2025 Mahindra XUV700 overview

The Mahindra XUV700 has taken a step to the darkish facet.

This new seven-seat mid-sized SUV is the most recent mannequin from the Indian carmaker to realize a blacked-out trim degree. In this explicit occasion it’s a feature-packed new flagship variant designed to garner extra consideration alongside top-selling rivals just like the Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan X-Trail.

While its most direct competitor is the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max, it’s additionally a cut-price rival for the likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Skoda Kodiaq, Toyota Kluger, and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, amongst others.

While the Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition might appear to be only a black-themed aesthetics bundle on the floor, there’s additionally a variety of distinctive options.

These embody black fake leather-based upholstery (the opposite variants solely include white fake leather-based), entrance seat air flow, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, facet mirror reminiscence, and Dark Chrome inside highlights.

WATCH: Paul’s video overview of the 2023 Mahindra XUV700 AX7L

This new Black Edition variant is the largest change the XUV700 has obtained because it launched in Australia early final 12 months. Even the eager pricing for the 2 common variants hasn’t modified since then.

With this in thoughts, how does the Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition stack up? Read alongside to seek out out.

How does the Mahindra XUV700 evaluate?

View an in depth breakdown of the Mahindra XUV700 in opposition to equally sized automobiles.

Mahindra

XUV700

How a lot does the Mahindra XUV700 value?

The Black Edition is the brand new flagship variant of the comparatively contemporary Mahindra XUV700 lineup, which changed the a lot much less good-looking XUV500, nevertheless it’s nonetheless one of many most cost-effective seven-seat SUVs presently on sale in Australia.

To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up in opposition to its rivals, try our comparability software

What is the Mahindra XUV700 like on the within?

Walking as much as the Black Edition, you’re introduced with pop-out door handles like these seen on the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. They come out whenever you unlock the automobile and retract when it’s locked to assist create a smooth facet profile.

Hopping in, the very first thing you’ll doubtless discover is how excessive the driving force’s seat is. It’s virtually too excessive, however many individuals who purchase such a car need that ‘command’ driving place to provide them the perfect view of their surrounds attainable.

Unlike each different XUV700 variant on sale regionally, the Black Edition (as its identify suggests), comes with black fake leather-based upholstery. This is a lot nicer and extra family-friendly than the white fake leather-based within the AX7 and AX7L.

Another function the Black Edition positive factors over different XUV700 variants is ventilated entrance seats, which is a Godsend on sweltering days. However, no variant affords seat heating, which is one thing nearly each top-spec mid-sized SUV affords in Australia.

The driver’s seat is snug sufficient, nevertheless it’s slightly flat and doesn’t supply quite a lot of lateral assist within the bends. The seat itself will be electrically adjusted throughout six methods utilizing Mercedes-Benz-like controls on the door panel.

Ahead of the driving force is a somewhat chunky steering wheel that’s frequent with the Scorpio. It affords each tilt and attain adjustability, which is nice as a result of it permits for folks of various heights and statures to get comfortable behind the wheel.

All the buttons on the steering wheel are logically positioned, however with the piano-black finishes they get smudgy and gross even after just a few interactions.

The Mercedes-Benz-like nature of the XUV700’s inside continues with the usual twin 10.25-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment system.

The digital instrument cluster appears flashy and high-resolution, and there are vary of informative pages you may cycle by way of. One features a navigation view that exhibits mapping routes when utilizing smartphone mirroring. It can be triggered to take up the complete 10.25-inch display screen.

One of the few catches with this navigation view is that it solely works with Apple Maps for iPhones and with Google Maps for Android telephones. It additionally hides a variety of different info like gas vary.

Another function the digital instrument cluster has is a Blind-Spot View Monitor which, as with a lot of high-spec Hyundai and Kia fashions, exhibits a reside feed from a digital camera mounted underneath the facet mirror whenever you swap on an indicator.

This is a good security function to have, even when in apply the digital camera’s body charge could be a little jumpy and the decision isn’t the flashiest.

Moving throughout, the touchscreen infotainment show is simply as high-resolution because the digital instrument cluster. It’s a somewhat easy unit with simple to navigate menus.

In addition to the touch inputs, you may as well use a BMW-like rotary controller on the centre console to cycle by way of content material or change the amount.

Unlike different XUV700 variants, the Black Edition comes with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with wired connectivity for each smartphone-mirroring techniques. It labored effectively for essentially the most half throughout our time with the Mahindra, although it might sometimes have dropouts and glitches.

The wi-fi charger additionally cooked my cellphone just a few occasions, main me to ultimately plug in a USB cable to make sure my cellphone battery stayed topped up throughout longer drives.

Some different minor infotainment glitches we skilled included the sound system quantity readout getting caught on 24, and the local weather management pop-ups not really popping up when altering sure settings.

Speaking of the local weather controls, I’m very glad Mahindra has caught with bodily dials and buttons for the dual-zone local weather management system. One catch, nonetheless, is that it is advisable take a look at the display screen to see what temperature and fan velocity it’s set at.

Something else I seen is the auto local weather management setting preferred to have the fan blowing flat-out by way of the face-level vents, whereas additionally having the air recirculating, which made for an intoxicating plastic scent after some time.

Looking across the cabin, there’s a bit an excessive amount of piano-black for our liking. It’s on the centre console, dashboard, and even on the door playing cards. We want Mahindra would select a unique end, as a result of it will get so dirty so shortly, and likewise will get scratched when cleaned.

All the black inside finishes are fairly darkish, although fortunately there’s a light-coloured headliner to interrupt it up, in addition to a regular panoramic glass sunroof that makes the cabin really feel airier. The latter also can tilt and slide open for additional air circulation.

Moving to the second row, the bench seat doesn’t slide however affords a recline operate. And at a leggy 182cm, I’ve loads of leg room, toe room, headroom, and shoulder house behind my very own driving place. Going three abreast is doable due to the nearly flat flooring, too.

In phrases of second-row amenity, there are air vents mounted on the again of the centre console, in addition to a singular USB-C port.

Like just a few medium SUVs on sale in Australia, the XUV700 comes customary with a 3rd row of seating. There are two seats again there, however the house on supply makes it extra of a kids-only zone, which is according to rivals.

For the sake of it, nonetheless, we checked how effectively the third row copes with adults. It’s a mission and a half for me to get again there, and there isn’t sufficient headroom for me to carry my head upright.

Third-row passengers will admire the cup holders on both sides although, in addition to the air vents with devoted blower management.

Mahindra hasn’t quoted boot capacities for the XUV700, however just like the Scorpio there’s nearly no cargo house with all three rows upright. You can match a grocery bag or two if you happen to’re fortunate.

Unlike the Scorpio, nonetheless, the XUV700’s third row folds away to create an virtually flat boot flooring. There’s really a good bit of usable house when the third row of seats are folded away too.

Thankfully, the XUV700 comes with a full-sized metal spare wheel, which is a essential function for a lot of rural and regional patrons, and one which’s missing even in some SUVs as of late.

To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up in opposition to its rivals, try our comparability software

What’s underneath the bonnet?

The total Mahindra XUV700 vary is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine driving the entrance wheels solely. Diesel energy and all-wheel drive can be found in different markets, together with the choice of a guide transmission.

Our noticed 7.7L/100km gas consumption determine is hardly class-leading, and it included loads of freeway and freeway journeys over the course of a month. Some of this was accomplished by our video workforce on their means between Melbourne and Lang Lang for testing.

To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up in opposition to its rivals, try our comparability software

How does the Mahindra XUV700 drive?

Even although I’ve pushed a good few XUV700s now, each time I hop again in and begin it up I subconsciously count on to listen to a diesel clatter.

What you do hear, nonetheless, is a candy petrol-engine rev flare after which a subdued idle notice. Setting off when the engine is chilly can are inclined to see the engine surge a good bit in first gear, which made me leap for the brake pedal a few time. It doesn’t take lengthy for the engine to heat up, nonetheless, when this unusual surge feeling goes away.

The XUV700’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine supplies sufficient grunt in on a regular basis situations. You’re capable of get away from the lights with ease, however don’t count on to win the site visitors gentle grand prix on this 1.8-tonne seven-seat SUV.

The engine rev out slightly within the two decrease gears, however when you get into third gear and past the engine revs quiet down. Peak torque comes on faucet from as little as 1750rpm and the automobile leans into this as a lot as attainable.

It’s shocking how shortly the automobile can speed up with out too many revs on board. It’s feels rather more like a turbo-diesel somewhat than a turbo-petrol. This makes for a cushty, easy and stress-free driving expertise.

But the XUV700 doesn’t reply effectively to sharp accelerator jabs, taking a second or two for the turbo to spool up and the transmission to drop a gear. It’s rather more snug being pushed with docile throttle inputs.

This automobile comes with an engine idle cease/begin system that prompts whenever you’re stationary. It’s not essentially the most refined system I’ve skilled because it cuts out the air-conditioner when lively, and at night time time the headlights flicker for a second when the engine restarts.

I can see why many individuals flip off this operate of their automobiles, as it could generally be slightly intrusive and annoying, even when it helps to scale back gas use.

At decrease speeds the automobile feels extra agile that you simply’d initially count on. This is due partly to the extremely gentle steering that makes it simple to twirl the wheel and alter instructions. A draw back of this, nonetheless, is steering that lacks a little bit of suggestions.

As customary, the XUV700 Black Edition comes with a surround-view digital camera that has first rate however not excellent high quality, in addition to solely rear parking sensors.

Despite feeling agile, this automobile isn’t overly dynamic. It throws round its 1.8-tonne mass a good bit in corners, and that isn’t helped by being front-wheel drive. But in all equity, it is a seven-seat SUV and never a sizzling hatch.

Pimply metropolitan roads is the place the XUV700’s suspension shines essentially the most. There’s a MacPherson strut entrance and multi-link rear setup, together with the corporate’s so-called Frequency Selective Dampers.

The latter permits the automobile to stay composed over a singular velocity bump with excessive damping power, however also can delivers a cushty trip on bumpier roads through low damping power.

For essentially the most half, it feels just like the automobile floats alongside city and metropolitan roads, absorbing imperfections effectively. You can hear what the suspension is doing nevertheless it doesn’t translate into the cabin, which is a constructive for occupants.

It’s simple to construct up velocity within the XUV700, the turbo-petrol engine wherein makes it effectively and really as much as the duty of freeway touring. At round 95km/h, the transmission slots into sixth gear and that retains the revs under 2000rpm, which is nice for cabin atmosphere.

What isn’t nice, nonetheless, is that there’s a good bit of wind noise emanating from the facet mirrors. This will be fastened by turning up the amount on the good 12-speaker Sony sound system.

Like I discussed earlier than, this automobile doesn’t reply effectively to sharp throttle inputs. With this in thoughts, you do must plan your overtaking manoeuvres because the XUV has to assume earlier than dropping a gear. Once this occurs although, it has loads of oomph to get transferring.

The suspension setup feels purpose-built for freeway and freeway touring, as a result of when the going will get actually robust on single-lane nation roads it feels just like the suspension will get slightly overwhelmed and doesn’t know whether or not to stiffen or soften the dampers.

When travelling alongside at 100km/h on undulating, pot-holed nation roads, you are feeling each bump and the Mahindra additionally feels overly delicate on the rear. A few occasions on these roads with passengers within the second and third rows, they stated they began to get a bit car-sick from all of the motion.

Another factor I seen whereas travelling at greater speeds for prolonged durations of time is the gas vary laptop modifications somewhat quickly. At one level the low-fuel warning got here on, indicating I might solely journey round 50km earlier than the petrol ran out, however after I crammed up the tank I nonetheless had 13L of gas left in it.

On the protection entrance, the XUV700 is fairly absolutely loaded. It comes with an adaptive cruise management system that reacts in a measured technique to automobiles forward. But an annoyance at greater speeds is that it struggles to remain on the set velocity, stabbing on the throttle or brake to keep up it.

There are three completely different choices to alter how shortly the automobile accelerates as much as the set velocity, although even in its slowest setting it could jerk round like a taxi driver who stabs on the throttle.

Another unusual quirk is that whereas there are all of the requisite buttons for the cruise management, there’s no precise cancel button. This means if you wish to cancel the cruise after which resume it on the beforehand set velocity it is advisable press the brake pedal.

I didn’t wish to try this although, so I caught with turning off cruise management utterly after which set the velocity once more manually every time.

The lane-keep help is fairly correct on clearly marked roads, although on tight nation highways and single-lane nation roads the system can flippantly yank on the wheel when it doesn’t must. I’ve skilled a lot worse in different automobiles, nonetheless.

There’s additionally a Smart Pilot operate that primarily combines adaptive cruise management and lane centring capabilities. On highways and freeways it really works completely at gently steering the automobile throughout the marked strains, decreasing driver fatigue over lengthy journeys.

Thankfully, if you happen to don’t like how hands-on the steering help system is with Smart Pilot turned on, you may swap it off utilizing a menu within the digital instrument cluster.

Lastly, the XUV700 Black Edition comes with shiny LED headlights, that are nice for dimly lit rural and regional areas. Above 80km/h there’s a lift operate for the high-beams, which noticeably makes it simpler to see additional down the street.

What do you get?

On take a look at right here is the brand new flagship XUV700 Black Edition variant.

2025 Mahindra XUV700 highlights:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Panoramic sunroof
• Automatic LED headlights
• Automatic high-beam
• Cornering lights
• Fog lights
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Tyre stress monitoring
• Power-folding exterior mirrors
• 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
• Wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• 6-speaker sound system
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
• Leatherette upholstery
• 6-way energy driver’s seat with reminiscence
• One-touch tumbling 60:40 second-row seats
• Dual-zone local weather management
• Keyless begin

XUV700 AX7L provides:

• 12-speaker sound system
• Electronic park brake
• Telescopic steering wheel adjustment
• Illuminated self-importance mirrors
• Electric ‘smart’ door handles
• Wireless cellphone charger
• Blind-Spot View Monitor
• Surround-view digital camera
• Knee airbag
• Adaptive cruise management with cease/go

XUV700 Black Edition provides:

• Napoli Black exterior paint
• Black 18-inch alloy wheels
• Side mirror reminiscence operate
• Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• Dark chrome inside finishes
• Black leatherette upholstery
• Ventilated entrance seats

To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up in opposition to its rivals, try our comparability software

Is the Mahindra XUV700 secure?

The Mahindra XUV700 has but to be assessed by ANCAP.

Standard security gear consists of:

• Autonomous emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise management
• Smart Pilot Assist
• Lane-keep help
• Traffic signal recognition
• Reversing digital camera
• Rear parking sensors
• Post-collision braking
• Front, front-side and curtain airbags (6)

AX7L provides:

• Blind-spot view monitor
• Surround-view digital camera
• Knee airbag
• Adaptive cruise management with cease/go

How a lot does the Mahindra XUV700 value to run?

The Mahindra XUV700 is backed by a beneficiant seven-year, 150,000km guarantee together with seven years of roadside help. Servicing is required each 12 months or 15,000km.

To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up in opposition to its rivals, try our comparability software

CarExpert’s Take on the Mahindra XUV700

The Mahindra XUV700 is oft-forgotten as one of the reasonably priced seven-seat SUVs accessible in Australia, however that doesn’t imply it must be ignored.

In this new top-shelf Black Edition guise, it’s fitted with all of the bells and whistles you possibly can hope for, at a price ticket that’s very interesting. For $43,990 drive-away, you may’t even get a base Mitsubishi Outlander or Nissan X-Trail seven-seater.

Even in comparison with different budget-friendly XUV700 variants, the Black Edition is a sweeter bundle if you happen to can reside with the darkish Napoli Black exterior paint. That is thanks primarily to the black fake leather-based upholstery, which is significantly extra family-friendly than the white fake leather-based that’s obligatory in different variants.

It’s additionally good that the entrance seats achieve air flow, particularly as we’re main right into a sweltering Australian summer time, and that the comfort of wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is lastly accessible.

While the automobile has all these high-tech capabilities, the infotainment glitches and smartphone mirroring dropouts can put a dampener on the general expertise. The comparatively excessive driving place and ultra-light steering additionally don’t really feel overly pure in such a big car.

Another consideration is that the XUV700 vary continues to be solely provided regionally with turbo-petrol energy and front-wheel drive. It could be fascinating to see if the supply of turbo-diesel and/or all-wheel drive choices attracted extra clients to this well-priced, underrated Indian-made seven-seat SUV.

Interested in shopping for a Mahindra XUV700? Get in contact with considered one of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here

Click the photographs for the complete gallery

MORE: Everything Mahindra XUV700