Mahindra XUV 7XO Review: The New King of Big SUVs in India?

Just when we thought the XUV700 had peaked, Mahindra decided to reinvent its flagship. Meet the Mahindra XUV 7XO. Launched on January 5, 2026, this isn’t just a facelift; it’s a rebrand that aligns Mahindra’s big SUV with the new “XO” design language seen on its smaller sibling, the 3XO.

With an introductory starting price of ₹13.66 Lakh (ex-showroom), Mahindra is clearly aiming for the throat of both mid-size and full-size SUV segments. But beyond the flashy new name and the triple-screen dashboard, does it actually drive better? As someone who has spent two decades tracking Mahindra’s evolution from the rugged Scorpio to the sophisticated 7XO, I can tell you: the changes under the skin are just as significant as the ones on the outside.

QUICK SPECS TABLE (Key Highlights)

Feature	Specification
Engine (Petrol)	2.0L mStallion Turbo Petrol
Engine (Diesel)	2.2L mHawk Turbo Diesel
Max Power	200 BHP (Petrol) / 182 BHP (Diesel)
Max Torque	380 Nm (Petrol) / 450 Nm (Diesel AT)
Transmission	6-Speed MT / 6-Speed Torque Converter AT
Boot Space	240 Litres (All rows up) / 450+ (3rd row folded)
Ground Clearance	200 mm (Approx)
Wheel Size	19-inch Diamond Cut Alloys (Top Trims)

EXTERIOR DESIGN & ROAD PRESENCE

The XUV 7XO is a head-turner, period. Mahindra has ditched the slightly “soft” face of the old XUV700 for a much more aggressive, upright stance.

• The Face: You get new C-shaped LED DRLs that wrap around the bumper, giving it a wider, “bossy” look. The grille is now cleaner, featuring satin silver inserts.
• The Stance: While the side profile remains familiar, the new 19-inch aero-optimized alloy wheels fill the arches beautifully. These are the largest in the segment and give the 7XO a massive advantage in “Road Presence.”
• The Rear: The hexagonal LED lighting signature at the back, connected by a full-width light bar, makes the SUV look significantly more expensive than it is.

Does it turn heads? Absolutely. Especially in the new “Lumina” colors, it looks like a ₹50-lakh luxury vehicle rather than a mass-market SUV.

INTERIOR, COMFORT & FEATURES: A Tech-Fest

Stepping inside the XUV 7XO feels like entering a cockpit from five years into the future.

The Dashboard

Mahindra has introduced a Coast-to-Coast Triple Screen setup. That’s three 12.3-inch high-definition screens spanning the entire width of the dashboard.

1. Driver’s Cluster: Shows ADAS visualizations and navigation.
2. Central Infotainment: Handles everything from ChatGPT-integrated Alexa to the 16-speaker Harman Kardon system.
3. Passenger Screen: Allows the co-driver to watch videos or control music without distracting the driver.

Space & Comfort

The cabin uses a “Lumina and Chestnut Brown” theme with high-quality soft-touch materials.

• Rear Seats: You get a Boss Mode where the rear passenger can move the front seat forward electrically. The 6-seater version comes with ventilated captain seats—a first in this class.
• Missing Bits: While the touch-based AC panel looks sleek, it can be a bit fiddly to use while driving. I still prefer physical knobs for temperature control.

ENGINE PERFORMANCE & DRIVING DYNAMICS

City Drive: Smooth but Hefty

The 2.0L Turbo Petrol (200 BHP) is a masterpiece of refinement. In city traffic, the steering is surprisingly light, making this 4.7-meter beast feel like a much smaller car. The 6-speed automatic is smooth, though I did miss paddle shifters for those quick overtakes.

Highway Drive: The DaVinci Magic

The real headline is the DaVinci Damper Technology. Mahindra has upgraded the suspension to handle high-speed undulations better. At 120 km/h, the 7XO feels glued to the road. There is some body roll due to the height, but it’s far more controlled than the older Scorpio-N.

The Pothole Test

Indian roads are the ultimate test. The 7XO’s new dampers absorb sharp bumps with a “thud” rather than a “clash.” Even on the 19-inch wheels, the ride isn’t overly harsh, which is a commendable engineering feat.

Read more : Bugatti Motorhome 2026

SAFETY: A Fort on Wheels

Mahindra has a reputation to keep, and they haven’t cut corners here.

• Build: Engineered for a 5-Star Bharat NCAP rating (already achieved by its predecessor).
• Airbags: Up to 7 airbags, including a knee airbag.
• ADAS Level 2+: Includes features like Auto Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go.
• 540-Degree Camera: This is a 360-camera plus a “see-through” view of the ground beneath the car—super helpful for avoiding large stones while soft-roading.

REAL WORLD MILEAGE (The Truth)

Let’s talk about the numbers that actually matter to your wallet. Big SUVs are thirsty, but the 7XO is reasonably efficient for its size.

Fuel/Engine	ARAI Claimed	Real World City	Real World Highway
Petrol MT	15.0 km/l	8 – 10 km/l	12 – 14 km/l
Diesel MT	17.0 km/l	11 – 13 km/l	15 – 16 km/l
Diesel AT (AWD)	13.0 km/l	9 – 11 km/l	13 – 14 km/l

THE COMPETITION: XUV 7XO vs Rivals

Feature	Mahindra XUV 7XO	Tata Safari	Hyundai Alcazar
Engine Power	200 BHP (Petrol)	168 BHP (Diesel Only)	158 BHP (Petrol)
Max Torque	450 Nm	350 Nm	253 Nm
Screens	Triple 12.3-inch	Dual 12.3-inch	Dual 10.25-inch
AWD Option	Yes (Diesel)	No	No
Price (Ex-S)	₹13.66L – ₹24.92L	₹14.66L – ₹25.96L	₹14.50L – ₹21.50L

Winner: The Mahindra XUV 7XO wins on pure value and performance. It offers a more powerful engine, a more advanced AWD system, and a “wow-factor” interior that makes the others look a generation old.

FINAL VERDICT

Buy it if:

• You want the best tech: The triple-screen setup and ChatGPT integration are unmatched.
• You prioritize safety: It’s a tank with the latest ADAS Level 2+ features.
• You need performance: The 200 BHP petrol engine is the punchiest in its class.

Skip it if:

• You need a 3rd row for adults: The last row is still best suited for children or short trips.
• You hate touch controls: The lack of physical buttons for AC can be annoying.
• You want maximum city mileage: The Petrol AT can be quite heavy on the pocket in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

FAQs (People Also Ask)