Mahindra XUV 7XO first drive: More premium, more tech, still very XUV

Mahindra has given the XUV 700 a meaningful upgrade, and with that comes a new name, XUV 7XO. This upgrade doesn’t come as just a cosmetic refresh or a feature shuffle. The idea here is to retain what made the XUV 700 successful, while pushing the SUV further up the ladder. We recently spent time with the SUV in Jaisalmer and got an understanding if Mahindra has largely achieved the balance.

Mahindra XUV 7XO: Familiar design, but clearly more premium

The XUV 7XO now sits closer to the recently launched XEV 9S in terms of design language and cabin tech, but it still has its own identity and positioning. At first glance, the XUV 7XO doesn’t look completely new, and that’s intentional. Mahindra hasn’t tried to fix what wasn’t broken. Instead, the folks in the design team have refined the original shape to make it look more premium.

The LED DRL signature still reminds you of the XUV 7O, but the entire lighting assembly is new. The grille has been reworked with fresh slats, the bumper design is new, and the lower section looks more detailed than before. The fog lamps have also been repositioned and now come in a jewel-style pattern. Not to mention, they do lend a great presence during the night.

Move to the side, the top variant gets 19-inch alloy wheels, which suit the size of the car well, while lower variants make do with 18-inch units. Otherwise, the side profile remains pretty much the same. At the rear, the design is clean and familiar, borrowing cues from the XEV 9S. Overall, the XUV 7XO still has that boxy, upright SUV stance that Indian buyers love, but it now looks more modern and expensive without trying too hard.

Mahindra XUV 7XO: Cabin, where the big upgrade is!

Step inside, and this is where the XUV 7XO truly separates itself from the older XUV 700. One of the biggest highlights comes in the form of a triple-screen layout that immediately grabs attention. This setup consists of a digital instrument cluster, an infotainment screen and a dedicated screen for the front passenger. All large, 12.3 inches in size. The screens are sharp, responsive, well laid-out and easy to read. The setup runs on Adrenox AI platform, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon and the upgrade in computing power is noticeable too. It clearly feels smoother than before.

What really elevates the experience is the addition of Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. The display quality is genuinely impressive. Colours pop, contrast is strong, and the system feels more like a high-end home setup than a car infotainment screen. Plus, the sound system makes it even better. It is one of the key areas where Mahindra has truly nailed it.

Seat comfort is another strong point. The front seats are well-cushioned, nicely bolstered, and feel supportive for long drives. The foam quality and padding are noticeably improved, and both front and rear seats now get ventilation, which is a big plus for Indian conditions. Material quality across the cabin feels a step up as well. The textures, colour choices, and overall fit and finish give the XUV 7XO a genuinely premium feel. Lastly, you also get a massive panoramic sunroof, which Mahindra claims cuts UV rays and helps lower cabin temperature by around 2.5 degrees.

You get rear AC vents, sunshades, a central armrest, and adjustable recline, allowing passengers to find a genuinely relaxed seating position. One interesting feature here is Mahindra’s “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD) setup. You can mount tablets or iPads for rear passengers and power them using a 65W charging outlet. What’s clever is that the system allows the same content to be mirrored across all screens (front and rear). There’s also Boss Mode, which allows rear occupants to adjust the front passenger seat. It does bring added convenience. Accessing the third row is easy thanks to the one-touch tumble function, but once you’re back there, knee room is tight, under-thigh support is almost non-existent due to the low seat base, and headroom is limited. This is not a place you’d want to spend hours in. For shorter journeys, it can do the job. That said, Mahindra hasn’t ignored convenience here. You still get rear AC vents, fan speed controls, speakers, and a 12V charging socket.

Under the hood, the XUV 7XO continues with familiar engine options. You can choose between petrol and diesel, both available with manual and automatic gearboxes. We drove the 2.2-litre diesel automatic, producing 185 hp and 450 Nm of torque. On the road, the engine feels strong and confident. There is a bit of initial turbo lag, but once past that, the torque comes in smoothly and consistently.

One of the biggest upgrades comes in the form of the new suspension setup. Mahindra says this is the world’s first DaVinci damping system, and the result is clear on the road. The ride quality has improved significantly. Broken roads, expansion joints, and uneven surfaces are handled with ease. The suspension irons out imperfections well, making the XUV 7XO feel more comfortable and composed than before.Handling has also improved. Despite its size and weight, the SUV feels stable and predictable, inspiring confidence on highways and twisty roads alike.Safety has been taken seriously. The XUV 7XO now gets Level 2 ADAS (Sense +), adding more active safety features to an already strong safety package. Six airbags, including curtain airbags, are now standard across variants.

Mahindra XUV 7XO: Should you buy it?

When the refreshed profile and capabilities are combined with the long feature list and competitive pricing, the XUV 7XO makes a very strong case in its segment. Prices range from Rs 13.66 lakh, ex-showroom, to Rs 24.92 lakh, ex-showroom.

If you liked the XUV 700 but felt it could use more refinement, better tech, and a richer cabin experience, the XUV 7XO delivers exactly that. Simply put, the XUV 7XO ticks all the right boxes for Indian buyers: design, comfort, tech, safety, performance, and value for money. As an upgrade or even as a fresh purchase in this segment, it’s easily one of the strongest contenders you can buy today.