The Mahindra XUV700 has taken a step to the darkish aspect.
This new seven-seat mid-sized SUV is the newest mannequin from the Indian carmaker to realize a blacked-out trim stage. On this explicit occasion it’s a feature-packed new flagship variant designed to garner extra consideration alongside top-selling rivals just like the Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan X-Path.
Whereas its most direct competitor is the Chery Tiggo 8 Professional Max, it’s additionally a cut-price rival for the likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Skoda Kodiaq, Toyota Kluger, and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, amongst others.
Whereas the Mahindra XUV700 Black Version could seem to be only a black-themed aesthetics bundle on the floor, there’s additionally a variety of distinctive options.
These embrace black fake leather-based upholstery (the opposite variants solely include white fake leather-based), entrance seat air flow, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, aspect mirror reminiscence, and Darkish Chrome inside highlights.
WATCH: Paul’s video evaluation of the 2023 Mahindra XUV700 AX7L
This new Black Version variant is the most important change the XUV700 has obtained because it launched in Australia early final 12 months. Even the eager pricing for the 2 common variants hasn’t modified since then.
With this in thoughts, how does the Mahindra XUV700 Black Version stack up? Learn alongside to seek out out.
How does the Mahindra XUV700 examine?
View an in depth breakdown of the Mahindra XUV700 towards equally sized automobiles.
Mahindra
XUV700
How a lot does the Mahindra XUV700 value?
The Black Version is the brand new flagship variant of the comparatively contemporary Mahindra XUV700 lineup, which changed the a lot much less good-looking XUV500, however it’s nonetheless one of many least expensive seven-seat SUVs at present on sale in Australia.
| Mannequin | Drive-away pricing |
|---|---|
| 2025 Mahindra XUV700 AX7 | $36,990 |
| 2025 Mahindra XUV700 AX7L | $39,990 |
| 2025 Mahindra XUV700 Black Version | $43,990 |
To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up towards its rivals, take a look at our comparability software
What’s the Mahindra XUV700 like on the within?
Strolling as much as the Black Version, you’re offered with pop-out door handles like these seen on the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. They come out once you unlock the automobile and retract when it’s locked to assist create a modern aspect profile.
Hopping in, the very first thing you’ll doubtless discover is how excessive the motive force’s seat is. It’s nearly too excessive, however many individuals who purchase any such car need that ‘command’ driving place to provide them the very best view of their surrounds potential.
Not like each different XUV700 variant on sale domestically, the Black Version (as its identify suggests), comes with black fake leather-based upholstery. That is a lot nicer and extra family-friendly than the white fake leather-based within the AX7 and AX7L.
One other function the Black Version positive factors over different XUV700 variants is ventilated entrance seats, which is a Godsend on sweltering days. Nevertheless, no variant presents seat heating, which is one thing nearly each top-spec mid-sized SUV presents in Australia.
The motive force’s seat is comfy sufficient, however it’s slightly flat and doesn’t provide quite a lot of lateral assist within the bends. The seat itself might be electrically adjusted throughout six methods utilizing Mercedes-Benz-like controls on the door panel.
Forward of the motive force is a quite chunky steering wheel that’s widespread with the Scorpio. It presents each tilt and attain adjustability, which is nice as a result of it permits for folks of various heights and statures to get cozy behind the wheel.
All of the buttons on the steering wheel are logically positioned, however with the piano-black finishes they get smudgy and gross even after just a few interactions.
The Mercedes-Benz-like nature of the XUV700’s inside continues with the usual twin 10.25-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment system.
The digital instrument cluster seems to be flashy and high-resolution, and there are vary of informative pages you may cycle via. One features a navigation view that exhibits mapping routes when utilizing smartphone mirroring. It may also be triggered to take up the complete 10.25-inch display screen.
One of many few catches with this navigation view is that it solely works with Apple Maps for iPhones and with Google Maps for Android telephones. It additionally hides a variety of different info like gas vary.
One other function the digital instrument cluster has is a Blind-Spot View Monitor which, as with quite a lot of high-spec Hyundai and Kia fashions, exhibits a dwell feed from a digital camera mounted underneath the aspect mirror once you change on an indicator.
This can be a nice security function to have, even when in apply the digital camera’s body charge generally is a little jumpy and the decision isn’t the flashiest.
Transferring throughout, the touchscreen infotainment show is simply as high-resolution because the digital instrument cluster. It’s a quite easy unit with simple to navigate menus.
Along with contact inputs, you can too use a BMW-like rotary controller on the centre console to cycle via content material or change the amount.
Not like different XUV700 variants, the Black Version comes with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with wired connectivity for each smartphone-mirroring methods. It labored effectively for probably the most half throughout our time with the Mahindra, although it might often have dropouts and glitches.
The wi-fi charger additionally cooked my cellphone just a few instances, main me to finally plug in a USB cable to make sure my cellphone battery stayed topped up throughout longer drives.
Another minor infotainment glitches we skilled included the sound system quantity readout getting caught on 24, and the local weather management pop-ups not truly popping up when altering sure settings.
Talking of the local weather controls, I’m very glad Mahindra has caught with bodily dials and buttons for the dual-zone local weather management system. One catch, nonetheless, is that you want to have a look at the display screen to see what temperature and fan pace it’s set at.
One thing else I seen is the auto local weather management setting favored to have the fan blowing flat-out via the face-level vents, whereas additionally having the air recirculating, which made for an intoxicating plastic odor after some time.
Wanting across the cabin, there’s a bit an excessive amount of piano-black for our liking. It’s on the centre console, dashboard, and even on the door playing cards. We want Mahindra would select a unique end, as a result of it will get so dirty so rapidly, and likewise will get scratched when cleaned.
All of the black inside finishes are fairly darkish, although fortunately there’s a light-coloured headliner to interrupt it up, in addition to a regular panoramic glass sunroof that makes the cabin really feel airier. The latter may tilt and slide open for additional air move.
Transferring to the second row, the bench seat doesn’t slide however presents a recline operate. And at a leggy 182cm, I’ve loads of leg room, toe room, headroom, and shoulder area behind my very own driving place. Going three abreast is doable because of the nearly flat ground, too.
By way of second-row amenity, there are air vents mounted on the again of the centre console, in addition to a singular USB-C port.
Like just a few medium SUVs on sale in Australia, the XUV700 comes normal with a 3rd row of seating. There are two seats again there, however the area on provide makes it extra of a kids-only zone, which is consistent with rivals.
For the sake of it, nonetheless, we checked how effectively the third row copes with adults. It’s a mission and a half for me to get again there, and there isn’t sufficient headroom for me to carry my head upright.
Third-row passengers will recognize the cup holders on all sides although, in addition to the air vents with devoted blower management.
Mahindra hasn’t quoted boot capacities for the XUV700, however just like the Scorpio there’s nearly no cargo area with all three rows upright. You’ll be able to match a grocery bag or two for those who’re fortunate.
Not like the Scorpio, nonetheless, the XUV700’s third row folds away to create an nearly flat boot ground. There’s truly a good bit of usable area when the third row of seats are folded away too.
Fortunately, the XUV700 comes with a full-sized metal spare wheel, which is a important function for a lot of rural and regional patrons, and one which’s missing even in some SUVs as of late.
| Dimensions | Mahindra XUV700 |
|---|---|
| Size | 4695mm |
| Width | 1890mm |
| Top | 1755mm |
| Wheelbase | 2750mm |
To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up towards its rivals, take a look at our comparability software
What’s underneath the bonnet?
Your entire Mahindra XUV700 vary is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine driving the entrance wheels solely. Diesel energy and all-wheel drive can be found in different markets, together with the choice of a handbook transmission.
| Specs | Mahindra XUV700 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L 4cyl turbo |
| Energy | 149kW @ 5000rpm |
| Torque | 380Nm @ 1750-3000rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed auto |
| Pushed wheels | FWD |
| Weight | 1835kg |
| Gas economic system (claimed) | 8.3L/100km |
| Gas economic system (as examined) | 7.7L/100km (1840km) |
| Gas tank capability | 60L |
| Gas requirement | 91 RON |
| Braked tow capability | 1500kg |
Our noticed 7.7L/100km gas consumption determine is hardly class-leading, and it included loads of freeway and freeway journeys over the course of a month. A few of this was accomplished by our video staff on their approach between Melbourne and Lang Lang for testing.
To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up towards its rivals, take a look at our comparability software
How does the Mahindra XUV700 drive?
Despite the fact that I’ve pushed a good few XUV700s now, each time I hop again in and begin it up I subconsciously anticipate to listen to a diesel clatter.
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XUV700 AX7L proven
What you do hear, nonetheless, is a candy petrol-engine rev flare after which a subdued idle word. Setting off when the engine is chilly can are likely to see the engine surge a good bit in first gear, which made me soar for the brake pedal a few time. It doesn’t take lengthy for the engine to heat up, nonetheless, when this unusual surge feeling goes away.
The XUV700’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine gives sufficient grunt in on a regular basis situations. You’re capable of get away from the lights with ease, however don’t anticipate to win the site visitors gentle grand prix on this 1.8-tonne seven-seat SUV.
The engine rev out slightly within the two decrease gears, however when you get into third gear and past the engine revs cool down. Peak torque comes on faucet from as little as 1750rpm and the automobile leans into this as a lot as potential.
It’s shocking how rapidly the automobile can speed up with out too many revs on board. It’s feels way more like a turbo-diesel quite than a turbo-petrol. This makes for a cushty, easy and stress-free driving expertise.
However the XUV700 doesn’t reply effectively to sharp accelerator jabs, taking a second or two for the turbo to spool up and the transmission to drop a gear. It’s way more comfy being pushed with docile throttle inputs.
This automobile comes with an engine idle cease/begin system that prompts once you’re stationary. It’s not probably the most refined system I’ve skilled because it cuts out the air-conditioner when lively, and at night time time the headlights flicker for a second when the engine restarts.
I can see why many individuals flip off this operate of their vehicles, as it could actually generally be slightly intrusive and annoying, even when it helps to cut back gas use.
At decrease speeds the automobile feels extra agile that you just’d initially anticipate. That is due partially to the extremely gentle steering that makes it simple to twirl the wheel and alter instructions. A draw back of this, nonetheless, is steering that lacks a little bit of suggestions.
As normal, the XUV700 Black Version comes with a surround-view digital camera that has first rate however not excellent high quality, in addition to solely rear parking sensors.
Regardless of feeling agile, this automobile isn’t overly dynamic. It throws round its 1.8-tonne mass a good bit in corners, and that isn’t helped by being front-wheel drive. However in all equity, this can be a seven-seat SUV and never a sizzling hatch.
Pimply metropolitan roads is the place the XUV700’s suspension shines probably the most. There’s a MacPherson strut entrance and multi-link rear setup, together with the corporate’s so-called Frequency Selective Dampers.
The latter permits the automobile to stay composed over a singular pace bump with excessive damping pressure, however may delivers a cushty experience on bumpier roads by way of low damping pressure.
For probably the most half, it feels just like the automobile floats alongside city and metropolitan roads, absorbing imperfections effectively. You’ll be able to hear what the suspension is doing however it doesn’t translate into the cabin, which is a constructive for occupants.
It’s simple to construct up pace within the XUV700, the turbo-petrol engine by which makes it effectively and actually as much as the duty of freeway touring. At round 95km/h, the transmission slots into sixth gear and that retains the revs beneath 2000rpm, which is nice for cabin atmosphere.
What isn’t nice, nonetheless, is that there’s a good bit of wind noise emanating from the aspect mirrors. This may be fastened by turning up the amount on the nice 12-speaker Sony sound system.
Like I discussed earlier than, this automobile doesn’t reply effectively to sharp throttle inputs. With this in thoughts, you do must plan your overtaking manoeuvres because the XUV has to assume earlier than dropping a gear. As soon as this occurs although, it has loads of oomph to get transferring.
The suspension setup feels purpose-built for freeway and freeway touring, as a result of when the going will get actually robust on single-lane nation roads it feels just like the suspension will get slightly overwhelmed and doesn’t know whether or not to stiffen or soften the dampers.
When travelling alongside at 100km/h on undulating, pot-holed nation roads, you’re feeling each bump and the Mahindra additionally feels overly tender on the rear. A few instances on these roads with passengers within the second and third rows, they stated they began to get a bit car-sick from all of the motion.
One other factor I seen whereas travelling at larger speeds for prolonged durations of time is the gas vary pc modifications quite quickly. At one level the low-fuel warning got here on, indicating I may solely journey round 50km earlier than the petrol ran out, however once I stuffed up the tank I nonetheless had 13L of gas left in it.
On the protection entrance, the XUV700 is fairly totally loaded. It comes with an adaptive cruise management system that reacts in a measured method to vehicles forward. However an annoyance at larger speeds is that it struggles to remain on the set pace, stabbing on the throttle or brake to keep up it.
There are three totally different choices to alter how rapidly the automobile accelerates as much as the set pace, although even in its slowest setting it could actually jerk round like a taxi driver who stabs on the throttle.
One other unusual quirk is that whereas there are all of the requisite buttons for the cruise management, there’s no precise cancel button. This implies if you wish to cancel the cruise after which resume it on the beforehand set pace you want to press the brake pedal.
I didn’t wish to try this although, so I caught with turning off cruise management fully after which set the pace once more manually every time.
The lane-keep help is fairly correct on clearly marked roads, although on tight nation highways and single-lane nation roads the system can evenly yank on the wheel when it doesn’t must. I’ve skilled a lot worse in different vehicles, nonetheless.
There’s additionally a Good Pilot operate that basically combines adaptive cruise management and lane centring capabilities. On highways and freeways it really works completely at gently steering the automobile throughout the marked strains, decreasing driver fatigue over lengthy journeys.
Fortunately, for those who don’t like how hands-on the steering help system is with Good Pilot turned on, you may change it off utilizing a menu within the digital instrument cluster.
Lastly, the XUV700 Black Version comes with shiny LED headlights, that are nice for dimly lit rural and regional areas. Above 80km/h there’s a lift operate for the high-beams, which noticeably makes it simpler to see additional down the highway.
What do you get?
On check right here is the brand new flagship XUV700 Black Version variant.
2025 Mahindra XUV700 highlights:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Panoramic sunroof
- Automated LED headlights
- Automated high-beam
- Cornering lights
- Fog lights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Tyre strain monitoring
- Energy-folding exterior mirrors
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- Wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- 6-speaker sound system
- Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
- Leatherette upholstery
- 6-way energy driver’s seat with reminiscence
- One-touch tumbling 60:40 second-row seats
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Keyless begin
XUV700 AX7L provides:
- 12-speaker sound system
- Digital park brake
- Telescopic steering wheel adjustment
- Illuminated vainness mirrors
- Electrical ‘sensible’ door handles
- Wi-fi cellphone charger
- Blind-Spot View Monitor
- Encompass-view digital camera
- Knee airbag
- Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
XUV700 Black Version provides:
- Napoli Black exterior paint
- Black 18-inch alloy wheels
- Aspect mirror reminiscence operate
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- Darkish chrome inside finishes
- Black leatherette upholstery
- Ventilated entrance seats
To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up towards its rivals, take a look at our comparability software
Is the Mahindra XUV700 protected?
The Mahindra XUV700 has but to be assessed by ANCAP.
Commonplace security gear contains:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise management
- Good Pilot Help
- Lane-keep help
- Site visitors signal recognition
- Reversing digital camera
- Rear parking sensors
- Put up-collision braking
- Entrance, front-side and curtain airbags (6)
AX7L provides:
- Blind-spot view monitor
- Encompass-view digital camera
- Knee airbag
- Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
How a lot does the Mahindra XUV700 value to run?
The Mahindra XUV700 is backed by a beneficiant seven-year, 150,000km guarantee together with seven years of roadside help. Servicing is required each 12 months or 15,000km.
| Working prices | Mahindra XUV700 |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 7 years, 150,000km |
| Roadside help | 7 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km First service required at 1 month or 1500km Second service required at 12 months or 10,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 4 years |
| Complete capped-price service value | $1781 |
To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up towards its rivals, take a look at our comparability software
CarExpert’s Tackle the Mahindra XUV700
The Mahindra XUV700 is oft-forgotten as some of the reasonably priced seven-seat SUVs out there in Australia, however that doesn’t imply it ought to be ignored.
On this new top-shelf Black Version guise, it’s fitted with all of the bells and whistles you might hope for, at a price ticket that’s very interesting. For $43,990 drive-away, you may’t even get a base Mitsubishi Outlander or Nissan X-Path seven-seater.
Even in comparison with different budget-friendly XUV700 variants, the Black Version is a sweeter bundle for those who can dwell with the darkish Napoli Black exterior paint. That’s thanks primarily to the black fake leather-based upholstery, which is significantly extra family-friendly than the white fake leather-based that’s obligatory in different variants.
It’s additionally good that the entrance seats achieve air flow, particularly as we’re main right into a sweltering Australian summer time, and that the comfort of wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is lastly out there.
Whereas the automobile has all these high-tech capabilities, the infotainment glitches and smartphone mirroring dropouts can put a dampener on the general expertise. The comparatively excessive driving place and ultra-light steering additionally don’t really feel overly pure in such a big car.
One other consideration is that the XUV700 vary continues to be solely provided domestically with turbo-petrol energy and front-wheel drive. It will be attention-grabbing to see if the provision of turbo-diesel and/or all-wheel drive choices attracted extra prospects to this well-priced, underrated Indian-made seven-seat SUV.
Involved in shopping for a Mahindra XUV700? Get in contact with one among CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here
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