The Mahindra XUV700 has taken a step to the darkish facet.
This new seven-seat mid-sized SUV is the most recent mannequin from the Indian carmaker to realize a blacked-out trim stage. On this explicit occasion it’s a feature-packed new flagship variant designed to garner extra consideration alongside top-selling rivals just like the Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan X-Path.
Whereas its most direct competitor is the Chery Tiggo 8 Professional Max, it’s additionally a cut-price rival for the likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Skoda Kodiaq, Toyota Kluger, and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, amongst others.
Whereas the Mahindra XUV700 Black Version could seem to be only a black-themed aesthetics package deal on the floor, there’s additionally a variety of distinctive options.
These embrace black fake leather-based upholstery (the opposite variants solely include white fake leather-based), entrance seat air flow, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, facet mirror reminiscence, and Darkish Chrome inside highlights.
WATCH: Paul’s video evaluate of the 2023 Mahindra XUV700 AX7L
This new Black Version variant is the largest change the XUV700 has acquired because it launched in Australia early final 12 months. Even the eager pricing for the 2 common variants hasn’t modified since then.
With this in thoughts, how does the Mahindra XUV700 Black Version stack up? Learn alongside to search out out.
How does the Mahindra XUV700 examine?
View an in depth breakdown of the Mahindra XUV700 towards equally sized autos.
Mahindra
XUV700
How a lot does the Mahindra XUV700 price?
The Black Version is the brand new flagship variant of the comparatively contemporary Mahindra XUV700 lineup, which changed the a lot much less good-looking XUV500, however it’s nonetheless one of many least expensive seven-seat SUVs presently on sale in Australia.
To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up towards its rivals, try our comparability software
What’s the Mahindra XUV700 like on the within?
Strolling as much as the Black Version, you’re offered with pop-out door handles like these seen on the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. They come out while you unlock the automobile and retract when it’s locked to assist create a modern facet profile.
Hopping in, the very first thing you’ll doubtless discover is how excessive the driving force’s seat is. It’s nearly too excessive, however many individuals who purchase such a car need that ‘command’ driving place to offer them one of the best view of their surrounds potential.
In contrast to each different XUV700 variant on sale regionally, the Black Version (as its identify suggests), comes with black fake leather-based upholstery. That is a lot nicer and extra family-friendly than the white fake leather-based within the AX7 and AX7L.
One other function the Black Version good points over different XUV700 variants is ventilated entrance seats, which is a Godsend on sweltering days. Nevertheless, no variant presents seat heating, which is one thing nearly each top-spec mid-sized SUV presents in Australia.
The driving force’s seat is comfy sufficient, however it’s somewhat flat and doesn’t provide an excessive amount of lateral assist within the bends. The seat itself may be electrically adjusted throughout six methods utilizing Mercedes-Benz-like controls on the door panel.
Forward of the driving force is a fairly chunky steering wheel that’s frequent with the Scorpio. It presents each tilt and attain adjustability, which is nice as a result of it permits for folks of various heights and statures to get cozy behind the wheel.
All of the buttons on the steering wheel are logically positioned, however with the piano-black finishes they get smudgy and gross even after a number of interactions.
The Mercedes-Benz-like nature of the XUV700’s inside continues with the usual twin 10.25-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment system.
The digital instrument cluster appears flashy and high-resolution, and there are vary of informative pages you possibly can cycle by means of. One features a navigation view that reveals mapping routes when utilizing smartphone mirroring. It may also be triggered to take up your complete 10.25-inch display screen.
One of many few catches with this navigation view is that it solely works with Apple Maps for iPhones and with Google Maps for Android telephones. It additionally hides a variety of different data like gasoline vary.
One other function the digital instrument cluster has is a Blind-Spot View Monitor which, as with quite a lot of high-spec Hyundai and Kia fashions, reveals a dwell feed from a digital camera mounted beneath the facet mirror while you swap on an indicator.
It is a nice security function to have, even when in observe the digital camera’s body price generally is a little jumpy and the decision isn’t the flashiest.
Transferring throughout, the touchscreen infotainment show is simply as high-resolution because the digital instrument cluster. It’s a fairly easy unit with simple to navigate menus.
Along with contact inputs, you too can use a BMW-like rotary controller on the centre console to cycle by means of content material or change the quantity.
In contrast to different XUV700 variants, the Black Version comes with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with wired connectivity for each smartphone-mirroring programs. It labored nicely for essentially the most half throughout our time with the Mahindra, although it could sometimes have dropouts and glitches.
The wi-fi charger additionally cooked my telephone a number of instances, main me to finally plug in a USB cable to make sure my telephone battery stayed topped up throughout longer drives.
Another minor infotainment glitches we skilled included the sound system quantity readout getting caught on 24, and the local weather management pop-ups not truly popping up when altering sure settings.
Talking of the local weather controls, I’m very glad Mahindra has caught with bodily dials and buttons for the dual-zone local weather management system. One catch, nevertheless, is that you could have a look at the display screen to see what temperature and fan velocity it’s set at.
One thing else I observed is the auto local weather management setting preferred to have the fan blowing flat-out by means of the face-level vents, whereas additionally having the air recirculating, which made for an intoxicating plastic odor after some time.
Trying across the cabin, there’s a bit an excessive amount of piano-black for our liking. It’s on the centre console, dashboard, and even on the door playing cards. We want Mahindra would select a unique end, as a result of it will get so dirty so shortly, and in addition will get scratched when cleaned.
All of the black inside finishes are fairly darkish, although fortunately there’s a light-coloured headliner to interrupt it up, in addition to a regular panoramic glass sunroof that makes the cabin really feel airier. The latter can even tilt and slide open for further air move.
Transferring to the second row, the bench seat doesn’t slide however presents a recline operate. And at a leggy 182cm, I’ve loads of leg room, toe room, headroom, and shoulder house behind my very own driving place. Going three abreast is doable due to the nearly flat ground, too.
By way of second-row amenity, there are air vents mounted on the again of the centre console, in addition to a singular USB-C port.
Like a number of medium SUVs on sale in Australia, the XUV700 comes customary with a 3rd row of seating. There are two seats again there, however the house on provide makes it extra of a kids-only zone, which is according to rivals.
For the sake of it, nevertheless, we checked how nicely the third row copes with adults. It’s a mission and a half for me to get again there, and there isn’t sufficient headroom for me to carry my head upright.
Third-row passengers will respect the cup holders on either side although, in addition to the air vents with devoted blower management.
Mahindra hasn’t quoted boot capacities for the XUV700, however just like the Scorpio there’s nearly no cargo house with all three rows upright. You possibly can match a grocery bag or two in case you’re fortunate.
In contrast to the Scorpio, nevertheless, the XUV700’s third row folds away to create an nearly flat boot ground. There’s truly a good bit of usable house when the third row of seats are folded away too.
Fortunately, the XUV700 comes with a full-sized metal spare wheel, which is a important function for a lot of rural and regional patrons, and one which’s missing even in some SUVs nowadays.
To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up towards its rivals, try our comparability software
What’s beneath the bonnet?
All the Mahindra XUV700 vary is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine driving the entrance wheels solely. Diesel energy and all-wheel drive can be found in different markets, together with the choice of a guide transmission.
Our noticed 7.7L/100km gasoline consumption determine is hardly class-leading, and it included loads of freeway and freeway journeys over the course of a month. A few of this was accomplished by our video workforce on their means between Melbourne and Lang Lang for testing.
To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up towards its rivals, try our comparability software
How does the Mahindra XUV700 drive?
Regardless that I’ve pushed a good few XUV700s now, each time I hop again in and begin it up I subconsciously anticipate to listen to a diesel clatter.
What you do hear, nevertheless, is a candy petrol-engine rev flare after which a subdued idle word. Setting off when the engine is chilly can are likely to see the engine surge a good bit in first gear, which made me bounce for the brake pedal a few time. It doesn’t take lengthy for the engine to heat up, nevertheless, when this unusual surge feeling goes away.
The XUV700’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine gives sufficient grunt in on a regular basis eventualities. You’re in a position to get away from the lights with ease, however don’t anticipate to win the site visitors mild grand prix on this 1.8-tonne seven-seat SUV.
The engine rev out somewhat within the two decrease gears, however when you get into third gear and past the engine revs quiet down. Peak torque comes on faucet from as little as 1750rpm and the automobile leans into this as a lot as potential.
It’s stunning how shortly the automobile can speed up with out too many revs on board. It’s feels way more like a turbo-diesel fairly than a turbo-petrol. This makes for a snug, easy and stress-free driving expertise.
However the XUV700 doesn’t reply nicely to sharp accelerator jabs, taking a second or two for the turbo to spool up and the transmission to drop a gear. It’s way more comfy being pushed with docile throttle inputs.
This automobile comes with an engine idle cease/begin system that prompts while you’re stationary. It’s not essentially the most refined system I’ve skilled because it cuts out the air-conditioner when energetic, and at night time time the headlights flicker for a second when the engine restarts.
I can see why many individuals flip off this operate of their vehicles, as it might typically be somewhat intrusive and annoying, even when it helps to scale back gasoline use.
At decrease speeds the automobile feels extra agile that you simply’d initially anticipate. That is due partly to the extremely mild steering that makes it simple to twirl the wheel and alter instructions. A draw back of this, nevertheless, is steering that lacks a little bit of suggestions.
As customary, the XUV700 Black Version comes with a surround-view digital camera that has respectable however not excellent high quality, in addition to solely rear parking sensors.
Regardless of feeling agile, this automobile isn’t overly dynamic. It throws round its 1.8-tonne mass a good bit in corners, and that isn’t helped by being front-wheel drive. However in all equity, this can be a seven-seat SUV and never a scorching hatch.
Pimply metropolitan roads is the place the XUV700’s suspension shines essentially the most. There’s a MacPherson strut entrance and multi-link rear setup, together with the corporate’s so-called Frequency Selective Dampers.
The latter permits the automobile to stay composed over a singular velocity bump with excessive damping pressure, however can even delivers a snug trip on bumpier roads by way of low damping pressure.
For essentially the most half, it feels just like the automobile floats alongside city and metropolitan roads, absorbing imperfections nicely. You possibly can hear what the suspension is doing however it doesn’t translate into the cabin, which is a constructive for occupants.
It’s simple to construct up velocity within the XUV700, the turbo-petrol engine during which makes it nicely and really as much as the duty of freeway touring. At round 95km/h, the transmission slots into sixth gear and that retains the revs beneath 2000rpm, which is nice for cabin atmosphere.
What isn’t nice, nevertheless, is that there’s a good bit of wind noise emanating from the facet mirrors. This may be mounted by turning up the quantity on the good 12-speaker Sony sound system.
Like I discussed earlier than, this automobile doesn’t reply nicely to sharp throttle inputs. With this in thoughts, you do must plan your overtaking manoeuvres because the XUV has to suppose earlier than dropping a gear. As soon as this occurs although, it has loads of oomph to get shifting.
The suspension setup feels purpose-built for freeway and freeway touring, as a result of when the going will get actually powerful on single-lane nation roads it feels just like the suspension will get somewhat overwhelmed and doesn’t know whether or not to stiffen or soften the dampers.
When travelling alongside at 100km/h on undulating, pot-holed nation roads, you are feeling each bump and the Mahindra additionally feels overly tender on the rear. A few instances on these roads with passengers within the second and third rows, they stated they began to get a bit car-sick from all of the motion.
One other factor I observed whereas travelling at increased speeds for prolonged intervals of time is the gasoline vary laptop modifications fairly quickly. At one level the low-fuel warning got here on, indicating I might solely journey round 50km earlier than the petrol ran out, however once I stuffed up the tank I nonetheless had 13L of gasoline left in it.
On the security entrance, the XUV700 is fairly absolutely loaded. It comes with an adaptive cruise management system that reacts in a measured strategy to vehicles forward. However an annoyance at increased speeds is that it struggles to remain on the set velocity, stabbing on the throttle or brake to take care of it.
There are three totally different choices to vary how shortly the automobile accelerates as much as the set velocity, although even in its slowest setting it might jerk round like a taxi driver who stabs on the throttle.
One other unusual quirk is that whereas there are all of the requisite buttons for the cruise management, there’s no precise cancel button. This implies if you wish to cancel the cruise after which resume it on the beforehand set velocity you could press the brake pedal.
I didn’t need to try this although, so I caught with turning off cruise management utterly after which set the velocity once more manually every time.
The lane-keep help is fairly correct on clearly marked roads, although on tight nation highways and single-lane nation roads the system can calmly yank on the wheel when it doesn’t must. I’ve skilled a lot worse in different vehicles, nevertheless.
There’s additionally a Good Pilot operate that basically combines adaptive cruise management and lane centring capabilities. On highways and freeways it really works completely at gently steering the automobile inside the marked strains, decreasing driver fatigue over lengthy journeys.
Fortunately, in case you don’t like how hands-on the steering help system is with Good Pilot turned on, you possibly can swap it off utilizing a menu within the digital instrument cluster.
Lastly, the XUV700 Black Version comes with shiny LED headlights, that are nice for dimly lit rural and regional areas. Above 80km/h there’s a lift operate for the high-beams, which noticeably makes it simpler to see additional down the street.
What do you get?
On check right here is the brand new flagship XUV700 Black Version variant.
2025 Mahindra XUV700 highlights:
18-inch alloy wheelsPanoramic sunroofAutomatic LED headlightsAutomatic high-beamCornering lightsFog lightsRain-sensing wipersTyre stress monitoringPower-folding exterior mirrors10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system10.25-inch digital instrument clusterWired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto6-speaker sound systemLeather-wrapped steering wheel and shifterLeatherette upholstery6-way energy driver’s seat with memoryOne-touch tumbling 60:40 second-row seatsDual-zone local weather controlKeyless begin
XUV700 AX7L provides:
12-speaker sound systemElectronic park brakeTelescopic steering wheel adjustmentIlluminated vainness mirrorsElectric ‘sensible’ door handlesWireless telephone chargerBlind-Spot View MonitorSurround-view cameraKnee airbagAdaptive cruise management with cease/go
XUV700 Black Version provides:
Napoli Black exterior paintBlack 18-inch alloy wheelsSide mirror reminiscence functionWireless Apple CarPlay, Android AutoDark chrome inside finishesBlack leatherette upholsteryVentilated entrance seats
To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up towards its rivals, try our comparability software
Is the Mahindra XUV700 protected?
The Mahindra XUV700 has but to be assessed by ANCAP.
Commonplace security tools contains:
Autonomous emergency brakingAdaptive cruise controlSmart Pilot AssistLane-keep assistTraffic signal recognitionReversing cameraRear parking sensorsPost-collision brakingFront, front-side and curtain airbags (6)
AX7L provides:
Blind-spot view monitorSurround-view cameraKnee airbagAdaptive cruise management with cease/go
How a lot does the Mahindra XUV700 price to run?
The Mahindra XUV700 is backed by a beneficiant seven-year, 150,000km guarantee together with seven years of roadside help. Servicing is required each 12 months or 15,000km.
To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up towards its rivals, try our comparability software
CarExpert’s Tackle the Mahindra XUV700
The Mahindra XUV700 is oft-forgotten as one of the vital inexpensive seven-seat SUVs obtainable in Australia, however that doesn’t imply it must be ignored.
On this new top-shelf Black Version guise, it’s fitted with all of the bells and whistles you possibly can hope for, at a price ticket that’s very interesting. For $43,990 drive-away, you possibly can’t even get a base Mitsubishi Outlander or Nissan X-Path seven-seater.
Even in comparison with different budget-friendly XUV700 variants, the Black Version is a sweeter package deal in case you can dwell with the darkish Napoli Black exterior paint. That’s thanks primarily to the black fake leather-based upholstery, which is significantly extra family-friendly than the white fake leather-based that’s obligatory in different variants.
It’s additionally good that the entrance seats acquire air flow, particularly as we’re main right into a sweltering Australian summer time, and that the comfort of wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is lastly obtainable.
Whereas the automobile has all these high-tech capabilities, the infotainment glitches and smartphone mirroring dropouts can put a dampener on the general expertise. The comparatively excessive driving place and ultra-light steering additionally don’t really feel overly pure in such a big car.
One other consideration is that the XUV700 vary continues to be solely supplied regionally with turbo-petrol energy and front-wheel drive. It might be attention-grabbing to see if the provision of turbo-diesel and/or all-wheel drive choices attracted extra prospects to this well-priced, underrated Indian-made seven-seat SUV.
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