New Delhi: After months of showing teasers and after enjoying a great 2025, where Mahindra became the second-best-selling brand of the country, the SUV-makers are back to having the first launch of the year with the new XUV 7XO. Essentially, it is the next generation of the XUV700, but recent leaks from a dealer stockyard suggest it is a little more than just a facelift.
The front gets a sharp update with a clear attempt to bring the internal combustion engine (ICE) lineup closer to Mahindra’s electric “9E” and “9S” brands. The front fascia has been redesigned and now features an enlarged eight-slat grille and a sharper, more contemporary lighting signature. The new C-shaped LED DRLs and animated indicators give it a sophisticated, “9S-inspired” look, although some enthusiasts have questioned the functionality of the larger headlight housing.
The side profile remains largely identical to its predecessor, with one major exception: the 19-inch sporty alloy wheels. These diamond-cut units finally provide the aggressive stance the SUV was missing, sitting comfortably between flashy luxury and rugged utility. The rear profile is arguably the 7XO’s best angle, featuring a connected LED light bar that fixes the “curvy” look of the old 700 in favour of a cleaner, more modern aesthetic.
Inside, Mahindra have invested heavily in “digital real estate.” The dashboard is now dominated by a massive triple-screen setup, consisting of three 12.3-inch displays. This includes a dedicated entertainment screen for the front passenger.
The colour palette has shifted to a “Brown-Beige” and Cream theme, complemented by a new two-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated logo. However, early reports from the ground highlight a potential maintenance nightmare: the light-colored cream upholstery on the dashboard and doors has been noted to pick up dirt and marks almost instantly, even on brand-new units.
On the features front, the XUV 7XO is a powerhouse that will come with a flagship 16-speaker Harman Kardon system with Dolby Atmos, a first-in-segment 540-degree camera (offering a “transparent bonnet” view), new “BYOD” (Bring Your Own Device) mounts and a “Boss Mode” for the front passenger seat.
While the car features a radar for Level 2+ ADAS, the top-spec stockyard units spotted didn’t appear to have a full 6-sensor front parking setup, and the Head-Up Display (HUD) appears to have been shelved for this iteration.
Under the hood, Mahindra has stuck with its “recipe for success.” The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engines are carried forward, maintaining their class-leading performance figures. The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) option also remains and should be offered with manual and automatic powertrains.
