Suspense crime, Digital Desk : Mahindra is preparing a mid-cycle refresh for its blockbuster XUV700, and for the first time, a test model of the updated SUV has been spotted on public roads. The heavily camouflaged vehicle hints at several key cosmetic and feature upgrades for one of India’s most popular family SUVs.

Though the test car was wrapped in heavy disguise, the most noticeable change is at the front. The spy shots reveal a brand-new grille design featuring a bold, vertically-slatted pattern. This new look appears to be directly inspired by the grille seen on Mahindra’s upcoming all-electric XUV.e8, signaling a unified design language for the brand’s future SUV lineup. New alloy wheel designs are also expected to be part of the exterior makeover.

While the interior was not captured in these images, major upgrades are anticipated inside the cabin. To better compete with rivals like the Tata Safari, Mahindra is expected to finally introduce highly-requested features such as ventilated front seats and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. A redesigned dashboard layout and potentially an updated ADAS suite with Level 2 autonomy are also on the cards.

Under the hood, no changes are expected. The facelifted XUV700 will likely carry over its current, powerful engine options: the 2.0-litre mStallion turbo-petrol and the 2.2-litre mHawk diesel. Both engines will continue to be offered with manual and automatic transmission choices.

This updated Mahindra XUV700 is expected to launch in early 2025, where it will renew its rivalry with the Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus, and Hyundai Alcazar.

Read More: First Look: Mahindra Testing Refreshed XUV700 with Bold New Design Cues