Mahindra XUV700 Spotted Without Any Camo!

• Retains XUV500 elements such as the slatted front grille, and the kink above the rear wheel arches.

• Other highlights include dual-tone alloy wheels, flush-fitting door handles and a very angular rear end.

• Expected to be loaded with a variety of premium features and also Level 1 autonomous technology with ADAS.

• Will be powered by 2.2-litre diesel and 2-litre petrol engines with manual and automatic transmissions, as well as front and all-wheel drive options.

• To rival the MG Hector Plus, Hyundai Alcazar and Tata Safari.

So far, we’ve only had a glimpse of the upcoming Mahindra XUV700 in heavy camouflage, but now images of the three row SUV completely undisguised have surfaced online. At a glance, let's just say it's quirky in a sense. 

Compared to the XUV500, the XUV700 has gone towards a cleaner and modern design philosophy thanks to flush-fitting door handles, but retains familiar XUV500 elements such as the slatted front grille, and the kink above the rear wheel arches. You’ll notice a lack of chrome on the front grille, which in this author’s opinion may have slightly toned down the bling factor in the SUV.

Other design highlights include prominent signature LED DRLs, dual-tone five-spoke alloy wheels, and what looks like a very angular rear end with a radical taillight design that wraps around a fairly protruding tailgate. You might want to consider the leaked design with a grain of salt, as this could be a pre-production model considering the ORVMs are red and don’t match the rest of the body.

Earlier cabin shots feature Mercedes-inspired dual-screens comprising the infotainment system and digital instrument cluster. Expect features like a panoramic sunroof, connected car tech, and dual-zone climate control. As for safety the XUV700 has already been teased with some nifty features such as a air filter, personalised safety alerts, and high beam assist. It should also come with multiple airbags, electronic stability control ABS with EBD, and possibly Level 1 autonomous technology with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).  

Powering the XUV700 will be a more powerful version of the Thar’s 130PS 2.2-litre diesel and 150PS 2.0-litre turbo-petrol petrol engines. As for transmissions on offer, the vase variant could be paired exclusively to a 6-speed manual gearbox with front-wheel drive, whereas the higher-spec variants may  get the 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drivetrain.

The Mahindra XUV700 is likely to be unveiled by August 2021, with prices starting from around Rs 16 lakh. It will take on the Hyundai Alcazar, MG Hector Plus, and Tata Safari.