Mahindra XUV 7XO Review: The New King of Tech-Loaded Family SUVs?

The “XUV700” tag has been synonymous with long waiting periods and segment-disrupting features. Now, Mahindra has decided to take that legacy even further with the Mahindra XUV 7XO. This isn’t just a simple facelift; it is a tech-heavy evolution that adopts Mahindra’s new “XO” naming strategy, similar to what we saw with the XUV 3XO.

With a starting ex-showroom price of ₹15 Lakh, the XUV 7XO aims to silence the competition by borrowing futuristic elements from Mahindra’s upcoming “Born Electric” (XEV) range. Is this the SUV that finally makes the German and Korean rivals sweat? Let’s find out.

QUICK SPECS TABLE (The Powerhouse)

EXTERIOR DESIGN & ROAD PRESENCE

The XUV 7XO retains the muscular silhouette we loved in the XUV700 but adds a layer of “Electric Sophistication.”

• The Face: The biggest change is the lighting. You now get 7-shaped LED DRLs that wrap around the bumper, giving it an aggressive, futuristic face. The grille is more structured with high-gloss black slats.
• The Side Profile: Not much has changed here except for the new 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels which fill the wheel arches much better than the old 18s. The “Smart Door Handles” (flush fit) continue to turn heads at parking lots.
• The Rear: The tail lamps have been reworked into a sleek, connected LED light bar that runs across the width of the tailgate. It looks premium and helps the car look wider and more planted.

INTERIOR, COMFORT & FEATURES

This is where Mahindra has gone absolutely “bonkers” (in a good way). The interior feels like it belongs in a car from two segments above.

The Triple-Screen Revolution

The XUV 7XO features a Triple-Screen Dashboard. You get:

1. 10.25-inch Digital Cluster for the driver.
2. 12.3-inch Central Infotainment system.
3. 12.3-inch Passenger Display (First in segment!). Your co-passenger can now watch movies or control music without distracting the driver.

Space & Comfort

• Boss Mode: There is a button to slide the front passenger seat forward from the rear, creating massive legroom—perfect for those who are chauffeur-driven.
• Ventilation: Finally, Mahindra has added Ventilated Seats not just for the front, but for the second-row captain seats as well!
• Skyroof: The panoramic sunroof (Skyroof) remains the largest in its class, making the cabin feel incredibly airy.

ENGINE PERFORMANCE & DRIVING DYNAMICS

City Drive: Smooth and Light

The steering of the XUV 7XO is surprisingly light for such a big SUV. It feels like driving a much smaller car. The Diesel Automatic is the pick for city dwellers; the torque converter is smooth and handles the stop-and-go traffic of Bangalore or Mumbai without any jerkiness.

Highway Drive: A Solid Tank

At 100kmph+, the XUV 7XO feels like a high-speed train. It’s rock-solid. There is minimal body roll for a car this tall. The mStallion Petrol is a beast—it produces 197 BHP and feels punchy, making highway overtakes effortless.

Read More: Toyota Camry

Suspension: The Pothole Conqueror

The suspension absorbs potholes easily. Mahindra has tuned the dampers to handle sharp Indian bumps without sending a thud into the cabin. It’s easily one of the most comfortable rides in the ₹20-30 Lakh bracket.

SAFETY: THE 5-STAR PROMISE

Mahindra hasn’t messed with the formula that made them famous.

• Build Quality: It uses high-strength steel and feels like a tank.
• Airbags: 7 Airbags (including a knee airbag) are standard on the top trims.
• ADAS Level 2: The updated suite includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Auto Emergency Braking, and Lane Keep Assist. It now even features Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
• Global NCAP: While the 7XO is a new naming, the platform already holds a 5-star GNCAP rating.

REAL WORLD MILEAGE (The Truth)

Let’s be honest: those 197 horses need to be fed.

8. THE COMPETITION: XUV 7XO vs Rivals

Winner: The Mahindra XUV 7XO wins on pure performance and tech. If you want the most “modern” feeling SUV, this is it.

FINAL VERDICT

The Mahindra XUV 7XO is a masterstroke. It takes the solid foundation of the XUV700 and adds the “WOW” factor with its triple screens and boss mode comfort.

Buy it if:

• You love Tech: The triple-screen setup is a conversation starter.
• You want Performance: No other SUV in this price range offers 197 BHP.
• You need AWD: It’s one of the few monocoque SUVs that can handle mild off-roading.

Skip it if:

• You hate waiting: Expect a 4-6 month waiting period for the AX7 variants.
• You want maximum Petrol mileage: The petrol engine is thirsty.
• You need a usable 3rd row: The 3rd row is still best suited for kids or short trips.

Score: 9/10

FAQs (People Also Ask)