Introduction

The Mahindra XUV700 has been one of India’s most impactful mid-size SUVs since its launch, becoming an instant hit among families, long-distance travelers, and tech-oriented buyers. With its strong performance, bold road presence, premium interiors, advanced safety, and attractive price bracket, it led in the SUV segment of the automobile market.

Over time, it carved a niche for itself by offering features seen in higher-end SUVs, like variants with multiple seating, strong petrol and diesel engines, and one of the most advanced ADAS systems in its class. With competition increasing and customer expectations on the rise, a facelifted version, expected to bring in major design and tech changes, is in the works, so that the Mahindra XUV700 Facelift stays at the top of its class.

What makes the XUV700 important in the Indian market

• It became a bestseller shortly after its launch, crossing major sales milestones in no time.

• It pioneered several premium features in an affordable bracket, setting a benchmark for other SUVs.

• It gained solid safety credentials, increasing credibility with family buyers.

• With a 5-seater and 7-seater layout, many buyers will find this powerful machine, in the form of petrol/diesel engine options, attractive.

• Its performance, long-drive comfort, and modern tech helped it stand out in a competitive segment.

Why a facelift now: timing, expectations & competition

• This is a perfect time for the SUV’s refreshed design and updated cabin since it has been on the road for several years.

• Customer expectations have changed-buyers are demanding more screens, better integration of software, improved materials, and more feature-rich products.

• The frequent updates from rivals in the segment are forcing Mahindra to keep the XUV700 modern and ahead of the curve.

• A facelift helps Mahindra strengthen the brand’s premium image and prepares it for the next phase of competition.

What this article will cover

• Exterior Design Updates: New grille, headlights, alloys, and overall styling changes.

• Interior Improvements: Redesigned dashboard, additional screens, high-end upholstery, plusher amenities.

• New tech and safety features include updated infotainment, upgraded ADAS, and improved convenience tech.

• Variants & Specifications: Seating layouts, engine options, gearbox choices, and expected mechanical changes.

• Price & Launch Timeline: Expected pricing strategy, possible increase, and anticipated release period.

• Pros and Cons: Advantages of waiting for the facelift, and what may remain unchanged.

• Final Verdict: Who should wait for the facelift, and who should settle for the current model?

What’s New — Exterior Design & Styling Changes

The Mahindra XUV700 facelift brings a sharper, modern exterior in keeping with Mahindra’s new design language. Overall, the body shape is still recognizable; however, with reworked lighting signatures, bolder styling elements, and updates in premium visual cues, this SUV gains a fresh identity that increases its road presence.

Front-end Updates

• New front grille and bumper design with more upright/multi-slat grille

• The facelift brings an upright, muscled grille with multiple slats that give this SUV a broader and more premium stance.

• A redesigned bumper adds stronger contours and a more sculpted look, making the front fascia look more assertive and high-end.

• This design also improves airflow efficiency while creating a stronger visual differentiation from the outgoing model.

New dual-pod LED projector headlamps with revised C-shaped/inverted-L DRLs

• Of course, the headlamp units are now divided into dual-pod projectors for better illumination and a more futuristic look.

• The DRLs now sport a new C-shaped or inverted-L light signature that makes this SUV instantly recognizable even from a distance.

• The new light pattern serves to provide better visibility in the dark and gives a more dynamic, premium look to this SUV’s face.

Revised air-dams, sleeker fascia for a more aggressive stance

• Lower air-dams are now sharper and wider, giving the SUV a sporty and performance-oriented look.

• The sleeker fascia reduces visual bulk at the front and more closely aligns the vehicle with modern SUV design trends.

• These changes help towards better aerodynamics and a more planted presence on the road.

Side Profile & Wheels

The side profile retains the XUV700’s proportions, ensuring the SUV still carries its signature bulky yet balanced silhouette. However, subtle changes and new wheel designs give it a refreshed character without altering its fundamental stance.

New alloy wheel designs – sportier or dual-tone alloys

• The facelift introduces newly styled alloy wheels with more intricate patterns and sharper spoke designs.

• Dual-tone finishes or sportier machined elements give the SUV a more premium look.

• These new alloys complement the refresh in front and rear styling, lending a more integrated and stylish appearance to this SUV.

• Overall silhouette remains largely the same, no change in basic proportions.

• Roofline, window design, and overall body dimensions remain the same to retain spaciousness and practicality in the cabin.

• The structural consistency is maintained by a similar layout of door cladding, character lines, and ORVM placements.

• Mahindra has kept the proven proportions intact while focusing updates on the details that matter visually.

Rear End Changes

The tail of the updated XUV700 boasts a more contemporary, bridged rear light design with tidied-up bumpers. The result is more premium-looking, yet still in line with the proportions of the car at the front.

Updated LED tail-lights and possibly a reworked tail lamp layout or connected LED light bar

• Tail lamps boast new LED signatures now, which grant the rear a clean and modern appearance.

• Connected LED light bar tailgates are available in some variants, serving to enhance visual width while adding a premium feel.

• The new lighting design helps the SUV stand out at night, bringing the rear identity in line with global SUV trends.

• Tweaked rear bumper / tail-gate styling to match updated front-end design language

• The rear bumper now features more sculpted contours to give the SUV a better three-dimensional look.

• Tailgate styling has been refined with cleaner lines, better integration of reflectors, and a more polished finish.

• This, combined with the new lights, creates a balanced and cohesive design that aligns both ends of the SUV.

Interior & Cabin Upgrades

The interior of the Mahindra XUV700 facelift is one of the most significant in its class. The cabin now feels more futuristic, more premium, and far more tech-loaded than ever before. The design team at Mahindra has worked on making both the looks and user experience more premium via all-new screens, improved materials, added comfort features, and a more upmarket ambiance across variants.

Dashboard & Cockpit Improvements

The most notable revision inside the facelifted XUV700 will come in the form of an all-new triple-screen cockpit arrangement, bringing an end to the dual screens found on the current model. And this includes an all-digital instrument cluster, a large central infotainment display, and a dedicated co-passenger entertainment or information screen to give the cabin an upscale, next-generation appearance, as seen in high-end global SUVs.

Cleaner, more premium dashboard design with fewer physical buttons

• It also features a redesigned dashboard that adopts a more minimalist approach, reducing clutter and enhancing sophistication.

• Many functions have moved to capacitive or touch-based controls for a sleeker look.

• Certain essential features, such as climate control or drive mode toggles, would likely continue to use physical switches for ease of use.

New design of steering wheel, two-spoke with illuminated logo + revised centre console

• A new two-spoke steering wheel gives the cockpit an up-to-date and futuristic feel.

• An illuminated Mahindra logo lends a premium touch to welcome sequence impressions.

• Revised storage areas, refreshed switchgear, and a more elegant layout might feature on the centre console, inspired by luxury SUVs.

Comfort & Seating Features

The facelift brings with it several enhancements aimed at improving passenger comfort, particularly for rear occupants. The more luxurious seating layout, premium materials, and a bunch of thoughtful features make the cabin an invitingly pragmatic place for daily use and for long journeys.

Second-row captain seats with ventilation.

• Exclusive variants may offer ventilated captain seats in the second row, row-previously available only in select premium SUVs.

• These seats improve comfort for long drives and accommodate families who prefer higher comfort for middle-row passengers.

• Bolstering and better cushioning, both added, improve thigh and lumbar support.

Increased use of premium upholstery/soft-touch materials and enhanced cabin ambience

• Better material quality on the dashboard, doors, and seats increases the overall interior feel.

• The updated upholstery options provide a richer, more refined look.

• Soft-touch padding increases comfort, lending a more luxurious feel to the cabin.

Possible added amenities: ambient lighting, better insulation, sun blinds

• Multicolor ambient lighting could be offered for added luxury appeal when driving at night.

• Improved NVH insulation reduces cabin noise and provides a more serene environment.

• Rear window sun blinds or integrated shades could be added in upper variants, improving rear-seat privacy and comfort.

Tech & Safety Upgrades — Infotainment, ADAS & More

The XUV700 facelift features significant upgrades in technology and safety, including an upgraded infotainment system, enhanced ADAS capabilities, and new convenience features that deliver a more premium driving experience with added security. Smoother software, richer audio quality, and smarter driver-assist functions are where Mahindra is concentrating on keeping this SUV ahead in its class.

Upgraded Audio System

This facelift moves from the old audio to a premium 16-speaker Harman/Kardon setup with Dolby Atmos, which brings bass deeper, vocals clearer, and a far more immersive cabin soundstage.

• Immersive 3D sound experience
• Range tuning for all three rows
• Enhanced clarity and noise compensation

• Audio profiles customized for various driving conditions

High-quality hardware improvements

• Dedicated subwoofer

• Stronger output with an external amplifier

• Better speaker placement for balanced acoustics

Enhanced Driver-Assistance & Safety

With more precise sensors and upgraded software, Mahindra can be expected to introduce an upgraded ADAS Level 2+ suite that will make the SUV safer and more intuitive to drive.

Improved detection hardware

• Improved radar + camera combination for enhanced object recognition
• Improved lane detection and adaptive cruise accuracy
• Better performance at night and in rainy conditions

New advanced safety features

• Self-parking assist for automated parallel/perpendicular parking

• Front parking sensors added to complement the 360° camera
• Smoother emergency braking & lane-keep responses

Modern Convenience Additions

The facelift provides features that make daily usage more seamless, connected, and modern.

• Auto-dimming IRVM
• Automatically reduces glare for added comfort when driving at night
• Improves the rearward view without requiring input from the driver
• Wireless charging & updated UI
• Faster, more reliable wireless charging pad ↵ (variant-based)
• Redesigned the infotainment interface with smoother animations
• Improved processor for lag-free screen transitions.
• Additional software and comfort enhancements
• Improved smartphone connectivity: Android Auto/Apple CarPlay stability
• Over-the-air (OTA) support for feature and map updates
• More intuitive integration of voice assistant and in-car apps

Powertrain & Performance Updates

The XUV700 facelift will continue with the same set of powerful petrol and diesel engines, but Mahindra is expected to work on tuning, drivability, and refinement to provide an even smoother and more responsive package. The focus here is on improving real-world performance, reducing NVH, and optimizing fuel efficiency without altering the core character of the SUV.

Engine Options

• 2.0L mStallion Turbo Petrol
• High performance with a strong mid-range punch
• Expected refinements for improved fuel economy

Smooth 6-speed automatic & 6-speed manual options

• 2.2L mHawk Diesel (multiple tunes)
• High-torque, highway-friendly engine
• Probably refinement upgrades to reduce cabin vibrations

Offered with both manual & automatic transmissions

• AWD expected to carry on in the top variant
• 5.2 Refinements & Driving Dynamics

Improved NVH levels

• Better sound insulation around the firewall and doors
• Revised engine mounts to decrease vibration
• Quieter cabin at high speeds

Updated ride & handling tuning

• Retuned suspension for better bump absorption
• More stable high-speed behaviour
• Sharper steering feedback in sport mode (expected)

Optimised gearshift logic (AT variants)

• Smooth shifting up and down
• Improved gearbox response during overtaking
• Less jerkiness in slow traffic

3. Drive Modes & Efficiency Improvements

• Drive modes are likely to become more responsive.
• Zip, Zap, Zoom settings fine-tuned.
• Better throttle calibration in city mode
• Sportier, quicker responses in performance mode. Expected mileage improvements. Better engine mapping for higher efficiency
• Small but noticeable boost in real-world kmpl
• Diesel variants may benefit the most.

Variants & Feature Distribution

The Mahindra XUV700 facelift is expected to retain its broad variant structure while introducing smarter feature distribution to differentiate trims more clearly. Mahindra may reorganize features across MX, AX3, AX5, and AX7/AX7L variants to match updated equipment and customer expectations.

1. Predicted Variant Structure

• MX / MX+ Variants
• Positioned as entry-level
• Focus on core essentials with fewer premium features

Likely to retain its manual gearbox options

AX3 Variants

• Mid-class upgrade with added technology
• More likely to feature a bigger infotainment screen with connected features

AX5 Variants

• Value balance + features
• Predicted to feature a panoramic sunroof, ADAS basics, and a premium interior
• New alloy wheels will probably be available from this variant onward

AX7 / AX7L Variants

• Fully-loaded high-spec variants

• Expected to get a new triple-screen setup, upgraded ADAS suite, 3D audio, and captain seats.

• AWD likely restricted to AX7L diesel auto

2. Features Expected per Variant: Detailed Breakdown

MX / MX+

• Standard safety: dual airbags, ABS, ESP

• Basic infotainment screen

• Xenon headlamps – LED on higher trims

• Manual AC

• Fabric seats

• Steel wheels

AX3

• Larger touchscreen with connected features

• Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay (expected)

• Better sound system compared to MX.

• Rearview camera

• LED DRLs

AX5

• Panoramic sunroof

• Advanced infotainment features

• Climate control, automatic

• ADAS basics: adaptive cruise control, lane keep, etc.

• 17-inch or new-design 18-inch alloys

• Improved interior finish

AX7 / AX7L

• New triple-screen dashboard setup

• 16-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system

• Complete ADAS Level 2+ set.

• Ventilated captain seats-variant dependent

• 360° camera + front parking sensors

Auto-dimming IRVM

Premium Leatherette Upholstery & Ambient Lighting AWD option (diesel AT)

Key Differentiation in Variants of Facelift

• Mid variants (AX3, AX5) may gain more tech to stay competitive.
• Top trims likely get a clear premium gap with new triple-screen + 3D audio.
• Better value distribution to compete with Harrier, Safari, Hector, and Alcazar in 2025–26

Pricing Expectations & Value Verdict

1. Current Price Benchmark – Pre-Facelift

• The current prices of the XUV700 range from ₹13.99 lakh to ₹25.64 lakh (ex-showroom).
• This is the starting point until the facelift arrives with new tech and design elements.

2. Expected Price Range for the Facelift

The facelifted model, to be positioned probably as XUV 7XO, is expected to witness a small but noticeable price bump owing to major upgrades in interiors, technology, and safety.

3. What the Price Increase Means —Value Analysis

What you gain:

• A far more premium cabin with new screens & materials

• Upgraded infotainment with a 16-speaker premium audio system

• More advanced ADAS features and better safety hardware

• Fresh exterior design with premium elements of lighting.

• Better real-world refinement, NVH, and comfort

Possible trade-offs:

• Top variants may feel expensive to price-sensitive buyers.

• Higher trims could bump elbows with entry-tier premium SUVs.

• Waiting periods for the facelift may be high initially.

4. Verdict — Should You Wait for the Facelift?

Wait for the facelift if you:

• Want the latest tech, triple-screen dashboard, and better interior feel

• Prefer stronger ADAS and long-term future-proof features.

• Don’t mind paying ₹1–2 lakh extra for a more premium SUV

Consider the current XUV700 if you:

• Want a lower price and faster delivery?
• Prioritise proven performance & space over newer tech.
• Don’t need extra features such as self-parking, 3D audio, or a co-driver screen.

Final Summary & Conclusion

The facelift Mahindra XUV700 is more of an evolution than a minor refresh. Mahindra has worked upon those very aspects that matter the most to the Indian SUV buyer: a more premium interior, slicker technology, stronger safety, and an evolved design to keep this SUV modern in a fast-changing segment.

• On the outside, the refreshed grille, new LED lighting signatures, redesigned bumpers, and updated alloys give the SUV a sharper, more aggressive stance.
• The triple-screen layout, upgraded materials, captain-seat option, and 16-speaker premium audio make the cabin far more luxurious inside.
• The elevation of ADAS, parking tech, convenience features, and the software experience also takes the day-to-day usability to the next level.

Performance remains one of the high points with the potent petrol and torquey diesel motors. Improvements to NVH and suspension tuning should make for a quieter, more pleasant drive. The variants are also better differentiated, so buyers should be able to choose the perfect balance of price, features, and purpose.

Sure, the facelift will cost ₹1-2 lakh more, but with feature upgrades, future-readiness in tech, and improved ownership value, the added premium seems justified. Overall, the XUV700 facelift strengthens Mahindra’s position in the competitive SUV market, offering more luxury, technology, and value than ever before.

FAQs

1. When will the Mahindra XUV700 facelift launch in India?

The facelift will likely be renamed XUV 7XO and should reach the market by the end of 2025 or early 2026.

2. What are some of the major exterior updates in the facelift?

Redesigned front grille and bumper for a bolder look

• New dual-pod LED projector headlamps with updated DRLs

• Sportier alloy wheels and revised rear tail-lights

• Tweaked bumpers and sleeker fascia for a more aggressive stance

3. What’s new inside the cabin?

Triple-screen dashboard configuration: digital cluster, central infotainment, and co-passenger screen.

• Cleaner dashboard design with fewer physical buttons.

• Premium upholstery and soft-touch materials

• Available ventilated second-row captain seats

• Additional features that enhance ambient lighting, sun blinds, and NVH

4. What tech and safety upgrades does the facelift offer?

Premium 16-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system with Dolby Atmos

• Upgraded ADAS Level 2+ suite: includes self-parking assist

• Front parking sensors and 360° camera (top trims)

• Auto-dimming IRVM, wireless charging, new infotainment UI, and OTA updates

5. Which engines will be available in the facelift?

• 2.0L mStallion turbo-petrol with manual & automatic options

• 2.2L mHawk diesel (various states of tune) with manual & automatic options

• AWD option continues in the top diesel automatic variant

6. How has the ride and handling been improved?

• Retuned suspension for a smoother ride and better high-speed stability

• Refined NVH and engine mounts for reduced vibrations

• Optimized the automatic gearbox for smoother gear shifts

7. What are the expected variants for the facelift?

• Entry-level MX / MX+

• Mid-tier AX3

• Premium AX5

• Fully featured top of the line AX7 / AX7L: triple screen, ADAS, captain seats, AWD.

8. What is the expected price range?

• Base: ~₹15 lakh

• Mid-range: ₹18–20.5 lakh

• Top-end: ₹24–27 lakh (ex-showroom)

9. Should I wait for the facelift or buy the current XUV700?

• Wait for a facelift if you want the latest tech, premium interiors, and advanced safety.

• Buy the current model if you want a lower price, faster delivery, and proven performance.

10. How does the facelift improve value compared to rivals?

Brings advanced technology, triple-screen layout, and high-quality audio, all at competitive pricing. Keeps the SUV modern and future-ready against rivals like Tata Harrier, MG Hector Plus, Hyundai Alcazar, and Kia Carens.