The Mahindra XUV700 facelift, rumored to be named XUV 7XO, is set for a launch in early 2026, bringing fresh styling and tech upgrades while keeping the core strengths intact.
It retains the punchy 2.0L turbo-petrol and 2.2L diesel engines with mild-hybrid tech, offering strong performance for city and highway drives.
Standout features include a triple-screen dashboard, panoramic sunroof, Level 2 ADAS safety, and premium Harman Kardon audio—making it a value-packed 7-seater SUV starting around ₹15 lakh.
Early buzz suggests improved interior comfort with black upholstery and better ergonomics, though some worry about tech glitches from the current model.
Overall, it seems likely to dominate the mid-size SUV segment in India, blending affordability with family-friendly space, but rivals like Hyundai Creta or Tata Safari may push it on refinement.
Quick Specs Overview Mahindra xuv700 Facelift
Details
Performance and Drive Impressions
Based on current model tests (with facelift tweaks expected to refine ride), the XUV700 delivers effortless power for overtakes and loaded family trips. The diesel shines for torque, while petrol suits urban zip. Handling is soft and comfy but not sporty—ideal for Indian roads.
Why Consider It
If you're eyeing a spacious, feature-rich SUV under ₹25 lakh, this facelift looks promising. It addresses minor niggles like interior colors and adds luxury touches, though wait for real-world reviews post-launch to confirm. For now, evidence from spies and prototypes leans toward it being a smart upgrade.
Exploring the Mahindra XUV700 Facelift: A Comprehensive Look at Design, Power, and Everyday Appeal
In the bustling world of Indian SUVs, few names spark as much excitement as the Mahindra XUV700. Since its debut back in 2021, this bold 7-seater has carved out a massive fanbase with its muscular looks, roomy cabin, and tech-savvy vibe—all at a price that punches way above its weight. But as we hit late 2025, whispers of a facelift are turning into roars. Dubbed potentially as the XUV 7XO, this refreshed version promises to iron out a few quirks while dialing up the wow factor. If you're a family road-tripper, a city commuter, or just someone who loves a good deal on wheels, stick around. In this deep dive, we'll unpack the expected specs, real-talk reviews from the current model (with facelift hints), and why this beast could rule the roads come 2026. Let's rev up!
The Evolution: From XUV700 to XUV 7XO – What's Changed Outside?
Picture this: You're cruising down a monsoon-soaked Mumbai highway, and heads turn as you pass. That's the XUV700 magic—its imposing stance screams presence without trying too hard. The facelift builds on this, spied in test mules with subtle yet striking tweaks to keep it fresh against rivals like the Tata Safari or MG Hector.
Up front, expect a bolder grille that's sleeker and more angular, flanked by twin-pod LED headlights that echo the Scorpio-N's aggressive gaze. These aren't just for show; they're sharper for better night visibility, paired with redesigned LED daytime running lights (DRLs) that sweep elegantly across the bumper. The lower air dam gets a sportier redesign too, hinting at improved aerodynamics for that extra bit of efficiency. At the rear, connecting tail lights could make their debut, giving it a modern, unified look—like the Hyundai Alcazar but with Mahindra's rugged twist.
Dimension-wise, the facelift might stretch a tad longer (around 4,700 mm) for a more planted feel, without bloating the footprint. Wheelbase stays at 2,750 mm, ensuring agile parking in tight Indian spots. Alloy wheels? Think 18-inch diamonds cuts as standard on higher trims, wrapped in grippier tires to tackle potholes and gravel alike. Colors will likely expand, with matte finishes and dual-tones for that premium pop—imagine Stealth Black or Everest White gleaming under city lights.
Overall, the design refresh feels evolutionary, not revolutionary. It keeps the SUV's muscular DNA intact, avoiding the "cutesy crossover" trap some competitors fall into. Early spy shots suggest a hulking bumper and tapered lines for wind-cheating efficiency, making it look longer and more elegant without losing that tough-guy charm.
Inside the Cabin: Tech Heaven Meets Family Comfort
Step inside, and the facelift's big win is the interior overhaul. Gone are the divisive white upholstery options that showed every kid's crayon mark; hello, classy all-black leatherette that's easier to maintain and less "blingy." The dashboard gets a full redesign—think cleaner lines, softer-touch materials on key touchpoints, and revised door panels that feel more upscale. No more scratchy plastics dominating the view; instead, real leather on the steering wheel and armrests for that daily luxury.
The star? A triple-screen setup straight out of Mahindra's electric playbook (like the XEV 9e). You've got a 10.25-inch central touchscreen for infotainment, a matching digital driver's cluster, and a third screen for rear passengers or climate controls—perfect for long Goa family jaunts where everyone's glued to their own entertainment. Running Adrenox OS, it supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, plus Amazon Alexa for voice commands like "Play some Bollywood beats" or "Find the nearest dhaba."
Features pile on: A panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with light (or stars on clear nights), ventilated front seats cool you in Delhi summers, and a wireless charger keeps phones juiced. Dual-zone AC extends to the second row, with third-row vents for all-seven comfort. Boot space? 240 liters with seats up, expanding to 849 liters when folded—enough for weekend luggage or Diwali shopping hauls. Storage nooks abound: Deep glovebox, cooled console bin, and USB-C ports everywhere.
Ergonomics get a nudge too. Seats are firmer yet more supportive, with better lateral bolstering for twisty ghat roads. The second row slides and reclines for legroom galore (even for 6-footers), while the third is kid-friendly but tight for adults on marathons. Ambient lighting and an Infinity glass roof add mood, and auto-park assist makes parallel parking a breeze in crowded bazaars. One caveat from current owners: The infotainment can glitch—slow boots or frozen maps—so Mahindra's tuning this for smoother sails.
In short, the cabin evolves from "feature-packed" to "premium daily driver." It's spacious for Indian families, with enough bells (Harman Kardon 12-speaker audio) and whistles (sun blinds, EPB) to rival pricier Germans.
Under the Hood: Power That Packs a Punch
Mahindra's not messing with a good thing here—the powertrains carry over, refined for the facelift. Heart of the beast is the 2.0-liter turbo-petrol mGDi engine, pumping 197 bhp and 380 Nm of torque. It's zippy for city sprints, hitting 0-100 km/h in about 9 seconds, with a claimed 13-15 km/l efficiency. Pair it with the slick 6-speed auto for effortless shifts, or go manual for that engaging feel.
Diesel fans rejoice: The 2.2-liter mHawk churns 182 bhp (or 200 on top trims) and a torquey 420 Nm, ideal for highway loads. Mild-hybrid tech adds a smidge of electric assist for smoother starts and better mileage (15-17 km/l). Both hook up to front-wheel drive standard, with AWD on select diesels for monsoon adventures or Himalayan getaways.
Ride and handling? The facelift promises softer springs for pothole absorption, keeping the cabin serene at speeds. It's not a corner-carver—body roll creeps in on bends—but steering's light and precise for urban dodges. Brakes bite well, though pedal feel could sharpen. Noise insulation improves, muting road hums, and the 60-liter tank means fewer fuel stops on Mumbai-Pune runs.
From test drives of the current gen, it's a torque monster: Overtakes feel planted, and the diesel's low-end grunt hauls seven without sweat. Facelift tweaks like better tires should boost wet grip, addressing minor slips in rain.
Safety First: Layers of Protection for Peace of Mind
Mahindra's nailed safety, and the facelift amps it up. Level 2 ADAS suite includes adaptive cruise control (stop-go traffic wizard), lane-keep assist (gentle nudges on drowsy drives), and autonomous emergency braking for pedestrian dodges. Traffic sign recognition flashes speed limits, and blind-spot monitors use mirror cams for low-res but useful alerts.
Standard kit: Seven airbags (including knee and curtain for all rows), ABS with EBD, 360-degree camera (great for tight garages), TPMS, and hill-hold/descent control. Post-collision braking auto-stops if things go south. It's not ANCAP-rated yet (Australia's benchmark), but Indian NCAP gave the current model five stars—expect the facelift to match or beat it.
Owners rave about the high driving position for visibility, but note ADAS can be finicky in heavy rain. Still, for ₹20 lakh, this safety net feels unbeatable.
The Real-World Review: Hits, Misses, and Who Should Buy?
Drawing from hundreds of owner logs and pro tests, the XUV700's a segment shaker. Pros? Insane value—₹15-26 lakh gets you space for seven, turbo punch, and gadgets galore. Ride quality soaks up bad roads like a champ, and the panoramic view makes every drive scenic. Fuel sipping's decent for the size, and Mahindra's seven-year warranty eases ownership worries.
Misses? Third-row access is fiddly, infotainment lags occasionally, and seats run firm on long hauls. Some report battery drains from add-ons like dashcams, and the soft setup isn't for thrill-seekers. Facelift fixes like black interiors and triple screens tackle these head-on.
Verdict: If you need a versatile family hauler that turns heads and tows 1,500 kg without breaking a sweat, this is it. It's empathetic to Indian realities—potholes, traffic, budgets—while dreaming big on luxury. Rivals like the Safari offer similar space but lag on tech; the Creta's nimbler but seats five max. Wait for January 2026 launch if you're upgrading; otherwise, snag a current AX7 for under ₹25 lakh.
