 mm
- Height: 1755 mm
- Wheelbase: 2750 mm
These dimensions give the XUV700 a substantial road presence and contribute to its spacious interior.
Powertrain Options
While we are focusing on the AX7 Diesel AT AWD, it's good to know the XUV700 also offers other choices:
- 2.0-litre mStallion Turbo Petrol: Available with both 6-speed Manual and 6-speed Automatic transmission.
- 2.2-litre mHawk Turbo Diesel: Available with both 6-speed Manual and 6-speed Automatic transmission. The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) option is exclusively available with the Diesel Automatic powertrain, making the AX7 Diesel AT AWD a truly capable machine.
Safety Features
Safety is a top priority for Mahindra, and the XUV700 truly shines here, especially in its AX7 variant:
- ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems):
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Forward Collision Warning and Auto Emergency Braking
- Lane Keep Assist and Lane Departure Warning
- High Beam Assist
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Airbags: Up to 7 airbags (including knee airbag, depending on variant).
- Braking & Stability: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
- Driving Aids: Hill Hold Control, Hill Descent Control.
- Child Safety: ISOFIX child seat anchor points.
- Other: Driver drowsiness detection, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
NCAP Rating Table
When it comes to safety, the Mahindra XUV700 has set a benchmark.
| Rating Agency |
Adult Occupant Protection |
Child Occupant Protection |
| Global NCAP |
5-star (Highest Score for a Made-in-India Car at its time) |
4-star |
| Bharat NCAP |
(Not yet tested for XUV700, but Global NCAP score sets a high standard) |
(Not yet tested for XUV700) |
The 5-star Global NCAP rating underscores Mahindra's commitment to building extremely safe vehicles for Indian roads.
Rivals of Mahindra XUV700 AX7 7Str Diesel AT AWD
The Mahindra XUV700 competes in a highly competitive segment of 7-seater SUVs in India. Its main rivals include:
- Tata Safari
- MG Hector Plus
- Hyundai Alcazar
- Mahindra Scorpio-N (though it caters to a slightly different buyer with its ladder-frame chassis)
How is the Car? Pros & Cons
Let's sum up the overall experience of the Mahindra XUV700 AX7 7Str Diesel AT AWD:
Pros
- Powerful Performance: The 2.2L diesel engine with automatic transmission and AWD offers fantastic power and torque, making it a joy to drive.
- Advanced Safety: Class-leading safety features, including Level 1 ADAS and a 5-star Global NCAP rating, provide immense peace of mind.
- Feature-Rich Cabin: Dual 10.25-inch screens, panoramic sunroof, AdrenoX connectivity, and premium interiors offer a luxurious experience.
- Comfortable Ride: The suspension is well-tuned for Indian road conditions, offering a comfortable and stable ride.
- Strong Road Presence: Its bold design ensures it turns heads wherever it goes.
Cons
- 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 Efficiency: Being a powerful diesel automatic AWD SUV, the fuel efficiency might not be the absolute best, especially in heavy city traffic.
- Initial Waiting Periods: While improved now, the high demand initially led to long waiting periods.
- Boot Space with All Rows Up: Limited boot space when all seven seats are in use.
- Learning Curve for Tech: Some of the advanced tech features might take a little time to get used to for new users.
Conclusion
The Mahindra XUV700 AX7 7Str Diesel AT AWD is undoubtedly a game-changer in the Indian SUV market. It brings a fantastic blend of cutting-edge technology, powerful performance, and uncompromising safety, all wrapped in an attractive package. If you're a family buyer looking for a premium 7-seater SUV that can handle everything from city commutes to adventurous road trips, and you prioritize safety and features without compromising on power, then the XUV700 AX7 Diesel AT AWD should be at the very top of your list. It's a car that truly delivers on its promise of an exhilarating and safe driving experience. Go for a test drive, and you might just find your next family SUV!
