7-Seater Mahindra XUV700 Now More Affordable by Rs 3 Lakh!

Mahindra & Mahindra has just come up with a new 7-seat version of the XUV700. Available at Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom), the base variant is available in the MX-spec. With this, it has become the most affordable variant of the XUV700 with the 7-seater configuration. I feel that the bare-bones version will attract compact SUV buyers looking for a more spacious and powerful vehicle albeit at the cost of a handful of fancy features.

Mahindra XUV700 MX 7-Seater Price Comparison with Rivals and Other Variants

Comparison with Rivals: Until the advent of this new variant, the most affordable 7-seater XUV700, the AX3 Diesel MT, was available at Rs 17.99 lakh. In comparison, the MG Hector Plus‘ base diesel model costs Rs 17 lakh (ex-showroom). Meanwhile, the Tata Safari‘s base diesel version costs Rs 16.19 lakh (ex-showroom). Now, though, Mahindra XUV700 becomes the most affordable 7-seater diesel SUV with an entry-level price tag of Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom).

The 5-seater MX trim costs even Rs 40,000 lesser. Still, the new version costs a massive Rs 3 lakh less than the AX3 7-seater variant. With this, all those looking for a 7-seater SUV at a budget can consider the MX trim. This way, such buyers can benefit from the extra seats without having to shell out a lot more for the AX3 trim. Let me take you through the prices of these models to help you have a better idea –

Features

The 7-seater MX trim of the Mahindra XUV700 mimics the looks of the 5-seater version, at least on the outside. So, it doesn’t get any sort of additional bits such as alloy wheels or sophisticated headlamps. Instead, it continues to ride on 17-inch steelies, features halogen headlamps and even misses out on the fog lights. It doesn’t get any chrome bits either. Everything stays as bare-bones as it is on the 5-seater version. The ORVMs have a gloss-black finish but the flush-fitting door handles are on offer. Of course, I don’t need to mention that there’s no sunroof.

Inside, the biggest update over the MX 5-seater variant is the extra row of seats. There’s also enough equipment on offer for a base model. For instance, you get an 8-inch infotainment unit offering Android Auto facility. The instrument console has a 7-inch MID, while the steering gets tilt-adjustment. Other features include electric ORVMs and electric windows. Also, the 7-seater variant might end up benefitting from roof-mounted AC vents and 60:40 split-folding rear seat. Colour options include –

• Napoli Black
• Everest white
• Midnight black
• Dazzling red
• Red Rage

Mahindra XUV700 MX 7-Seater Specifications

As must be obvious, nothing changes with regards to the specifications. The SUV comes with the same 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine that’s available on the 5-seater model. The oil-burner has been available in a lower state of tune on the entry-level model. It generates a maximum power of 153 bhp and a peak torque of 360 Nm. The motor comes mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. There’s no automatic option on offer. There’s no petrol engine option either. However, Mahindra might come up with the petrol variant for the MX trim if demand persists. The petrol variant will further widen the appeal of the SUV. Other than the new entry-level trim, Mahindra has even come up with a new Blaze Edition that’s based on the top-spec AX7L trim. It’s available for a premium of Rs 25,000 over the donor model.

Our View: The launch of the Mahindra XUV700 MX 7-seater appears to be a well-thought strategic move. Not only it makes the flagship SUV more accessible, the new version helps it take on the competitively priced entry-level trims of arch rivals. Further more, the third row of seats, together with high power and presence of essential features, might just help this SUV eat into the sales of mid-spec compact SUVs.

Also read: 2024 Tata Safari vs Mahindra XUV700 Drag Race – Guess Who Wins