Mahindra XUV700: A New Era in the SUV Market as India takes on Germany
Prashirwin Naidu
Mahindra has unveiled its latest XUV700 offering in a remarkable shift towards luxury and style.
But is this the first-ever Mahindra that customers might label as a higher-end choice?
Join us as we explore the transformation of Mahindra's SUV lineup and delve into the details of the premium XUV700.
The XUV700 boasts a bold design with five captivating colour options: Midnight Black, Dazzling Silver, Red Rage, Electric Blue, and Everest White.
Colourful India emulates German efficiency at its best.
The vehicle showcases Mahindra's new Twin Peaks logo, representing an "authentic and aspirational" identity. Interest piqued?
Our range-topping AX7L test unit boasted a few niceties, as the striking clear LED headlamps and 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels paired with high-profile 235/60 tires added to its stylish exterior. The XUV700 features bright door handles reminiscent of a Range Rover, keyless entry, and sidesteps for added convenience.
Under the hood, a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivers 149kW of power and 380Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The XUV700 is available in front-wheel drive configuration and offers a 60-litre fuel tank for extended journeys.
Step inside, and you'll find a luxurious and sophisticated interior. Features include Driver Drowsiness Detection, a reverse camera, a 6-way power seat with memory function, leather steering wheel and gear lever, plush Leatherette seats, rain-sensing wipers, push-to-start button, passive keyless entry, and dual-zone climate control.
The XUV700 AX7L also features an integrated 10.25-inch infotainment screen, a 10.25-inch digital cluster, a 360-degree view, a Sony 12-speaker 3D sound system, wireless charging, and an expansive sky roof. Wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay complete the tech-savvy interior.
Among other things, it is packed with advanced driver assistance systems, including ABS braking, ESP, Adaptive Cruise Control, Smart Pilot Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, High Beam Assist, and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. For added safety, the vehicle features seven airbags.
The XUV700 offers seven seats with ample space for passengers, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable ride.
Behind the wheel, the XUV700 offers a comfortable and refined driving experience. The steering is light, and sound dampening reduces road noise. However, some may be concerned about fuel consumption, with reports of varying figures. While I achieved 10.1l/100km on simple cruising straight roads, others reported consumption rates as high as 12.9l/100km.
The XUV700 comes in three variants, with prices as follows: R479,999 for the entry-level 5-seater AX5, R534,999 for the middle-ground AX7 variant, and R569,999 for the top-spec AX7L.
All XUV700 models come with a 5-year/100,000km service plan and a 5-year/150,000km warranty, providing peace of mind to buyers.
The Mahindra XUV700 enters the SUV market with fierce competition from rivals such as the Mazda CX-5, Haval H6, Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, Proton X90, VW Allspace, Honda BR-V, and Hyundai Grand Creta.
Despite the challenges, the XUV700 presents a compelling proposition, offering luxury amenities at a competitive price. As Mahindra continues to evolve, the XUV700 signifies a promising future for the higher-end SUV segment.
German brands better watch their rear; India has colour and class.
Also worth a look: the Mahindra-Volkswagen Forge India's Electric Future and the Mahindra Xuv700.
FAQ
Q: What does the Mahindra XUV700 cost in South Africa?
The Mahindra XUV700 AX7L starts at around R649,900 in South Africa, making it one of the most affordable premium SUVs you can get with proper luxury features and a turbocharged petrol engine.
Q: Is the Mahindra XUV700 worth buying over German SUVs?
Absolutely, the XUV700 delivers German-inspired luxury at half the price of a BMW X3 or Audi Q5, offering 149kW of power, a Sony sound system, and premium leather appointments for under R650,000.
Q: How reliable is the Mahindra XUV700 compared to other SUVs?
The XUV700 comes with Mahindra's improved build quality and a comprehensive warranty, though it's still proving itself against established rivals like the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest in long-term reliability tests.
Q: What are the main competitors to the Mahindra XUV700 in South Africa?
The XUV700's main rivals include the Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4x4 (R699,400), Isuzu MU-X (R639,900), and Ford Everest 2.0 Turbo (R658,200), making it competitively priced in the premium SUV segment.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, the Mahindra XUV700 AX7L at R649,900 is absolutely worth buying if you want premium SUV luxury without the German price tag. This is the best value-for-money premium SUV under R700,000 in South Africa, offering features like a 360-degree camera, Sony 12-speaker sound system, dual-zone climate control, and a massive sunroof that you'd pay R200,000 more for in a BMW or Audi. The 149kW turbocharged engine provides proper punch, the interior genuinely feels upmarket, and Mahindra has finally cracked the luxury SUV code. Sure, it's not as proven as a Fortuner for long-term reliability, but for buyers who want to feel special without breaking the bank, the XUV700 delivers German sophistication with Indian pricing.
