Mahindra has officially launched the facelifted XUV700 in India under a new name — XUV 7XO — with prices starting at Rs 13.66 lakh (ex-showroom). The updated SUV brings noticeable changes in design, technology, and features, strengthening Mahindra’s presence in the highly competitive mid-size SUV segment.

The XUV 7XO will rival models such as the Tata Safari and MG Hector. Test drives will begin from January 8, while deliveries of top-end variants are scheduled to start from January 14. Entry-level variants will be delivered from April 2025.

Engine and powertrain options

The Mahindra XUV 7XO continues with the same engine lineup seen on the outgoing XUV700. Buyers can opt for a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 200 hp and 380 Nm of torque, or a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine delivering up to 185 hp and 450 Nm. These engines have been retained to offer a familiar balance of performance and drivability.

Exterior design updates

Design updates on the XUV 7XO draw inspiration from Mahindra’s newer electric vehicle concepts. The SUV gets revised LED daytime running lights, projector headlamps, and a refreshed grille featuring vertical chrome accents. At the rear, a connected full-width LED light bar with inverted L-shaped elements gives the SUV a more contemporary appearance.

Additional updates include new dual-tone alloy wheels, redesigned bumpers, and new colour options, collectively giving the XUV 7XO a sharper and more modern road presence.

Interior, features and technology

Inside, the Mahindra XUV 7XO introduces significant upgrades in technology and comfort. The SUV features a coast-to-coast triple 10.25-inch HD screen setup, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, DPO support, the AdrenoX infotainment system, and Alexa integration offering over 60 connected functions.

Luxury features include a leatherette interior package, Skyroof, cruise control, a powered driver seat with memory, and push-button start. Safety and wellness features include six airbags, a 540-degree camera, blind spot monitoring, air purifier, DVR, and smart locking technology. The SUV also gets R18 diamond-cut alloy wheels, bi-LED headlamps with DRLs, roof rails, rear spoiler, and telescopic steering.

Notably, the XUV 7XO integrates Alexa and ChatGPT, enhancing the in-car digital experience.

Variants and pricing

The Mahindra XUV 7XO range starts at Rs 13.66 lakh (ex-showroom). The AX7L diesel-manual variant is priced at an introductory Rs 22.47 lakh (ex-showroom) for the first 40,000 buyers, while the AX7 diesel-manual is priced at Rs 18.95 lakh (ex-showroom).

Maruti Suzuki has officially introduced its latest SUV, the Victoris, as the flagship model under its Arena range. Positioned above the Brezza, the Victoris comes with a strong focus on safety, premium features, and multiple powertrain options, aiming to strengthen the automaker’s hold in the mid-size SUV segment.

Safety features with first-time ADAS in Maruti

The Victoris has achieved a 5-star BNCAP crash test rating, addressing long-standing concerns about Maruti Suzuki’s safety standards. It is equipped with six airbags as standard and, for the first time in India, the company has introduced Level-2 ADAS features. These include adaptive cruise control with curve speed reduction, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and high beam assist.

The SUV also features disc brakes on all four wheels and an electronic parking brake with auto-hold.

Design and colour options

The Victoris carries a modern yet clean design, inspired by the e-Vitara. It gets slender LED headlamps, a chrome strip on the grille, and slightly elevated fog lamps. The SUV rides on 17-inch aero-cut alloy wheels, while the rear design is highlighted by connected LED tail lamps with a unique glow pattern.

Dimensionally, it measures 4,360 mm in length, 1,655 mm in width, and 1,795 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,600 mm. Buyers can choose from 10 colour options—including new shades Mystic Green and Eternal Blue, with three dual-tone finishes.

Interiors and advanced features

Inside, the Victoris gets a dual-tone black and ivory cabin with soft-touch panels, piano black inserts, and textured upholstery. Boot practicality has been enhanced even in CNG variants, as the cylinder is now placed under the floor.

The SUV is feature-loaded with a 10.1-inch SmartPlay Pro-X touchscreen, 8-speaker Infinity system with Dolby Atmos, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 64-colour ambient lighting, and a PM2.5 air filter.

Other highlights include ventilated front seats, wireless charging, gesture-controlled powered tailgate, 8-way powered driver seat, 360-degree camera, TPMS, and front & rear parking sensors.

Engine, variants and mileage

The Victoris shares its powertrain lineup with the Grand Vitara, offering:

• 1.5L NA petrol engine: 103 Hp, 139 Nm, paired with 5-speed MT or 6-speed AT, with optional AWD and factory-fitted CNG kit.
• 1.5L strong-hybrid setup: 92.5 Hp, 122 Nm, paired with e-CVT gearbox.
  

Mileage claims:

• 21.18 km/l (manual petrol)
• 21.06 km/l (automatic petrol)
• 19.07 km/l (AWD petrol)
• 27.02 km/kg (CNG)
• 28.65 km/l (hybrid)

With these combinations, the Victoris is set to rival the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Toyota Hyryder in the growing mid-size SUV space.

Mahindra’s flagship SUV, the XUV700, has been spotted undergoing road tests under heavy camouflage, indicating that a mid-cycle facelift is in development. Although most of the body styling appears similar to the current model, several changes hint at a refreshed design philosophy and potential technological upgrades.

According to visuals captured during road testing, the test mule features redesigned projector headlamps accompanied by round-shaped daytime running lights (DRLs). These alterations suggest Mahindra is experimenting with improved headlight throw and a more modern appearance. Additionally, a new front grille featuring vertically slanted slats further differentiates this version from the current XUV700.

Cosmetic and tech upgrades on the horizon

The refreshed front fascia aligns with Mahindra’s attempt to maintain a stronghold in the competitive D-segment SUV space, which includes rivals offering advanced features. The camouflaged prototype hints at possible future enhancements, such as:

• Triple-screen infotainment and driver display setup
• A new dashboard design potentially inspired by Mahindra’s XUV.e9 concept
• Premium features like rear ottoman seats, digital key access, auto park assist
• Upgraded Harman sound system
  

These expected additions are part of Mahindra’s effort to keep the XUV700 technologically competitive.

Powertrain options and hybrid speculation

Under the hood, the facelifted XUV700 is likely to retain the current powertrain options, including:

• A 2.0L turbo petrol engine producing 197 BHP and 380 Nm of torque
• A 2.2L turbo diesel motor generating 182 BHP and 450 Nm of torque
  

However, speculation is rife that Mahindra might introduce a new hybrid variant or even a plug-in hybrid powertrain with the updated model, as part of its broader push toward sustainable mobility. No official confirmation has been provided, but such a move would align with evolving industry trends.

Competitive pressure drives evolution

Mahindra has consistently performed well in the D-segment with products like the Thar Roxx, Scorpio N, and Scorpio Classic. However, with competition intensifying, especially from newer entrants, this facelift of the XUV700 seems aimed at reinforcing Mahindra’s position in the premium SUV market.