Mahindra XUV700 AX7L Black Edition 2024 Review

The limited-edition variant heads the now three-tiered range.

The 2024 Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition commands a price tag of $43,990 drive away.

Joining the Black Edition are the mid-spec AX7L for $39,990 drive away and entry-level AX7 at $36,990 drive away.

In terms of rivals, the Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan X-TRAIL and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace represent the closest seven-seat competition. However, you’ll largely be opting for the base specification to get anywhere near the starting price of the Mahindra.

The XUV700 is covered by a seven-year/150,000-kilometre warranty, which also includes seven years of roadside assistance.

In terms of servicing, you’ll need to return to the dealership after 1500km for a free look-over before the first paid scheduled check at 10,000km. Thereafter the normal periods are every 12 months or 15,000km (whichever comes first).

Mahindra’s dealership network comprises 75 locations around Australia. According to the Indian marque, that figure will only continue to grow.

Well, the main feature is the dark ‘Napoli Black’ hue, which is the impetus for the Mahindra XUV700 AX7L Black Edition name.

The black theme extends to the grille, side trims and 18-inch alloy wheels. With the pop-out door handles and stealth colour palette, the XUV700 Black Edition is trying for Range Rover vibes – if you squint.

On the inside, potential buyers of the lower grades will be glad to note the faux leather is now black, replacing the white which doesn’t scream family friendly. Other trim pieces also score the piano-black treatment.

The Black Edition has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as ventilated (but not heated) front seats with memory functionality that also incorporates the wing mirrors.

Being based off the AX7L grade, other standard kit includes automatic LED headlights, LED taillights, daytime running lights with dynamic indicators, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and push-button start, six-way electronically operated driver’s seat and a panoramic glass sunroof.

The 2024 Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition hasn’t been crash tested by ANCAP. It does hold a five-star Global NCAP rating, but the protocols aren’t as stringent.

Still, it has a decent selection of active safety like autonomous emergency braking (AEB), forward collision warning, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, Smart Pilot Assist, adaptive cruise control with stop/go functionality, traffic sign recognition, high beam assist, rear parking sensors and a 360-degree camera.

Seven airbags feature (the AX7L and Black Edition gain a knee bag over the base model), as do rear ISOFIX points and three top-tether anchorages, all in the middle row.

The safety systems are decently calibrated. There’s no annoying bings or bongs for the speed limit either, which is appreciated. The active lane keeping assist offers a higher level of calibration than some Chinese rivals, too.

A lack of rear AEB is disappointing. However, opting for a live camera feed (blind view monitor) instead of traditional blind-spot monitoring is a bigger misstep. It doesn’t work as well as the Hyundai/Kia system with the footage being glitchy and grainy.

Slide into the driver’s seat of the 2024 Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition and you’re faced with a modern digital wall of screen. Well, it’s actually two 10.25-inch displays, but as is the très chic way of doing things, it looks like one oversized panel.

The digital instrument cluster runs with a sleek suite of graphics and the overall design is quite sophisticated – it’s visually pleasing. It also houses all the key information you need in an easy-to-navigate arrangement.

Sitting proudly in the centre of the dash is the infotainment screen running Mahindra’s latest Adrenox operating system. The touch-screen itself is relatively responsive, yet there’s also a control wheel to swivel between functions.

However, the overall infotainment experience isn’t as polished as the instrument cluster. It offers some strange menu options, too.

The Black Edition gains upgraded wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while USB-A and USB-C ports, Bluetooth and a wireless charging pad are standard. Interestingly, DAB+ digital radio is not.

The 12-speaker Sony audio system provides slick acoustics via its 3D technology – certainly enough clout to drown out the endless “are we there yet?” questioning from the kids. For an SUV of this monetary outlay, it’s an upmarket addition.

You might be surprised to learn that the 2024 Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition is powered by petrol, and not diesel, given the brand’s venerated mHawk unit.

However, the family-friendly seven-seater is motivated by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine – or mStallion in Mahindra-speak. It develops healthy figures, too, with 149kW and 380Nm between 1750 and 3000rpm. Compared to its rivals, the XUV700 isn’t lacking in grunt – even if it’s lugging 1835kg.

However, there is no all-wheel-drive option, the Black Edition – like the rest of the range – adopting front-wheel drive. The job of shifting gears is left to an Aisin six-speed torque-converter automatic.

The mStallion unit is relatively smooth and after some initial hesitation down low, it really picks up its stride in the mid-range. It’ll even chirp the front tyres soon after take-off, but thankfully there isn’t really any torque steer despite almost packing 400Nm.

Highway overtakes are stress free thanks to the turbocharged punch and the throttle response is both perky and friendly enough for city use. In general, the acoustics are sound, but the engine can become slightly strained towards the redline.

This is where a turbo-diesel option, or even a hybrid, would be appreciated. That’s not to say the 2024 Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition is especially thirsty, but it’s officially rated at 8.3L/100km on the combined cycle.

We couldn’t match that after a week of city, country and highway driving. The reading never really dipped below 9.0L/100km, which came to 9.3L/100km in the final reckoning.

However, the big advantage with the XUV700 is that its 60-litre tank accepts 91 RON fuel, which should help when it comes time to stop in at the servo.

It’s all a bit nondescript, to be honest. However, in a seven-seat SUV that’s aimed heavily at families, that’s no bad thing for effortless daily kilometre-crushing or household holiday adventures.

The 2024 Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition doesn’t come with any mechanical upgrades over the AX7L, so the dynamic package remains safe and secure. To be fair, its handling characteristics are far more pleasing than you might expect and a tangible progression for the brand.

Overall, the ride comfort is appreciably high with just about all lumps and bumps ironed out. The Aussie testing of the MacPherson struts up front and multi-link independent rear suspension has really paid off.

Yes, given the elevated ground clearance and centre of gravity there is some body roll and slight head toss through corners. However, the frequency selective damping deals with rebound sufficiently well.

While there isn’t really any torque steer from the front axle, under acceleration there can be some kickback through the wheel when you encounter a sharp pothole or imperfection. The Indian-made Apollo Apterra HP tyres (235/60 R18 front and rear) generate sufficient grip and emit low levels of roar at highway speeds.

The steering is anything but tactile and very light, but that’s valued within the CBD as it makes twirling around car parks a breeze. It’s a bit of a shame the steering wheel isn’t covered in something that feels a little more luxe.

Braking power is strong, too, with decent pedal modulation, and the gearbox is relatively intuitive. There aren’t any steering-wheel-mounted paddles, but the sequential-style gearshift gate is there if you want to row through the six ratios yourself.

Driving modes? There aren’t any. Yet, you don’t need them. The Mahindra XUV700 ticks all the right boxes, proving to be a solid allrounder in the seven-seat SUV segment.

Erm, not really, no.

While the 2024 Mahinda XUV700 Black Edition has decent ground clearance at 196mm and it’s also fitted with hill-descent control, it isn’t off-road ready.

A lack of an all-wheel drive system also further builds the case for staying on tarmac. Although, a full-size spare wheel can be fitted for extra peace of mind if you do venture onto a dirt track.

If you want to go bush bashing with the family in a Mahindra, the Scorpio is a better bet.

Mahindra has come a long way in terms of materials and overall build quality. If the mechanical and dynamic side of things feels like a step forward, then the interior is a giant leap.

The 2024 Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition really does raise the bar with an overall cabin ambience that surpasses its price point. A significant ergonomic win is the separate climate controls. The fact they’re also physical buttons and dials is a particular highlight.

The XUV700 isn’t oversized, at 4695mm long and 1890mm wide, yet it still fits seven seats, with the middle row being spacious enough for heads, toes, knees and shoulders – even the middle seat is comfortable. Air vents, map pockets, deep door bins and a USB-C port is available.

Accessing the third row isn’t quite the doddle some MPVs make it but, once seated, there’s surprising legroom. Headroom is much more kid than adult friendly, though, but third-row occupants do get fan-speed control, air vents, a 12V outlet and bottle holders.

Mahindra doesn’t offer official boot capacities, but with all three rows in place expect minimal boot space – enough for a few shopping/school bags. Stow the 50/50-split-folding back row and the capacity swells from around 200 to more than 600 litres.

However, it isn’t all smooth sailing. The driving position is too high, the front passenger seat is especially elevated and rear visibility is seriously compromised by large middle-row headrests. Speaking of the middle row, it can’t slide forward or aft and the only way to get to the third row is through the passenger’s side door.

If bang for your buck is high on the agenda, then Mahindra’s offering is a real winner – you get a lot of metal for your money.

However, despite adding a touch of style, the 2024 Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition doesn’t pack enough specification clout to warrant the extra spend. Either of the full-time variants present as great value for money

While Mahindra might be seen as an emerging brand in Australia you have to ‘take a punt on’, it really shouldn’t be. The Indian powerhouse has been in existence for almost 80 years and has various runs on the board. The XUV700 is another prime example.

If a low price and seven seats are non-negotiables for your medium SUV, then this Mahindra is well worth a look.

2024 Mahindra XUV700 AX7L Black Edition at a glance:
Price: $43,990 drive away
Available: Now
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 149kW/380Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.3L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 193g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Unrated by ANCAP

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