In a bold move that has sent ripples through the Indian automotive industry, Mahindra & Mahindra has unveiled the latest iteration of its flagship SUV, the XUV700.
This launch not only marks a significant milestone for the company but also sets new benchmarks in the fiercely competitive SUV segment.
A Design Revolution
The 2024 XUV700 is a visual treat, blending muscular proportions with sleek, modern lines. The front fascia features a redesigned grille, now adorned with Mahindra’s new ‘Twin Peaks’ logo, flanked by adaptive LED headlamps with boomerang-shaped DRLs.
The side profile retains the distinctive kink in the window line, a signature element carried over from its predecessor.
Pratap Bose, Chief Design Officer at Mahindra, explains the design philosophy: “With the new XUV700, we wanted to create a vehicle that not only looks contemporary but also pays homage to its Indian roots.
The intricate patterns in the grille and alloy wheels are inspired by traditional Indian motifs, giving the XUV700 a unique identity.”
Power and Performance
Under the hood, the XUV700 offers two engine options:
- A 2.0-liter mStallion turbocharged petrol engine, now tuned to produce 210 bhp and 380 Nm of torque.
- A 2.2-liter mHawk diesel engine, available in two states of tune:
- 185 bhp and 420 Nm for manual transmission variants
- 200 bhp and 450 Nm for automatic transmission variants
Both engines come mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The top-spec variants also offer an all-wheel-drive system, a rarity in this segment.
Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group, proudly states, “The XUV700’s powertrains are a testament to our engineering prowess.
We’ve not only focused on raw power but also on refinement and efficiency, ensuring that the XUV700 delivers a driving experience that’s both exhilarating and economical.”
Cutting-Edge Technology
The XUV700 leaps ahead in terms of technology, featuring Mahindra’s AdrenoX infotainment system.
The centerpiece is a panoramic display consisting of two 10.25-inch screens – one for the instrument cluster and another for infotainment. This system incorporates AI-powered voice commands, OTA updates, and a suite of connected car features.
A standout feature is the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and autonomous emergency braking. This makes the XUV700 one of the most technologically advanced vehicles in its class.
Dr. Anish Shah, Managing Director of Mahindra & Mahindra, emphasizes the importance of these features: “With the XUV700, we’re not just selling a vehicle; we’re offering a technological ecosystem.
Our AdrenoX system and ADAS features bring a level of sophistication and safety that was previously unseen in this segment.”
Interior Comfort and Luxury
Step inside, and the XUV700 greets you with a cabin that rivals premium European SUVs. The use of high-quality materials, including leatherette upholstery and soft-touch plastics, elevates the interior ambiance.
The panoramic sunroof, a segment-first feature when introduced in the previous generation, has been retained and improved.
Comfort features include ventilated front seats, a 12-speaker Sony sound system, multi-zone climate control, and a driver seat with memory function.
The third row, while snug, offers better space management than many competitors, making the XUV700 a true seven-seater.
Safety First
Mahindra has doubled down on safety with the new XUV700. Apart from the ADAS features, the SUV comes equipped with:
- 7 airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Program
- Hill Hold and Hill Descent Control
- 360-degree camera
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System
The company is targeting a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating, building on the success of its predecessor.
Market Positioning and Pricing
The XUV700 is positioned as a premium offering in Mahindra’s lineup, competing with the likes of the Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus, and even lower variants of the Toyota Fortuner.
Pricing is aggressive, starting at ₹13.45 lakh for the base petrol variant and going up to ₹24.95 lakh for the top-spec diesel AWD variant (ex-showroom).
This pricing strategy has raised eyebrows in the industry. Automotive analyst Rajesh Kumar notes, “Mahindra has managed to pack features and technology typically seen in vehicles costing twice as much. This aggressive pricing could potentially disrupt the entire SUV market in India.”
Production and Availability
To meet the anticipated high demand, Mahindra has ramped up production at its Chakan plant. The company aims to produce 6,000 units per month initially, with plans to increase this to 10,000 units by the end of the year.
However, the global semiconductor shortage continues to pose challenges. Veejay Nakra, CEO of Mahindra’s Automotive Division, addresses this concern: “We’ve secured a steady supply of chips for the next six months.
While we may face some initial constraints, we’re confident in our ability to meet customer demand in the long run.”
Environmental Considerations
In line with global trends towards sustainability, Mahindra has incorporated several eco-friendly features in the XUV700.
The SUV uses recycled materials in its interior, and the company has committed to making its entire production process carbon-neutral by 2030.
Additionally, Mahindra has hinted at an all-electric version of the XUV700 in the pipeline, showcasing the company’s commitment to electric mobility.
The Road Ahead
The launch of the new XUV700 is more than just a product update; it’s a statement of intent from Mahindra. The company is clearly positioning itself as a technology leader in the Indian automotive space, capable of producing world-class vehicles.
Industry experts are watching closely to see how this move will impact the market. Some speculate that it could force other manufacturers to up their game, potentially leading to a new era of innovation in the Indian auto industry.
Mahindra XUV700
The 2024 Mahindra XUV700 represents a significant leap forward, not just for Mahindra, but for the Indian automotive industry as a whole.
By offering a combination of striking design, powerful performance, advanced technology, and competitive pricing, Mahindra has thrown down the gauntlet to both domestic and international competitors.
As the XUV700 hits the roads, it carries with it the hopes and aspirations of a company looking to make its mark on the global stage.
Whether it will succeed in its ambitious goals remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the XUV700 has set a new benchmark for what Indian consumers can expect from a homegrown SUV.
In the words of Anand Mahindra, “The XUV700 is not just a product; it’s a promise.
A promise that India can produce vehicles that are world-class in every aspect.” As the automotive world watches with bated breath, the XUV700 stands poised to redefine the Indian SUV landscape.