Don’t Buy an XUV700 Yet! The Mahindra XUV 7XO Is Here — And It’s Better in Every Way

The Mahindra XUV 7XO has officially arrived, and it changes everything for SUV buyers in India. If you were about to sign a cheque for the old XUV700, put the pen down immediately. Launched on January 5, 2026, the new Mahindra XUV 7XO is not just a simple facelift; it is a comprehensive tech evolution that completely rebrands Mahindra’s flagship SUV.

In a move that has surprised the Indian automotive industry, Mahindra hasn’t just facelifted their best-selling SUV; they have completely rebranded it. Following the naming convention of the compact XUV 3XO, the flagship is now officially the Mahindra XUV 7XO.

But is this just a new badge and a grille swap? Absolutely not.

Launched on January 5, 2026, with a starting price of ₹13.66 Lakh, the XUV 7XO takes the mechanical brilliance of the old 700 and fuses it with the futuristic tech of the new XEV 9S electric SUV.

As someone who has driven every iteration of the XUV since 2011, I’m here to tell you why this update is a massive leap forward, not just a marketing gimmick.

Why the Change to Mahindra XUV 7XO?”

Before we talk specs, let’s address the elephant in the room. Why change a successful name like XUV700?

Mahindra is streamlining its portfolio. The “XO” suffix now denotes their ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) “Core” SUV lineup, distinguishing them distinctly from the upcoming “BE” and “XEV” electric ranges.

• XUV 3XO: Compact Core SUV
• XUV 7XO: Flagship Core SUV

This rebranding signals that Mahindra sees this vehicle not as an “old model” but as a contemporary pillar of their 2026 lineup.

Design: Sharper, Sleeker, Premium

The XUV700 was handsome; the XUV 7XO is sophisticated. The design team has cleaned up the “busy” elements to align it with global standards.

• The Piano Black Grille: Gone are the chrome-heavy vertical slats. They are replaced by a sleek, gloss-black grille that makes the front look wider and more aggressive.
• Sharper “C-Lights”: The signature LED DRLs are now thinner and sharper, integrating seamlessly into the bumper.
• The Rear Transformation: The biggest complaint about the XUV700 was its rear design. The XUV 7XO fixes this with a stunning Connected LED Tail-lamp bar that spans the entire width, giving it a premium, European look at night.
• Aero-Alloys: The new 19-inch Diamond Cut Alloys aren’t just for show; their aerodynamic design helps reduce wind noise at highway speeds.

Interior: The “Hyperfeed” Revolution

This is the biggest reason to upgrade. The interior of the XUV 7XO makes the old XUV700 look a generation old. Mahindra has lifted the dashboard straight from the ₹25 Lakh+ XEV 9S.

The Triple-Screen Setup

The old dual-screen layout is replaced by a massive glass panel housing three 12.3-inch screens:

• Driver Display: customizable telemetry and navigation.
• Central Infotainment: Running Adrenox 2.0 (faster, smoother).
• Passenger Screen: This is the showstopper. Your co-driver can now watch YouTube, Netflix, or manage the playlist on their own dedicated screen, without distracting the driver.

Feartue Upgrades

• Ventilated 2nd Row: The 6-seater variants now get ventilation for the captain seats—a godsend for Indian summers.
• Memory Seats: The driver’s seat now comes with 3 memory presets, linked to the key fob.
• 16-Speaker Audio: A customized Harman Kardon system with Dolby Atmos ensures that the sound quality matches the visual drama.

Ride & Handling: The DAVINCI Upgrade

The XUV700 was known for a specific suspension noise (a “thud”) over sharp potholes. Mahindra has silenced the critics with the new DAVINCI Damper Technology.

What is it? It is essentially a Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) system.

• Low Speed/Bad Roads: The dampers soften up to absorb sharp bumps without transmitting the shock to the cabin.
• High Speed/Cornering: The dampers stiffen to reduce body roll and keep the SUV planted.

The Result: The XUV 7XO glides over bad roads with a “heavy,” reassuring feel that was previously missing.

Powertrain: The Power King

Mahindra knows better than to fix what isn’t broken. The XUV 7XO retains the most powerful engines in the segment.

Note: The AWD (All Wheel Drive) system remains exclusive to the top-spec Diesel Automatic variants.

Mahindra XUV 7XO Variants & Price

Mahindra has launched the XUV 7XO with “Introductory Pricing” for the first 40,000 bookings.

• AX Series (Base): Starts at ₹13.66 Lakh.
• AX Series (Mid): Starts at ₹16.49 Lakh. (Gets the screens and Skyroof).
• AX7 Series (Top): Starts at ₹22.50 Lakh. (Gets ADAS Level 2+ and Luxury Pack).

💡 GForce Buying Advice:

The AX5 Diesel Automatic is the sweet spot. For roughly ₹19.50 Lakh, you get the Panoramic Sunroof, Dual 12.3-inch screens (not triple), and the stellar driving dynamics. It offers 90% of the experience for 75% of the price.

Color Options: The “XO” Palette

Mahindra has completely overhauled the color card for the XUV 7XO. There are 7 Standard Colors

DESERT MYST

RUBY VELVET

MIDNIGHT BLACK

NEBULA BLUE

GALAXY GREY

EVEREST WHITE

STEALTH BLACK

Comparison: XUV 7XO vs The Rivals

With the Tata Safari recently getting a Petrol engine, the war is on.

The Verdict: If you want mileage, buy the Hyryder. If you want road presence, buy the Safari. But if you want driving pleasure and next-gen tech, the XUV 7XO is undisputed.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

The Mahindra XUV 7XO is a masterclass in how to update a product. It addresses the few weaknesses of the XUV700 (ride quality, rear design) and enhances its strengths (tech, power).

At a starting price of ₹13.66 Lakh, it is arguably the best value-for-money SUV in the Indian market today.

❓ FAQs: Mahindra XUV 7XO

Q: Is the XUV 7XO replacing the XUV700? A: Yes. The XUV700 nameplate is discontinued.

Q: Does the XUV 7XO have ADAS? A: Yes, the AX7 and AX7L variants come with Level 2+ ADAS, which now includes a 540-degree camera (Transparent Hood view) for easier parking.

Q: What is the mileage of the XUV 7XO Petrol? A: The 200 PS engine is thirsty. Expect 9-10 kmpl in the city and 13-14 kmpl on the highway.

Image & Video credit: auto.mahintdra.com