Mahindra XUV700 unveiled, gets two engine options and AWD
After months of seeing test mules in the wild, Mahindra has finally unveiled its latest SUV, the XUV700. The XUV700 comes in four variants MX, a basic variant that misses out on a lot of kit that the other variants get and three ‘Adrenox’ or AX variants that come rather well kitted out. It will also get the option of a petrol and a diesel engine, along with manual and automatic transmissions and the option of all-wheel drive. The XUV700 will sit above the XUV500 in the Mahindra SUV portfolio.
XUV700 Design
On the design aspect, Mahindra has done justice to the XUV series with a body that outlines the earlier muscular XUV500 but with sleeker and sharp edges. XUV700 gets a big front grille, with the new ‘Twin Peaks’ logo front and centre. The vertical slats have been given an all-new design for the XUV700 and it certainly looks in-your-face when combined with the C-shaped headlamps. In profile, the XUV700’s haunches look very similar to those on the 500. The windowline also gets a kink that follows the line of the haunches, like on the XUV500. The taillamps at the rear wrap around the side, and once again, you have the new Twin Peaks logo on the tailgate.
XUV700 Drivetrain
The XUV700 comes with the option of both petrol and diesel engine options. The 2.2-litre mHawk turbo-diesel engine makes 182bhp and 420Nm (450Nm on the automatic), while the 2-litre mStallion turbo-petrol engine makes 197bhp and 380Nm of torque. Both engines should get the option of all-wheel drive.
On the performance front, Mahindra claims the XUV700 will do the 0-100kmph sprint in just 4.6 seconds. The diesel variant of the 700 gets three driving modes and they have been named Zip, Zap and Zoom.
XUV700 Interiors and features
The XUV700 gets a total of four variants. The MX variant is a (relatively) stripped down variant, compared to the Adreno or AX variants (AX3, AX5 and AX7) that get increasing levels of kit.
The MX gets an eight-inch infotainment screen and a seven-inch digital instrument cluster and features Android Auto connectivity. It also comes riding on 17-inch steel wheels.
The AX3 is the next step, and it significantly improves kit. You get a Mercedes-Benz-like twin 10.25-inch display for the infotainment and instrument cluster. You also get 6 speakers, in-built Alexa and Apple CarPlay in addition to Android Auto that the MX already had. Connected car features are added to the list as are LED headlamps, though it still rides on 17-inch steel wheels.
The AX5 adds a sunroof, curtain airbags, cornering lamps and 17-inch diamond cut alloys. Meanwhile the top-of-the-line AX7 gets the radar-enabled ADAS features, a fatigue alert, dual zone climate control and six way power seats. The interior trims are also improved with leatherette seats (now electrically adjustable), and leather steering and gear knob. Two more side airbags are added to the list taking the total airbag count to six, and the wheels are upsized to 18s on the AX7.
Mahindra has revealed prices for only the five-seater manual transmission variants yet and will release rest of the prices at a later date. The prices start at Rs 11.99 lakh with the base MX variant in petrol, and diesel at Rs 12.49 lakh. The AX3 petrol and the AX5 petrol variants are priced at Rs 13.99 lakh and Rs14.99 lakh respectively. The XUV700 goes head to head with the likes of the Tata Safari, Hyundai Alcazar and the MG Hector Plus, though the AX7 with its radar features could be slightly more expensive than this lot.
