Mahindra has given the XUV 7XO a comprehensive update, refining almost every aspect of its flagship SUV. The changes aren’t revolutionary, but they’re meaningful enough to make the package feel more premium and polished. We drove the diesel manual and automatic versions to find out if the updates go beyond the spec sheet.
Exterior: Sharper and More Premium
The overall silhouette remains familiar, but Mahindra has cleaned up the design with a revised front fascia, redesigned grille and new LED lighting elements. The front end now looks more muscular, while the smaller, neater DRLs blend better with the rest of the design.
The rear also gets updated tail lamps, a refreshed bumper, and spread-out XUV 7XO lettering that gives it a more premium appearance. New colour options and 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels on the top variant further enhance its road presence.
Interior: A Big Step Forward
This is where the biggest improvements have been made.
The cabin now feels far more premium, thanks to better materials, a cleaner dashboard and Mahindra’s new triple-screen setup. The displays are crisp, responsive, and packed with features, while the new two-spoke steering wheel and dual-tone upholstery lift the overall ambience.
Highlights include:
- Triple-screen dashboard
- 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with Dolby Atmos
- Ventilated front and second-row seats
- Panoramic sunroof
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Powered front seats with memory function
- Level 2 ADAS
- Six airbags and a 5-star safety rating
The second row remains spacious and comfortable, making the 7XO an excellent family SUV.
Performance: Diesel Still Shines
The 2.2-litre diesel engine continues unchanged, producing 186hp with both manual and automatic gearbox options.
The six-speed manual remains the more engaging choice. Gear shifts are smooth, the clutch is light, and the engine pulls strongly even in higher gears. The automatic torque converter, meanwhile, prioritises smoothness and relaxed driving, making it the better companion for city traffic.
Whichever gearbox you choose, the engine feels refined, powerful, and effortless on the highway.
Ride and Handling: The Biggest Improvement
Mahindra has significantly improved ride comfort. Broken roads, expansion joints, and rough patches are absorbed with much better composure than before. There’s a plushness to the suspension that makes long-distance touring far more relaxing, without making the SUV feel floaty or disconnected.
The steering also feels well weighted, while high-speed stability remains one of the XUV’s strongest qualities.
Watch Now: https://youtu.be/kRpcYtNTggM?si=R46k_C42MljuXlMR
Verdict
The XUV 7XO isn’t a complete reinvention, but it didn’t need to be. Mahindra has improved the areas that mattered most: ride comfort, cabin quality and overall refinement, while retaining the strong diesel engine, generous space and excellent safety credentials.
If you’re shopping for a premium three-row SUV under ₹25 lakh, the XUV 7XO deserves to be right at the top of your shortlist. Just don’t skip the test drive, you’ll appreciate the suspension improvements the moment the road starts to get rough.
