Mahindra XUV 7XO Review: Tech-Loaded & Torque-Rich

The Mahindra XUV 7XO steps into familiar territory but does so with a sharper jawline, a louder tech manifesto and a clear intent to feel more premium than before. It isn’t a ground-up reinvention of the XUV 700 lineage, but a carefully reworked evolution that leans heavily on design updates, in-cabin experience and feature depth. The result is an SUV that feels more mature, more digital and more indulgent, even if it trips slightly when pushed hard, and we will come to that in a bit.

Also Read: Mahindra XUV 7XO Launched in India at Rs 13.66 Lakh

Exterior Design: Same Skeleton, Stronger Muscles

Mahindra hasn’t changed the XUV 7XO’s overall stance, proportions or road presence, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The SUV was already well-sized and imposing, and the updates simply give it a more butch, squared-off character.

The front end is where the biggest visual gains are made. A redesigned grille, new Bi-LED headlights and more assertive bumper detailing give the SUV a tougher, more confident face. The ice-cube LED fog/cornering lamps are a new addition too. The SUV looks wider and more planted, especially when you see it head-on.

Viewed in profile, things are largely unchanged. The silhouette remains familiar, and while the wheel designs are new, the profile won’t surprise existing XUV fans. At the rear, Mahindra has played it safe but effective. A new tailgate design, revised LED taillamps, and a reworked bumper modernise the look without overdoing it.

That said, it feels like a missed opportunity that there’s no electric tailgate on a car that stretches close to the Rs. 25 lakh mark. In a segment where convenience features are becoming the norm, this omission stings.

Mahindra XUV 7XO Review: Interior Setup

Step inside, and the XUV 7XO makes a much stronger case for itself. The new Lumina White and Chestnut Brown upholstery combination instantly elevates the cabin ambience. It feels premium to the touch and visually rich without being flashy. The materials used across touchpoints feel well-finished, and the overall layout is clean and tech-forward. The highlight, of course, is the new coast-to-coast three-screen setup.

Impressively, this isn’t restricted to top-spec trims. Mahindra offers this layout right from the base variant, which is a bold and commendable move. The screens are crisp, responsive and logically laid out, making them easy to use even on the move.

Mahindra XUV 7XO Review: Features & Creature Comfort

Mahindra has gone aggressively feature-heavy with the XUV 7XO. Even the base variant gets Alexa built-in with ChatGPT integration, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control, push-button start/stop and over 75 standard safety features.

The safety suite includes multiple airbags, Level 2 ADAS with a visualisation feature that shows lane markings and oncoming vehicles/obstacles as graphics on the instrument console, and electronic aids that cover most real-world driving scenarios.

Mahindra XUV 7XO Review: Dolby Takes Centre Stage

One of the biggest talking points of the XUV 7XO is its media experience. It is India’s first car to feature Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, and the difference in how you listen to music inside is immediately noticeable. Visuals on the screens look richer, with better contrast and colour depth, while the audio experience feels immersive and layered.

On top-spec variants, the 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with 3D surround sound technology takes things further. This is easily one of the best in-car entertainment setups currently offered in the segment.

Mahindra XUV 7XO Review: Comfort and Space

Seat comfort is another strong point. The high-density foam used in the seats offers excellent cushioning without feeling too soft. Long drives should be fatigue-free for both front and rear occupants. Rear-seat passengers are particularly well looked after.

The electric boss-seat function allows the rear occupant to adjust the front passenger seat electronically, liberating more legroom and enhancing comfort.

Mahindra XUV 7XO Review: Engine and Performance

Powering the XUV 7XO is the familiar 2.2-litre mHawk turbo-diesel engine. It continues to impress with its strong torque delivery and relaxed cruising ability. Acceleration feels brisk for an SUV of this size, and the engine is slightly more refined than the outgoing model, with reduced noise and vibration filtering into the cabin.

The diesel engine is also tractable, making city driving less stressful despite the SUV’s dimensions. Paired with it is a 6-speed automatic gearbox that shifts smoothly and unobtrusively. It’s well-calibrated for everyday driving and complements the engine’s torque-rich nature nicely. Braking performance is confidence-inspiring and on par with others in the segment.

Mahindra XUV 7XO Review: Ride and Handling

Ride quality is one of the XUV 7XO’s biggest strengths. It debuts Mahindra’s Da Vinci damping system, which combines a McPherson strut setup at the front with a multi-link independent rear suspension and frequency-dependent damping. The result is a plush, absorbent ride that deals with broken roads and highway undulations with ease. However, when the pace picks up, the SUV reveals its limitations.

High-speed cornering exposes a noticeable swaying motion, which can make occupants uncomfortable and reduce driver confidence. It’s not unsafe, but it’s clear that comfort has been prioritised over outright handling sharpness.

Mahindra XUV 7XO Review: Pricing and Verdict

Mahindra has priced the XUV 7XO competitively, especially considering the sheer number of features on offer. That said, when you look at rivals, some of them do undercut the XUV 7XO at the top end while offering comparable powertrains and equipment.

Prices start at ₹13.66 lakh for the petrol manual trims and at ₹14.96 lakh for diesel manual trims. The petrol and diesel automatic trims start at ₹21.97 lakh and ₹24.11 lakh respectively. A slightly more aggressive pricing strategy could have made this SUV an even stronger value proposition. And if you wish to have AWD in your XUV, you will need to shell out an extra Rs. 2.45 lakh.

Also Read: Mahindra XUV 7XO Prices, Booking Dates, Delivery Timeline, and Variants Explained

Still, the XUV 7XO impresses where it matters most, which is the cabin experience, comfort, technology and drivetrain performance. It’s an SUV that feels modern and thoughtfully equipped. While it isn’t perfect, especially when driven hard, it makes a compelling case for buyers who value comfort, features and a premium feel over sporty dynamics.