Thinking of buying a new car in India? You are probably juggling thoughts about your budget, safety for your family, how much it will cost to maintain each month, what cool features it has, and if the company service is reliable. These are all big decisions! Today, we are diving deep into a car that has shaken up the Indian SUV market: the Mahindra XUV700, specifically the top-of-the-line AX7L 7-Seater Diesel Automatic with All-Wheel Drive. Is this the right premium SUV for you and your family? Let's find out!
Main Highlights
Engine Specifications
The Mahindra XUV700 AX7L Diesel AT AWD gets its power from Mahindra's fantastic mHawk engine. This engine is known for its refinement and strong performance.
- Engine Type: 2.2L mHawk CRDi Diesel
- Cubic Capacity: 2198 cc
- Max Power: 185 PS at 3500 rpm
- Max Torque: 450 Nm at 1750-2800 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed Automatic
- Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Design Overview
- Exterior: The XUV700 has a commanding road presence. It boasts a bold, upright stance with Mahindra's new "Twin Peaks" logo taking centre stage. The distinctive C-shaped DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) are unique, flowing into the large, modern grille. Flush-fitting smart door handles add a touch of premiumness and aerodynamics, while the large alloy wheels complete its muscular and sophisticated look. This SUV truly stands out on any road.
- Interior: Step inside and you are greeted by a modern, upscale cabin that feels luxurious. The highlight is undoubtedly the dual 10.25-inch screen setup that looks like one continuous panel, housing both the infotainment system and the digital instrument cluster. Light-coloured upholstery, soft-touch materials, and good fit and finish throughout the cabin give it a truly premium feel. The massive panoramic Skyroof makes the cabin feel even more open, airy, and inviting.
Key Features
The AX7L variant is loaded with technology and comfort, making every drive enjoyable.
- Dual 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and digital instrument cluster
- AdrenoX connected car technology with over 70 features for convenience and control
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration
- Massive Panoramic Skyroof for an open and airy cabin feel
- 360-degree surround view camera for easy parking and maneuvering
- Wireless smartphone charging pad
- Dual-zone automatic climate control for individual comfort
- Powered driver seat with memory function for personalised settings
- Sony 3D surround sound system for an immersive audio experience
- Electronic Parking Brake for added convenience and safety
What is the Ground Clearance of Mahindra XUV700?
The Mahindra XUV700 offers a practical ground clearance of 200 mm. This generous clearance helps it tackle rough Indian roads, speed breakers, and mild off-road trails with confidence and ease.
What is the Boot Space of Mahindra XUV700?
The boot space of the XUV700 is versatile, depending on your seating needs.
- With all three rows up (7-seater configuration): Around 190 litres, suitable for small bags.
- With the third row folded down: Over 400 litres, providing ample space for family trips.
What are the Dimensions of Mahindra XUV700?
The XUV700 has substantial dimensions that contribute to its commanding presence and spacious interior.
- Length: 4695 mm
- Width: 1890 mm
- Height: 1755 mm
- Wheelbase: 2750 mm
Powertrain Options
While our focus is on the powerful Diesel AT AWD, it's worth noting that the XUV700 also comes with other excellent powertrain choices:
- 2.0L mStallion Turbo Petrol engine (available with manual and automatic transmissions)
- 2.2L mHawk Diesel engine (available with manual and automatic transmissions, also in Front-Wheel Drive FWD options)
The AX7L Diesel AT AWD is the flagship for those seeking the ultimate blend of performance, refinement, and all-weather capability.
Safety Features
Mahindra has packed the XUV700 with advanced safety technologies, making it one of the safest SUVs in India.
- Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) which includes:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Forward Collision Warning
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Lane Keep Assist
- Lane Departure Warning
- High Beam Assist
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Up to 7 Airbags (front, side, curtain, and knee airbags for comprehensive protection)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- ISOFIX child seat mounts for secure child seating
NCAP Rating Table
The Mahindra XUV700 is a segment leader when it comes to safety, validated by its impressive NCAP ratings.
| Rating Type |
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 AT AWD
In the highly competitive Indian SUV market, the XUV700 AX7L Diesel AT AWD faces strong competition from other popular 7-seater SUVs. Its key rivals include:
- Tata Safari
- Hyundai Alcazar
- MG Hector Plus
- Jeep Compass (some lower variants compete on price and features, though the Compass is primarily a 5-seater)
How is the Car? Pros & Cons
Pros
- Powerful Diesel Engine: The 2.2L mHawk diesel engine is very refined, offers strong acceleration, and makes highway cruising a breeze.
- Smooth Automatic Transmission: The 6-speed automatic gearbox is seamless, making city driving effortless and highway overtakes smooth.
- AWD Capability: The All-Wheel Drive system provides superior grip and confidence in challenging road conditions, light off-roading, or adverse weather.
- Feature-Loaded: With ADAS, panoramic sunroof, dual large screens, a premium audio system, and more, it offers a truly modern and convenient experience.
- High Safety Rating: Its 5-star Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP ratings provide immense peace of mind for you and your family.
- Commanding Presence: The bold and muscular exterior design truly turns heads and gives it a premium look.
- Comfortable Ride: The well-tuned suspension setup ensures a comfortable and composed ride, even over typical Indian road imperfections.
Cons
- Third-Row Space: While it is a 7-seater, the third row is best suited for children or for adults on shorter journeys, as space can be a bit tight for taller individuals.
- Fuel Efficiency: Being a powerful diesel AWD SUV, real-world mileage, while decent for its class, might not be exceptionally high, especially in heavy city traffic.
- Price: The top-end AX7L variant is quite feature-rich but also expensive, pushing it into a higher price bracket compared to some rivals.
- Mahindra Service Network: While improving rapidly, some users still report mixed experiences with the service network in certain regions.
Conclusion
The Mahindra XUV700 AX7L 7-Seater Diesel Automatic AWD is a truly compelling and complete package for anyone looking for a premium, feature-rich, and incredibly safe SUV in India. It offers a powerful and refined engine, a luxurious and tech-loaded cabin, and the added peace of mind of All-Wheel Drive for varied terrains and confidence-inspiring drives. If your budget allows for this top-tier variant and you prioritise advanced safety, robust performance, and a comprehensive list of modern features for your family, the Mahindra XUV700 AX7L is undoubtedly one of the best choices out there. It’s a game-changer that continues to set new benchmarks in its segment. We highly recommend taking a test drive to experience its capabilities and see if it perfectly fits your lifestyle!
