2018 Mahindra XUV700 to Rival Toyota Fortuner; Launch Next Year

2018 Mahindra XUV700 to be Based on all-new Ssangyong Rexton platform.

Mahindra & Mahindra is upping their SUV game with the launch of successful products one after the other. The automaker has released an SUV in almost all segments with the Scorpio and the XUV500 being their most successful products in the company’s portfolio. Mahindra recently inaugurated a manufacturing facility in the US to produce electric SUVs and off-road vehicles. The KUV100 electric is expected to launch in India as well by the end of 2018. Also, the company will further expand its SUV range by coming up with a new model to rival the Toyota Fortuner. This upcoming SUV is likely to debut at the 2018 Mahindra XUV700 at the Auto Expo 2018.

Also See – Upcoming Mahindra Cars | Mahindra at Auto Expo 2018

2018 Mahindra XUV700 Launch Date

The 2018 XUV 700 is expected to launch in the second half of 2018 around the festival season of Diwali. The 2018 Mahindra XUV700 will be essentially the rebadged version of the current Ssangyong Rexton that is on sale in the international market. Mahindra’s Korean subsidiary, Ssangyong recently launched the latest generation Rexton which features an all-new design and a host of new tech and features.

2018 Mahindra XUV700 Price in India

We expect Mahindra to price its upcoming SUV around INR 25 lakh while rivalling the likes of Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour in the higher segment and the Hyundai Creta and the Jeep Compass with the lower variants. Codenamed Y400, the upcoming Fortuner rival from Mahindra will be imported as CKD and assembled locally. Further R&D is being done on the Rexton to make it more India friendly and to eradicate any issues that could creep into overtime.

2018 Mahindra XUV700 Specifications

Initially, the 2018 Mahindra XUV 700 is expected to launch with a retuned 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine that will be offered with a 7-speed automatic gearbox. The customers will have an option to choose amongst two and four-wheel drive with the latter available as standard on the top end trim. To enhance the SUV’s off-road capability, a low-ratio transfer case will be offered and the driver will be able to engage it by simply pushing a button.

Futher down the line, the XUV 700 will feature a 2.0-litre petrol engine which will comes mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The demand for petrol SUV is quite less in India and this is the reason for introducing the petrol engine at a later stage.

2018 Mahindra XUV700 Exterior

The 2018 Mahindra XUV700 will sport a muscular look with an intense look design on the front, high and wide looking side and an equally intimidating design on the rear. Initially seen on the Tivoli, the front grille signifies a bird in flight sort of design with the headlight integrating into the grille seamlessly. The intimidating front gets chrome treatment both above the grille and on the lower bumper to add premium effect. The side features two strong shoulder lines that run the entire length of the SUV and meets into the bumper. The strong yet smooth A-pillar and D-pillar enhance the sporty and intimidating appeal of the XUV700. The Ssangyong Rexton comes loaded with 20-inch wheels but the XUV700 might lower the size in favour of comfort and reliability.

2018 Mahindra XUV700 Interior

The interior of the upcoming XUV700 will feature top of the line trims like Nappa Leather that adorns a quilted stitch seat pattern further adding to the visual appeal. The seats will be electrically adjustable with a memory function that would even adjust the ORVMs accordingly. The overall layout of the cabin looks practical and premium with the dashboard featuring a massive 9.2-inch infotainment system. The steering wheel, gear selector to adorn premium materials as well.

The XUV 700 will feature a seven and eight seat option upon launch with the former getting captain seats for the second row as well. The XUV 700 will feature the roomiest cabin of all with its segment-leading wheelbase of 2,865mm, that if, compared to rivals like Toyota Fortuner (2,750mm) and Ford Endeavour (2,850mm) is obviously longer. Similarly, the XUV 700 will be wider than its competitors offering a width of 1,920mm as compared to the Fortuner (1,840mm) and the Endeavour (1,860mm).