Mahindra XUV 7XO: 3 things we like, 3 things we don't

The Mahindra XUV 7XO is one of the best cars you can buy in India for less than Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom).

• Mahindra has launched XUV 7XO, a facelifted version of the XUV700.
• New DAVINCI suspension enhances ride, triple-screen setup boosts tech appeal.
• Starting price Rs 13.66 lakh, deliveries from January 14 for select variants.

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Mahindra & Mahindra has introduced XUV 7XO, which is the facelifted version of the XUV700. While the latter was itself a popular SUV, the idea with the former seems to be quite simple -- make it feel more premium, more comfortable and more tech-focussed. After a short drive, some things clearly stand out. A few others still leave you wanting more.

Mahindra XUV 7XO: Three things we like

1. Ride quality is noticeably better

The XUV 7XO gets Mahindra's new DAVINCI suspension system. This is the biggest improvement. You feel it almost immediately. The XUV 7XO rides much better than before, especially on bad roads. Sharp bumps are handled nicely, and there is less of that hard thump you usually feel at low speeds. On highways, the SUV feels settled and calm, even over long undulations. There is very little bounce, and the car settles quickly after hitting rough patches. For a big SUV, it feels comfortable and confidence-inspiring.

2. Cabin feels premium without trying too hard

Step inside, and the cabin feels like a proper upgrade. The dual-tone interior makes the space feel lighter and more inviting. The materials feel better too, with plenty of soft-touch surfaces. The triple-screen setup (12.3-inch driver display, 12.3-inch central touchscreen and 12.3-inch co-driver touchscreen) completely changes the dashboard. It looks modern, feels tech-heavy and gives the XUV 7XO a more upmarket vibe. The screens are sharp and smooth to use, which only adds to the experience.

3. Diesel engine suits the SUV perfectly

The 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine with 6-speed AT (182hp and 450Nm) is easy to live with. In the city, the low-end torque makes driving effortless. You do not need to work the throttle too hard. On the highway, the SUV feels strong and relaxed, even at higher speeds. The gearbox shifts cleanly and stays in the background. Add to that the stable ride, and the XUV 7XO feels like a good companion for long drives.

Mahindra XUV 7XO: Three things we don't like

1. Too many things hidden inside the screen

Simple things like climate control and front seat ventilation are controlled through the touchscreen. That means more tapping and more time with your eyes off the road. The glossy touch panel below the air-con vents looks nice, but is not very intuitive at first. A few physical buttons would have made daily use much easier.

2. Third row is still a compromise

This is still not a proper third row for adults. Kids will be fine, and relatively shorter passengers can manage for short trips. But taller adults will feel cramped, especially on longer journeys.

3. Tall drivers may want more under-thigh support

The seats are comfortable, no doubt. But if you are tall, you may notice that the under-thigh support is not great. It is fine for shorter drives, but on longer trips, you might wish for a bit more support.

The Mahindra XUV 7XO price starts at Rs 13.66 lakh and goes up to Rs 24.92 lakh (ex-showroom). This is introductory pricing and applicable to the first 40,000 customer deliveries.

The SUV has six variants -- AX, AX3, AX5, AX7, AX7T and AX7L. While deliveries of the XUV 7XO will start on January 14 with AX7, AX7T and AX7L variants, customers will have to wait till April for AX, AX3 and AX5 variants.