Mahindra XUV700 There has been a significant shift in the Australian automotive scene in recent years, with value-conscious families increasingly attracted to vehicles with premium features without the hefty price tag. Leading the way is the Mahindra XUV700, which now has drive-away prices starting at $39,990, and has emerged as an attractive alternative to established players in the seven-seater SUV segment.
When families start looking for a seven-seater SUV, they are usually faced with a challenging decision: compromising on features to stay within budget, or spending affordably on established brands. The XUV700 changes this equation completely as it offers a feature-rich experience that rivals far more expensive SUVs.
The XUV700 offers great flexibility with its seating arrangements – seven seats for the whole family, five seats with a large boot space, or the ability to fold and flatten the second and third row seats for maximum cargo space. This adaptability is extremely useful for families who have to run multiple errands with their car throughout the week.
Technology matching premium competitors
Modern families expect their vehicles to seamlessly integrate with their digital lives, and the XUV700 delivers impressively on this front. The SUV features an integrated dual-screen display with a 26.03 cm infotainment system and matching digital cluster, powered by Mahindra’s Adrenox platform.
The tech experience extends beyond basic connectivity. The Black Edition variants include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering seamless connectivity and charging options, getting rid of the cable clutter that plagues many families during their daily commute.
Perhaps most impressive is the first-in-class 3D sound system with 12 speakers, which delivers an immersive audio experience that transforms every ride into a premium experience. This level of audio proficiency is usually restricted to luxury brands, making the XUV700’s offering particularly noteworthy.
A blend of performance and efficiency
For families, it gets Mahindra’s 2.0L mStallion turbo-petrol engine that produces 149.2kW of power and 380Nm of torque, mated to a seamless 6-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain strikes a great balance between responsive performance for overtaking and merging, while also ensuring reasonable fuel consumption to suit the family budget.
The XUV700 delivers a fuel consumption of 8.3 l/100 km, reflecting competitive efficiency in the seven-seater segment. For cost-conscious families, this efficiency and competitive purchase price combine to deliver attractive long-term value.
Safety technology that protects what matters most
Safety remains a paramount concern for family buyers, and the XUV700 addresses this issue with Mahindra’s advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control and a comprehensive 360-degree camera setup. These features, once restricted to premium vehicles, now provide families with confidence-inspiring safety technology.
The ADAS package includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, Smart Pilot Assist and traffic sign recognition, creating a comprehensive safety net that actively helps prevent accidents rather than just protecting passengers during a collision.
Interior comfort and practicality
The interior of the XUV700 represents a significant leap forward in family-friendly design. The 2025 model features a black faux leather interior as standard, replacing the previous cream-white upholstery, proving more practical for families with children.
The Black Edition features ventilated front seats with active cooling, providing respite from the scorching heat of Australia. The panoramic skyroof is 1.3 m long, providing an airy and open feel and avoiding the claustrophobia that is common in three-row vehicles.
Storage solutions throughout the cabin are thoughtfully designed to suit a family’s needs. The third-row seats have dedicated air-conditioning controls, ensuring passenger comfort regardless of the seating position, while the pulling handle mechanism allows the co-driver’s seat to be easily slid out to make space for third-row entry.
Competitive pricing
The AX7 base model is now priced at $39,990 drive-away and the AX7L at $42,990, further strengthening the XUV700’s strategic positioning against competitors. At a drive-away price of $43,990, buyers can’t even afford a base seven-seater car like the Mitsubishi Outlander or the Nissan X-Trail, making the XUV700’s value proposition even more attractive.
This pricing strategy proves particularly attractive to families upgrading from smaller cars or buying a seven-seater for the first time, who previously found such vehicles financially out of reach.
Warranty: Peace of mind
Mahindra offers a comprehensive warranty of 7 years and 150,000 km and 7 years of roadside assistance on the XUV700. This extended coverage provides families with exceptional peace of mind, especially compared to competitors that offer shorter warranty periods.
The recommended service schedule requires attention every 12 months or 15,000 km, and servicing is available at a limited cost for up to four years, helping families budget for ownership costs.
Benefits of a growing network
Mahindra’s expansion to over 75 dealerships across Australia reflects the brand’s growing presence and commitment to local customers. This expansion of the network addresses previous concerns related to access to service and gives families the confidence of long-term ownership support.
Market recognition and future outlook
Industry experts believe that while Chinese brands are quite popular, Mahindra is a credible alternative. The XUV700’s attractive styling, seven seats, comprehensive technology and competitive pricing put it in a strong position against established and emerging competitors.
The XUV700 Black Edition is described as “packed with all the essential features at an extremely attractive price”, reflecting industry recognition of its value proposition.
Redefining Family SUV Expectations
The Mahindra XUV700’s appeal to value-conscious families stems from its core purpose: to provide premium features at an affordable price without compromising on essentials. By offering advanced technology, comprehensive safety systems, flexible seating, and comprehensive warranty coverage starting at $39,990, it inspires families to rethink their assumptions about what’s possible within their budget.