Mahindra XUV700, Track Test

Prior to the jury round, the Mahindra XUV700 was one of the few cars that we were betting big on to take one of the ‘Best of 2021’ trophies home, and it performed exactly as expected. The XUV700 is one of those vehicles that make the company’s efforts conspicuously evident. In creating this SUV, Mahindra has quite literally gone to town in order to get all the bases covered for car buyers of this segment.

Without beating around the bush, let me tell you the most impressive aspects of the XUV700 that helped it win favours with the jury members. First is the drivetrain. The XUV700 is offered with two engine options – a 2.0-litre turbo petrol unit and a 2.2-litre diesel engine – and both are available with manual and automatic options. The one we had on test at BIC was the petrol automatic version, which develops 197bhp and 380Nm. There’s an option of AWD, but it’s the FWD version that will be the mainstay, so that’s the one we have here.

At idle, the engine is supremely refined – something that continues to be the case even when the revs climb. The thing with Mahindra’s lumpy petrol engines is that they offer diesel-like grunt – they offer a linear delivery, have a strong mid-range, and are plenty quick. The engine can easily pull that XUV700 to speeds exceeding 200km/h! What’s more, the 6-speed automatic gearbox is smooth and not at all conservative. So, you end up with a drivetrain that’s quick and effortless.

Then there is its excellent ride-and-handling. Gone are the days when we would call a Mahindra’s dynamics ‘good for a Mahindra’ and cover it up. Not anymore! The XUV700’s ride-and-handling balance is exemplary, given its size and segment. Since the XUV700 rides on an all-new lighter and more rigid platform, it is miles ahead of the XUV500, or any Mahindra vehicle for that matter. There’s newfound stability and composure in the way it drives and handles.

Another excellent aspect of the XUV700 is its design – it’s bold and brawny, and there’s no denying that it’s made to impress. And, if for any reason, its imposing design doesn’t do it for you, the XUV700’s interior will surely leave you stunned. Not only is it beautifully crafted but also loaded with tech and features to the brim – something that you won’t even find in vehicles that demand twice its price. Moreover, the quality and fit-and-finish levels are impeccable, and the cabin is spacious and supremely comfortable. There’s even an option to choose between 5- and 7-seat versions. To woo new-age car buyers, Mahindra has also loaded the XUV700 with some class-leading ADAS systems.

What’s more, the XUV700 range kicks off at ₹11.99 lakh (ex-showroom), which quite frankly makes it a steal of a deal. In short, Mahindra’s XUV700 has well and truly licked all its rivals in one fell swoop – from premium hatchbacks to compact and mid-size sedans and MPVs, every car has come under threat because of the XUV700.

With the XUV700, Mahindra has created a product that doesn’t require ‘Vocal-for-Local’ promotional marketing campaigns, for its sales success is already hitting all the right notes.

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