Mahindra’s flagship XUV700, first launched in August 2021, is set for its first major facelift, spotted testing in June with a bold new look and advanced tech. Potentially rebranded as the XUV 7XO, it aims to stay ahead of rivals like the Tata Safari, Hyundai Alcazar, and MG Hector Plus. Drawing from X posts and recent reports, here’s what Indian buyers can expect from this refreshed SUV, slated for an early 2026 debut.
A Display That’s Next-Level
The facelifted XUV700 will feature a triple-screen setup, inspired by Mahindra’s XEV 9e electric SUV, including a digital driver’s display, central infotainment touchscreen, and a co-passenger entertainment screen, per NDTV. The Adrenox app will support Bluetooth-enabled navigation, OTA updates, and call alerts. X posts praise the “futuristic” dashboard, though some note potential software lag from the current model, per @MotorBeam.
Power That’s Proven
The XUV700 facelift is expected to retain its 2.0-liter turbo-petrol (197 bhp, 380 Nm) and 2.2-liter turbo-diesel (182 bhp, 450 Nm) engines, paired with 6-speed manual or torque-converter automatic gearboxes, per CarWale. While a plug-in hybrid is under development, it’s unlikely for this update, per DriveSpark. Fuel efficiency hovers around 16 kmpl (petrol) and 18 kmpl (diesel). X posts highlight the engines’ “reliability,” but some hope for hybrid options, per @carleloindia.
A Design That’s Striking
Test mules reveal a redesigned front with a slanted grille featuring vertical slats, circular LED headlamps reminiscent of the Mahindra Thar, and updated DRLs, per MotorOctane. The bumper and bonnet are tweaked, while the side profile and tail lights remain largely unchanged, though future mules may show updates, per Carlelo. X posts call the front “rugged,” aligning with Mahindra’s BE.06 electric styling, per @rushlane.
Features That Boost Comfort
Expect Level 2+ ADAS with enhanced adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and auto emergency braking, plus auto park assist, rear ventilated seats for the 6-seater, sun blinds, and an infinity glass roof with ambient lighting, per GaadiWaadi. Higher trims may include a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and a new two-spoke steering wheel from the XEV 9e, per MotorBeam. X posts laud the “premium” tech, but some raise concerns about ADAS calibration for Indian roads, per @CNNnews18.
Ride Quality That’s Refined
The MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension carry over, offering a balanced ride, per Team-Speed. Test mules suggest Mahindra may retune the suspension for better low-speed comfort, addressing X feedback about the current model’s “noisy” city ride, per @HTAutotweets. The 18-inch alloy wheels and 235/60 tyres ensure stability, with a 200mm ground clearance suited for Indian roads, per CarWale.
Variants and Pricing
The facelift will likely retain the MX, AX3, AX5, AX7, and AX7L trims, potentially under the XUV 7XO name, with prices starting at ₹14,50,000 and reaching ₹27,00,000, a ₹50,000–₹1,00,000 hike over the current ₹13,99,000–₹25,49,000 range, per Carlelo. Festive offers may include EMI starting at ₹25,000, per DriveSpark. It’s pricier than the Tata Safari (₹15,49,000) but competitive with the Alcazar (₹14,99,000). X posts view the pricing as “justified” for the upgrades, per @republic.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 16–18 kmpl efficiency with robust engines
- Triple-screen setup inspired by XEV 9e
- Level 2+ ADAS and auto park assist
- Bold front with Thar-like headlamps
- Infinity glass roof and ventilated seats
- Strong sales and market presence
- Mahindra’s expanding service network
Cons
- No confirmed hybrid powertrain
- Side profile largely unchanged
- Potential software glitches
- Low-speed suspension noise persists
- Price hike may deter budget buyers
Why It’s a Big Deal for India
The XUV700 facelift, codenamed W616, follows the Ebony Edition’s April 2025 release and is Mahindra’s response to rising competition, per Motoroids. With 8,974 units sold in April, it leads its segment, per The Financial Express. Its BE.06-inspired design and triple-screen tech aim to outshine the MG Hector Plus’s features but face challenges from the upcoming Renault Boreal, per MotorOctane. X posts show excitement for the “Thar-like” front, though some urge better service and ADAS reliability, per @PowerDrift. Set to launch in early 2026 alongside the XEV 7e, it’s a premium SUV to watch—check Mahindra’s site or CarWale for updates
What do you think of the XUV700 facelift’s new tech and design? Share your thoughts below!
