Hey car enthusiasts and future car owners! Choosing a new car, especially a family SUV, involves many important decisions. You think about your budget, the safety features for your loved ones, monthly maintenance costs, the latest technology, and reliable company service. It's a big investment, and you want to make the best choice. Today, we're diving deep into a vehicle that has truly shaken up the Indian SUV market: the Mahindra XUV700 AX7L 7Str Diesel. This premium 7-seater SUV is a strong contender for anyone looking for power, features, and safety in one package. Let's see what makes the XUV700 AX7L a top pick for Indian families.
Main Highlights
Engine Specifications
The XUV700 AX7L 7Str Diesel comes with a robust engine designed for both city commutes and highway cruising.
- Engine Type: 2.2-litre mHawk Diesel Engine
- Maximum Power: 185 PS at 3500 rpm
- Maximum Torque: 450 Nm at 1750-2800 rpm (with automatic transmission)
- Transmission: Available with both 6-speed Manual and 6-speed Automatic options. The AX7L mostly features the automatic for enhanced driving comfort.
Design Overview
The Mahindra XUV700 stands out with its bold and futuristic design.
- Exterior: It features a prominent front grille with Mahindra's new Twin Peaks logo, C-shaped LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lamps), and sharp LED headlamps. The flush door handles add a touch of premiumness, while the large alloy wheels give it a commanding stance. The overall silhouette is muscular and modern, truly making it a head-turner on Indian roads.
- Interior: Step inside and you are greeted by a plush and spacious cabin. The AX7L variant boasts a dual-screen setup that dominates the dashboard. High-quality materials and a well-finished dashboard elevate the premium feel. The 7-seater layout offers comfortable seating for most occupants, making it ideal for large families and long journeys.
Key Features
The AX7L variant is packed with cutting-edge technology and comfort features:
- Infotainment System: Dual integrated 10.25-inch screens for infotainment and instrument cluster.
- Connectivity: AdrenoX connectivity suite, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto support.
- Sunroof: Segment-first Skyroof (panoramic sunroof) for an airy cabin feel.
- Camera: 360-degree surround view camera for easy parking and maneuvering.
- Wireless Charging: Convenient wireless phone charging pad.
- Climate Control: Dual-zone automatic climate control for personalized comfort.
- Sound System: Premium Sony 3D sound system.
- Driver Seat: 6-way power-adjustable driver seat with memory function.
- ADAS: Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems for enhanced safety and convenience.
What is the Ground Clearance of XUV700?
- The Mahindra XUV700 offers a healthy ground clearance of 200 mm (unladen), which is great for tackling varied Indian road conditions and mild off-roading.
What is the Boot Space of XUV700?
- With all three rows of seats in use, the XUV700 offers a boot space of around 187 litres.
- When the third row is folded down, the boot space expands significantly to around 488 litres, providing ample room for luggage.
What are the Dimensions of XUV700?
- Length: 4695 mm
- Width: 1890 mm
- Height: 1755 mm
- Wheelbase: 2750 mm
Powertrain Options
While we are focusing on the diesel variant, it is good to know that the XUV700 also offers a potent petrol engine option.
- Petrol: 2.0-litre mStallion Turbo Petrol engine (200 PS, 380 Nm)
- Diesel: 2.2-litre mHawk Diesel engine (155 PS for lower variants, 185 PS for higher variants like AX7L)
- Both engines are available with 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions. The AX7L also offers an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) option for the diesel automatic variant.
Safety Features
Safety is a cornerstone of the XUV700, especially in the AX7L variant.
- Airbags: 7 airbags (including knee airbag for driver)
- ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems): Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Collision Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, High Beam Assist.
- Braking: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Stability: Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- Other Features: Hill Hold Control, Hill Descent Control, ISOFIX child seat mounts, Driver Drowsiness Detection.
NCAP Rating Table
The XUV700 has set a benchmark in safety for Indian-made vehicles.
| Rating Body |
Adult Occupant Protection |
Child Occupant Protection |
| Global NCAP |
5 Stars |
4 Stars |
| Bharat NCAP |
5 Stars |
5 Stars |
Rivals of Mahindra XUV700 AX7L 7Str Diesel
The XUV700 competes in a hotly contested segment in India. Its main rivals include:
- Tata Safari
- MG Hector Plus
- Hyundai Alcazar
- Even some variants of the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta (though slightly smaller)
How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)
Let's look at the balanced picture of owning a Mahindra XUV700 AX7L 7Str Diesel.
Pros
- Powerful Diesel Engine: The 2.2L mHawk diesel engine offers fantastic performance, making highway overtakes effortless.
- Feature-Packed Cabin: The AX7L variant comes loaded with premium features like dual 10.25-inch screens, panoramic sunroof, and a premium sound system.
- Top-Notch Safety: With 7 airbags, ADAS, and a 5-star Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP safety rating, it offers immense peace of mind.
- Aggressive and Premium Design: Its road presence is undeniable, and the interior feels truly upmarket.
- Spacious and Comfortable: Good space in the first two rows makes long journeys comfortable for adults.
- Value for Money: Considering the features, performance, and safety, it offers excellent value in its segment.
Cons
- Third-Row Space: While it's a 7-seater, the third row can be cramped for adults on longer journeys, best suited for children or short trips.
- Fuel Efficiency: Being a powerful diesel SUV, the fuel efficiency might not be the absolute best in class, especially in city traffic.
- Initial Price Point: The top-end AX7L variant is quite premium, which might push it out of budget for some buyers.
- ADAS Learning Curve: While advanced, some drivers might take time to get used to the ADAS features, and they may react differently in varied Indian traffic conditions.
Conclusion
The Mahindra XUV700 AX7L 7Str Diesel is undeniably a game-changer in the Indian SUV market. It brings together powerful performance, a stunning design, a feature-rich and comfortable cabin, and an industry-leading safety package. If you are a prospective buyer in India looking for a premium 7-seater SUV that prioritizes your family's safety, offers a thrilling driving experience, and comes loaded with the latest technology, the XUV700 AX7L should definitely be on your shortlist. While the third row is better for kids and fuel efficiency might not break records, its overall appeal as a comprehensive and capable family vehicle is hard to ignore. It is truly a formidable contender and a smart choice for those seeking a modern and reliable SUV. Go for a test drive and experience the XUV700 magic yourself!
