Mahindra XUV 700: The automotive landscape in India continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with domestic manufacturers increasingly challenging international brands in the premium segments. Leading this charge is Mahindra with its flagship XUV 700, which has received a comprehensive update for the 2025 model year. This new iteration builds upon the strengths of its predecessor while introducing innovations that push the boundaries of what Indian consumers can expect from a homegrown SUV.
Design Evolution
The 2025 XUV 700 retains its imposing road presence while refining the design elements that made the original model so distinctive. The front fascia features an evolved version of Mahindra’s signature grille, now with a three-dimensional effect created by intricate chrome detailing. This is flanked by slimmer LED headlamps with more sophisticated light signatures that incorporate sequential turn indicators.
In profile, the XUV 700 displays a more cohesive design with cleaner character lines and newly designed alloy wheels up to 19 inches in diameter. Chrome window surrounds and roof rails add a premium touch, while the rear sees revised LED taillights connected by a light bar that spans the width of the tailgate.
New color options include Deep Forest Green, Crimson Red, and Starry Night Blue, complementing the existing palette and providing customers with more expressive choices.
Interior Refinement
Step inside the 2025 XUV 700 and you’ll immediately notice the elevated attention to detail. The dashboard layout has been refined rather than completely redesigned, maintaining the distinctive dual-screen setup but with enhanced resolution and response times. The screens now appear to float above the dashboard, creating a more contemporary aesthetic.
Material quality has seen substantial improvement, with increased use of soft-touch surfaces and genuine aluminum trim replacing plastic components. The leather upholstery option now extends to the dashboard and door panels on top variants, while contrast stitching and piping add visual interest.
The panoramic sunroof has been retained but now features electrochromic glass that can be dimmed electrically, eliminating the need for a physical shade and creating a more open feeling cabin.
Advanced Technology
Technology integration stands as the most significant leap forward for the 2025 model. The twin 10.25-inch screens have been replaced by a single curved display housing a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
The latest AdrenoX platform now incorporates augmented reality navigation, projecting directional guidance onto a real-time view of the road ahead. This is complemented by a larger and more information-rich heads-up display that can show navigation, driver assistance, and vehicle information without requiring the driver to look away from the road.
Voice command functionality has been significantly enhanced through a partnership with Amazon, integrating Alexa Auto for more natural interaction. The system now understands context and conversational prompts, controlling everything from navigation and climate to vehicle functions and connected home devices.
Connectivity options have expanded with the introduction of 5G compatibility, enabling faster map updates, streaming services, and over-the-air functionality for vehicle systems. The Mahindra Ownership Experience app has been comprehensively redesigned, offering deeper integration with the vehicle and a more intuitive user interface.
Powertrain Innovations
Under the hood, the 2025 XUV 700 continues to offer both petrol and diesel powertrains with notable improvements. The 2.0-liter mStallion turbo-petrol engine now produces 210 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque, increases of 10 horsepower and 20 Nm over the previous model. This has been achieved through revised turbocharger geometry and updated engine management software.
The 2.2-liter mHawk diesel engine continues in two states of tune. The base version delivers 155 horsepower and 360 Nm, while the higher-spec variant now produces 185 horsepower and a substantial 450 Nm of torque, positioning it among the most powerful diesel SUVs in its segment.
Transmission options have expanded to include a new 8-speed automatic alongside the existing 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic. This new transmission, sourced from Aisin, provides faster shifts and better fuel efficiency on highway runs.
The most significant addition to the lineup is the new XUV 700 Hybrid, which combines the 2.0-liter petrol engine with an electric motor producing 80 kW, for a combined system output of 280 horsepower and 540 Nm of torque. This variant features a 48V lithium-ion battery pack that enables limited electric-only driving at low speeds and provides substantial torque assistance during acceleration.
Enhanced Driving Dynamics
The underlying architecture has been refined with increased use of high-strength steel and structural adhesives, improving torsional rigidity without adding significant weight. The suspension setup combines front MacPherson struts with a multi-link rear arrangement, now featuring frequency-selective damping technology that automatically adjusts to road conditions.
The all-wheel-drive system available on higher variants now incorporates torque vectoring capability, distributing power between the rear wheels to enhance cornering stability. Seven drive modes – Personal, Zip, Zap, Zoom, Snow, Mud, and Sand – adjust multiple vehicle parameters including throttle response, transmission shifts, steering weight, and AWD behavior.
Steering feel has been improved through a revised electric power steering system with variable ratio functionality, providing lighter effort at low speeds and more weight and precision as velocity increases.
Comprehensive Safety Suite
Safety has clearly been a development priority for the 2025 model. The ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) package has been expanded to include:
Enhanced autonomous emergency braking with junction assist
Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality
Lane centering assist (not just lane keeping)
Blind spot view monitor that displays camera feeds in the instrument cluster
Rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking
Driver attention warning with facial recognition technology
Forward collision warning with cyclist and pedestrian detection
Surround view monitor with 3D perspective options
These features complement the robust passive safety elements including seven airbags as standard across all variants, electronic stability control, hill descent control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The enhanced body structure has been engineered to exceed global crash test standards.
Comfort and Convenience
Thoughtful touches abound throughout the 2025 XUV 700. The front seats now feature 12-way power adjustment with memory function, ventilation, and massage functionality on top variants. Second-row comfort has been improved with a revised bench design offering better thigh support and recline functionality, while the optional captain’s chairs now include armrests and heating.
The third row has been redesigned to provide more comfortable accommodation for adults, with increased headroom and dedicated AC vents. Access has been improved through a one-touch tumble mechanism for the second-row seats.
The four-zone climate control system now incorporates air purification with PM2.5 filtering and fragrance diffusion, addressing air quality concerns in urban environments. USB-C ports are distributed throughout all three rows, while wireless charging pads are available for both front and second-row passengers.
Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels have been reduced through additional sound insulation, acoustic glass for the windshield and front windows, and active noise cancellation through the premium 12-speaker Sony sound system.
Practical Innovations
Cargo flexibility remains a strong point, with the powered tailgate now featuring hands-free operation and memory height settings. The third-row seats fold completely flat into the floor, expanding cargo capacity from 259 liters with all seats up to 803 liters with the third row folded and 1,738 liters with both rear rows folded.
Storage solutions include a cooled glovebox, large door pockets, a deep center console, and cleverly positioned smartphone slots throughout the cabin. The front passenger seat can fold flat on higher variants, allowing transportation of items up to 2.8 meters in length.
The hybrid variant features vehicle-to-load functionality, allowing the battery to power external devices up to 3.6 kW – sufficient for camping equipment or emergency power during outages.
Connectivity Ecosystem
The MyMahindra ecosystem has been expanded to provide a seamless ownership experience. Beyond the usual remote functions like engine start and climate preconditioning, the platform now offers predictive maintenance alerts based on actual vehicle usage patterns and driving style.
Digital key functionality allows owners to share temporary vehicle access with others through the smartphone app, with customizable restrictions on speed, geofencing, and time periods.
The navigation system now incorporates real-time parking availability at supported locations and can reserve and pay for spaces through integrated payment systems. Charging station location and availability information is included for the hybrid variant.
Ownership Experience
Mahindra has addressed ownership costs through extended service intervals, now at 15,000 kilometers or one year for the petrol and hybrid variants, and 12,000 kilometers for the diesel. The standard warranty package has been enhanced to 5 years/100,000 kilometers, with the hybrid system components covered for 8 years/160,000 kilometers.
The Mahindra ownership app incorporates a gamified eco-driving feature that rewards efficient driving with points redeemable against service costs or accessories. Concierge services are available to top-tier customers, offering priority servicing, pickup and drop facilities, and dedicated relationship managers.
Customization Options
Personalization possibilities have expanded considerably for the 2025 model. Beyond the standard trim levels, Mahindra now offers two distinctive styling packages – Elegance and Sport. The Elegance package emphasizes luxury with additional chrome detailing, premium interior materials, and comfort-oriented features. The Sport package includes gloss black exterior elements, unique alloy wheel designs, sports seats with additional bolstering, and performance-oriented calibration for the powertrain and suspension.
Interior customization options include different upholstery colors, trim materials ranging from open-pore wood to carbon fiber effect, and ambient lighting with 64 color choices.
Market Positioning
Priced between ₹14.5 lakh and ₹28 lakh (ex-showroom), the 2025 XUV 700 spans multiple segments, competing with everything from the Tata Harrier and Jeep Compass at the lower end to the Toyota Fortuner and MG Gloster at the upper end of its price range.
This broad positioning reflects Mahindra’s confidence in the product and its ability to attract buyers who might traditionally consider more established international brands. The comprehensive feature set, especially on higher variants, creates compelling value even at the top end of the price spectrum.
Conclusion
The 2025 Mahindra XUV 700 represents a significant evolution for both the model and the brand. By combining thoughtful design, advanced technology, and refined driving dynamics, Mahindra has created a vehicle that can compete with global players not just on value but on merit.
The introduction of hybrid technology signals Mahindra’s commitment to future mobility solutions, while the enhanced safety features demonstrate a focus on occupant protection that exceeds regulatory requirements.
As Indian consumers increasingly seek vehicles that offer international levels of sophistication without the associated price premium, the 2025 XUV 700 stands ready to capitalize on this shift, potentially redefining expectations in the premium SUV segment for years to come.