New Mahindra XUV700 locked in for Australia

Mahindra is now taking expressions of interest from Aussie buyers for the all-new 2022 Mahindra XUV700, which officially launched in its home market of India this week but is only “earmarked for Australia in late 2022”.

That puts the replacement for the current Mahindra XUV500 mid-size SUV more than a year away, but as we reported when the seven-seat XUV700 broke cover last month, it looks to be an altogether more sophisticated model.

Mahindra Australia says local pricing and specifications will be announced closer to launch, however the new XUV700 is expected to adopt a more premium position to the current XUV500, which starts from $27,990 drive-away.

The company claims the XUV700 will “redefine the benchmarks for Mahindra in Australia”.

Wearing the Indian manufacturer’s new ‘Twin Peaks’ logo, the 700 rides on an all-new W601 platform and will offer two powertrains in its home market.

These are a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine (147kW/380Nm) and a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel in two states of tune: 114kW/360Nm or 136kW/420Nm. The latter torque figure refers to the manual, while an auto adds 30Nm.

Both engines will be available with a six-speed manual or six-speed auto as well as all-wheel drive.

Mahindra says select diesel models will come with four drive modes – Zip, Zap, Zoom and Custom – to alter performance and steering sensitivity.

The new-age exterior design (compared to the ageing XUV500, at least) includes double C-shaped LED headlights and better aero, including flush-mounted exterior door handles for the first time, dubbed ‘Smart door handles’.

Elsewhere, Mahindra says prominent ‘haunches’ above the wheel-arches achieve a sporty stance, while the large grille pays homage to “classic XUV family cues”.

Inside, a digital cockpit, ‘floating’ dual 10.25-inch displays and a panoramic ‘Skyroof’ will be offered on select grades, with built-in Amazon Alexa and access to more than 60 connect apps as part of the XUV700’s new AdrenoX system – the result of a global collaboration between Mahindra, Visteon, Bosch, Sony and Amazon.

The infotainment system will not only bring hands-free access to infotainment and vehicle functions, but Sony’s 3D Sound Technology system as well.

Standard safety systems include autonomous emergency braking (AEB), forward collision warning, driver attention warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, smart pilot assist, traffic sign recognition and high beam assist which operates at speeds of 80km/h and above.

Seven airbags, including curtain airbags that extend to the third row, also come standard.

Meanwhile, ‘Smart Filter Technology’ (VR-LED) is said to ensure clear and pure air for vehicle occupants by eliminating odour, dust, micro-allergens and pathogens.

The suspension comprises MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link design at the rear, with each end offering ‘Frequency Selective Damping’ (FSD) tech.