Mahindra XUV 7XO Review: The Most High-Tech SUV in India?

If you thought the XUV700 was the peak of Indian SUVs, Mahindra just said, “Hold my chai.” Following the naming convention of its younger sibling, the XUV 3XO, Mahindra has officially rebranded and refreshed its flagship as the Mahindra XUV 7XO.

Launched on January 5, 2026, this isn’t just a name change; it’s a surgical strike on the competition. With a starting price of ₹13.99 Lakh (ex-showroom), Mahindra is targeting everyone from the tech-savvy millennial to the large Indian family that refuses to compromise on “Road Presence.” But the big question remains: Is the XUV 7XO a genuine leap forward, or is it just the same wine in a futuristic new bottle?

QUICK SPECS: The XUV 7XO at a Glance

Feature	Specification
Engine Options	2.0L mStallion Turbo Petrol / 2.2L mHawk Diesel
Max Power	197 BHP (Petrol) / 182 BHP (Diesel)
Max Torque	380 Nm (Petrol) / Up to 450 Nm (Diesel AT)
Transmission	6-Speed MT / 6-Speed Torque Converter AT
Seating Capacity	6 & 7-Seater Options
Ground Clearance	200 mm (Unladen)
Boot Space	240L (All rows up) / 460L (3rd row folded)

EXTERIOR DESIGN: That Iconic Stance, Refined

The XUV 7XO keeps the muscular silhouette we loved but adds a layer of “Electric-inspired” sophistication. The front fascia now sports twin-pod LED projector headlamps and a revised grille that looks sharper and less cluttered.

The biggest talking point? The 7-shaped LED DRLs that sweep down toward the bumper, giving it an unmistakable identity at night. On the sides, you get new 19-inch diamond-cut alloys that fill the wheel arches beautifully. The rear hasn’t been ignored either—there’s a new full-width connected LED light bar that makes the SUV look significantly wider and more premium.

INTERIOR & FEATURES: Welcome to the “Triple Screen” Era

Step inside, and you’ll feel like you’ve jumped five years into the future. Mahindra has borrowed the Triple-Screen Layout from its XEV electric series.

• The Dash: You get three 12.3-inch screens stretching across the dashboard—one for the driver’s display, one for infotainment, and a dedicated screen for the co-driver (perfect for Netflix on long trips).
• Comfort: The “Boss Mode” on the front passenger seat allows the rear passenger to slide the seat forward with a single lever. The second-row seats are now ventilated (a much-needed addition for Indian summers).
• Sound: A new 16-speaker Harman Kardon system with Dolby Atmos replaces the old Sony setup. It sounds crisp, deep, and concert-like.
• Missing Bits: While it has almost everything, a powered tailgate is still missing on the mid-spec variants, which feels like a miss at this price point.

PERFORMANCE: Does it Drive Like a Mahindra?

City Drive

Despite its size, the XUV 7XO is surprisingly easy to maneuver. The light steering at low speeds makes U-turns in tight colony lanes effortless. The 540-degree camera (which includes a “transparent hood” view) is a lifesaver when parking in crowded malls.

Highway Dynamics

This is where the mStallion and mHawk engines shine. At 100 kmph, the engine is barely ticking over at 1,800 RPM. The stability is rock-solid; even when crossing heavy vehicles, the body roll is well-contained for a tall SUV.

The Pothole Test

The suspension absorbs potholes easily. Mahindra has used Frequency Selective Damping (FSD), which means the car stays stiff on smooth highways for stability but becomes “soft” over broken rural roads to soak up bumps.

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SAFETY: The Gold Standard

Mahindra hasn’t messed with a winning formula here. The XUV 7XO is built on a high-strength steel platform that previously earned a 5-star Global NCAP rating.

• ADAS Level 2+: The updated system includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane Keep Assist, and Autonomous Emergency Braking that now detects pedestrians more accurately in low light.
• Airbags: 6 Airbags come as standard, with the top-end AX7L getting 7 (including a driver knee airbag).

REAL-WORLD MILEAGE: The Ground Reality

Indian buyers care about “Kitna Deti Hai,” and here is the honest truth after our 300km test run:

Fuel / Engine	ARAI Claimed	Real World City	Real World Highway
Petrol (Manual)	15.0 kmpl	8-9 kmpl	12-13 kmpl
Petrol (Automatic)	13.0 kmpl	7-8 kmpl	11-12 kmpl
Diesel (Manual)	17.0 kmpl	11-12 kmpl	15-16 kmpl
Diesel (Automatic)	16.5 kmpl	10-11 kmpl	14-15 kmpl

THE COMPETITION: XUV 7XO vs. The Rivals

The XUV 7XO sits in a fiercely contested segment. Let’s see how it fares against the Tata Safari and the MG Hector Plus.

Feature	Mahindra XUV 7XO	Tata Safari	MG Hector Plus
Engine	2.0P / 2.2D	2.0D Only	1.5P / 2.0D
Max Power	197 BHP	168 BHP	141 BHP (P)
ADAS	Level 2+	Level 2	Level 2
AWD Option	Yes (Diesel)	No	No
Tech Highlight	Triple 12.3″ Screen	12.3″ Screen	14″ Portrait Screen

Winner: The Mahindra XUV 7XO wins on pure performance and the option of AWD, though the Safari offers a slightly more “butch” SUV look.

FINAL VERDICT

The Mahindra XUV 7XO is no longer just a “value-for-money” alternative to luxury SUVs; it is a luxury SUV in its own right. It’s faster, techier, and safer than almost anything in its price bracket.

Buy it if:

• You want the most powerful engine in the segment (Petrol or Diesel).
• You are a tech enthusiast who loves screens and connected features.
• You need a highway cruiser that can comfortably munch 800km in a day.

Skip it if:

• You drive 100% in bumper-to-bumper traffic (the Petrol is thirsty).
• You want a compact SUV (it’s huge and needs a large parking spot).
• You hate long waiting periods (Mahindra still struggles with high demand).

FAQs (People Also Ask)