The Mahindra XUV 7XO is far more than a straightforward successor to the XUV700. It represents a decisive step forward for the brand, both in intent and execution, and arrives as an all-new three-row SUV that signals just how far Mahindra has matured. While the XUV700 provided a strong base, the 7XO builds on it in a way that feels genuinely transformative. In many ways, this is Mahindra’s most complete product yet. It gets the fundamentals right while also delivering on comfort, performance, technology, and presence. It is not without flaws, but when viewed as a whole, the positives comfortably outweigh the negatives, making the XUV 7XO a compelling and confident contender in its segment.
Visually, the XUV 7XO strikes a confident balance between familiarity and evolution. The side profile still carries the unmistakable DNA of the XUV700, and that works in its favour. The vehicle remains a well-proportioned, muscular silhouette that looks every bit like a modern full-size SUV. The real evolution lies in the finer details, where Mahindra has clearly focused on elevating the premium quotient.
A bold side profile with 19-inch diamond-cut alloys reinforces the XUV 7XO’s confident SUV proportions
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The SUV rides on striking 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels that fill the arches nicely and add to its planted stance. Up front, the revised grille with distinctive talon-inspired accents gives the vehicle a sharper, more sophisticated face, while premium piano black elements are generously used across the grille, fenders, and door cladding. From a long-term ownership perspective, piano black surfaces are always a questionable choice as they tend to show scratches easily, and that concern remains valid here as well. However, there is no denying the air of sophistication they lend to the design, and it is unlikely to be a deal-breaker for most buyers.
Lighting plays a key role in the XUV 7XO’s visual appeal. Squared-off bi-LED projector headlamps draw inspiration from the Scorpio-N, complemented by exposed ICE Cube fog lamps up front. At the rear, diamond-inspired LED tail lamps with clear lenses stand out, especially after dark, giving the SUV a distinctive and premium night-time signature.
Step inside, and it becomes immediately clear that the cabin is where Mahindra has made one of its most significant strides. The interior has been completely redesigned, not only in terms of layout but also in material quality and overall ambience. The result is a space that feels genuinely premium, with a level of sophistication that places it firmly among the best in its class.
Advanced lighting elements and LED tail lamps give the XUV 7XO a striking presence, especially after dark
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The new two-spoke steering wheel, wrapped in leather and finished in piano black, looks contemporary and feels great to hold, offering excellent feedback on the move.
It is not without its flaws, though. During the drive, there were moments when using the phone controls would inadvertently trigger the horn, pointing to a button sensitivity or software calibration issue. It is a minor glitch and one that Mahindra will likely address quickly, but it does stand out as one of the few negatives in an otherwise well-thought-out cabin.
Seat comfort is a clear highlight of the XUV 7XO. The premium soft leather upholstery, finished in a tasteful two-tone combination of chestnut brown and off-white, instantly elevates the interior. The seats are well contoured, generously cushioned with thick foam, offering excellent support over long journeys. Subtle aluminium accents on the seats add a touch of visual flair without feeling overdone.
Both the front and second-row seats are ventilated, a welcome addition and a major advantage in warmer climates. The first and second rows offer excellent comfort and space, making the XUV 7XO an easy SUV to spend long hours in. The third row, however, is more suited to children than adults. While it does feel a bit tight for full-sized passengers, Mahindra has ensured that it is not an afterthought, with dedicated AC vents and a charging port to keep rear occupants comfortable and connected.
The redesigned cabin showcases a coast-to-coast triple-screen layout and a distinctly premium ambience
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The sense of space inside the cabin is further amplifiedby the large panoramic sunroof, which opens wide and is likely to be a major draw for family buyers. It allows plenty of light into the cabin and adds to the overall feeling of openness.
Technology is another area where the XUV 7XO truly stands out. The highlight here is the coast-to-coast display setup, which consists of three screens seamlessly integrated across the dashboard. This includes a fully digital driver information cluster, a central infotainment system, and a dedicated front passenger display. What is particularly impressive is that this entire setup is standard across all variants, a bold move that underlines Mahindra’s confidence in the product. These displays are further elevated by segment-first Dolby Vision, which noticeably improves clarity, contrast, and overall visual richness. Audio duties are handled by a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system that delivers an immersive and well-balanced listening experience.
Beyond the screens, the feature list is extensive and thoughtfully executed. Dual-zone climate control, retractable sunblinds for the rear windows, wireless charging for both front and rear passengers, boss mode that allows the front passenger seat to be adjusted easily from the second row — all add to the sense of everyday luxury. Features such as multi-zone ambient lighting, a six-way power-adjustable driver seat, and a 540-degree camera system with digital video recording all contribute to the feeling that nothing important has been overlooked. The connected car experience is taken a step further with Alexa integrated with ChatGPT, allowing users to interact with the vehicle in a far more natural and conversational manner than traditional voice assistants typically allow.
Safety is another key strength of the XUV 7XO. The SUV comes equipped with Level 2 ADAS, offering features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, and traffic sign recognition. This is complemented by disc brakes on all four wheels, a high-strength body structure, and a comprehensive suite of airbags, reinforcing Mahindra’s focus on occupant protection and overall safety.
Under the hood, the XUV 7XO offers a choice of petrol and diesel powertrains. The 2.0-litre mStallion petrol engine produces 200 PS of power and 380 Nm of torque, delivering strong performance for those who prefer a petrol setup. The 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine remains the more compelling option for this SUV, producing around 186 PS and 420 Nm of torque with the manual gearbox, while the 6-speed automatic version ups torque output to a substantial 450 Nm. Mahindra has confirmed that the XUV 7XO platform is capable of supporting all-wheel drive, although an AWD variant is yet to be introduced.
Ventilated leather seats and a panoramic sunroof elevate comfort and space for all occupants
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What we drove was the top-of-the-line diesel automatic, and it also showcased Mahindra’s all-new DaVinci suspension setup, which the company claims is a world-first. Technicalities aside, the real-world results are genuinely impressive. Ride quality is among the best in the segment, with the suspension doing a superb job of absorbing road imperfections while maintaining excellent composure at speed. It strikes a rare balance, delivering plush comfort without diluting handling confidence. Behind the wheel, the XUV 7XO feels robust, responsive, and surprisingly engaging for a vehicle of its size. It feels peppy when pushed, stable through corners, and always in control, making it an SUV that you genuinely enjoy driving rather than merely being driven in.
Taken as a complete package, the Mahindra XUV 7XO ranks among the most impressive vehicles the brand has ever produced. It is well priced, generously equipped across the variant range, and finally showcases a level of quality, refinement, and dynamic ability that firmly places Mahindra among the best in the business. There are minor flaws, but they do little to detract from what is otherwise a thoroughly accomplished SUV. The XUV 7XO does not just move the game forward for Mahindra—it clearly shows that the brand has come of age.
Mahindra XUV 7XO starts from INR 13.66 lakh onwards
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