Mahindra unveils new XUV700 SUV

MAHINDRA will join Australia’s most competitive passenger car segment when its XUV700 SUV goes on sale here in late 2022.

The medium-sized Indian-made SUV will compete with the likes of the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 upon release and will be available with the option of five or seven seats.

Replacing the ageing XUV500 in Mahindra’s line-up, the XUV700 debuts the company’s new design language and will arrive replete with flush-fitting, pop-out door handles.

The Mahindra XUV700 rides on the company’s latest W601 platform and is suspended by coil springs all-round. It measures 4,695mm in length, 1,890mm wide, and 1,755mm tall, and features a 2,750mm wheelbase, longer than most in its class.

Power comes from a choice of turbocharged four-cylinder engines with optional all-wheel drive. The 2.0-litre mStallion petrol unit delivers 147kW/380Nm and is available with the choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. The 2.2-litre mHawk diesel offering develops 136kW/420Nm in manual guise and 450Nm when paired to the optional automatic.

Mahindra says the XUV700 will “redefine benchmarks” for the brand locally, adding that the family-sized SUV packs “an unmissable presence” with “world-class safety and technology”.

The XUV700 is available with driver assistance technologies including autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, driver attention alert, high-beam assistance, 360-degree camera technology, wireless device charging, and up to seven airbags.

While details of model specifications are yet to be confirmed for the local market, high-range variants are available with twin 10.25-inch displays – including a digital instrument panel and centre stack – panoramic sunroof, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Alexa connectivity, as well as 445W, 12-speaker premium Sony suround sound system.

GoAuto understands that high-spec models are also available with Mahindra’s new clean-air cabin ventilation technology dubbed VR-LED. The state-of-the-art filtration system is said to ensure clean and pure air for the occupants, eliminating odour, dust, micro-allergens, and pathogens.

Pricing for the XUV700 range has not yet been confirmed for Australia, although it is anticipated the entry-grade model will undercut popular rivals, most of which have a starting price of circa $30,000.

The line-up is expected to include up to four model variants: the XUV700 MX, AdrenoX AX3, AdrenoX AX5, and AdrenoX AX7. 

The Mahindra XUV700 will go on sale in its home market of India this month.