GOOD FOR: Feature-rich, Refined engines LOOK OUT FOR: Electronic glitches, Front suspension Ever since its launch, the Mahindra XUV700 has received a tremendous response from customers. Being packed with features, smooth engines and appealing looks, the waiting periods have stretched on...

GOOD FOR: Feature-rich, Refined engines

LOOK OUT FOR: Electronic glitches, Front suspension

Ever since its launch, the Mahindra XUV700 has received a tremendous response from customers. Being packed with features, smooth engines and appealing looks, the waiting periods have stretched on for months. And the wait is still long for certain variants, so getting a used one will help you skip that queue or from having to pay a premium to get immediate delivery. Here’s what you need to know when buying one. 

Mahindra XUV700 powertrain options 

The XUV700 has a choice of four-cylinder petrol or diesel engines. The petrol is a 2.0-litre, turbocharged unit that pumps out 200hp and 380Nm of torque and is paired with either a 6-speed manual or automatic gearbox.

The diesel is a new 2.2-litre unit that is offered in two states of tune. The lower-powered unit (reserved for the entry-level MX version) produces 155hp and 360Nm, and is available solely with a 6-speed manual. Meanwhile, the unit in the AX variants churn out 185hp and 420Nm; 450Nm with the automatic gearbox. Furthermore, there’s also the option of an all-wheel drive system with the higher-spec diesel.

Both petrol and diesel engines are refined and powerful.

The petrol will appeal to those who want performance and refinement from their SUVs, or those who use it mainly in the city with occasional highway journeys. However, it’s the diesel that we would recommend as it delivers on performance and efficiency. 

Mahindra XUV700 trims and features 

The XUV is also one of the few SUVs around that come with the choice of seating configurations. The base MX is strictly a 5-seater only, while the top-spec AX7 can be had as a 7-seater only, with an additional third row of seats. The middle trims – AX3 and AX5 – can be had either as a 5-seater or a 7-seater. So, your use case should determine which seating option you should go for.

The XUV700 is one of the most feature-packed SUVs on the market right now. The top-spec AX7 Luxury gets two 10.25-inch screens, leatherette upholstery, ADAS tech, connected car tech, a Sony 3D surround sound system, a 360-degree camera, electrically deployable door handles, seven airbags, a blind-spot monitor, wireless phone charger, an electronic parking brake, LED lights, a panoramic sunroof and much more.

The feature-packed cabin is big on wow factor thanks to the twin screens.

As for which variant you should opt for, the mid-spec AX5 offers a good balance between features and price. It gets most of the features you’re looking for, like the large sunroof, the twin screens and LED lights. However, if budget isn’t a constraint, it’s worth going for the range-topping AX7 Luxury as it comes fully loaded, with the ADAS tech, a superb audio system and it comes with the option of AWD.

Mahindra XUV700 maintenance 

As for maintenance, the Mahindra XUV700 has proven to be fairly reliable to live with but there are odd electrical and electronic issues that have cropped up, with multiple recalls to fix those problems. But it’s nice to see the initiative to improve the product. Mahindra’s service network is also well established across the country and getting spares shouldn’t be an issue either. Furthermore, since it’s a fairly new model, many examples are still covered under warranty so that should give you that extra peace of mind.

What to look out for in an used Mahindra XUV700?

Electronic gremlins

Some owners have faced issues with the high-tech twin screens inside. There have been reports of the infotainment screen crashing abruptly and going blank, the instrument cluster also going blank and the AdrenoX connected car tech glitching. Before purchasing, it’s worth ensuring that the screens and onboard tech function properly.

Front suspension

Owners have complained about noises coming from the XUV’s front suspension. On a test drive, listen to any thudding noises coming from the front when driving through rough patches of road. Mahindra also issued a service recall to replace the front lower control arm and the rear control bush to address the issue.

Looks quite clean and understated from the back; pop-out handles are unique.

Also worth knowing..

Like with the suspension, Mahindra recalled 12,566 units of the SUV made between July 1 and November 11, 2022, to inspect and replace a rubber bellow inside the gearbox bell housing. Similarly, over 1 lakh units manufactured between June 8, 2021 and June 28, 2023, were recalled due to a potential risk of the wiring harness getting abrasions. If you are looking at models manufactured in this period, ensure that all the recalls have been taken care of.

Second-hand Mahindra XUV700 price and resale value

With a huge variant line-up, you’ll see XUVs at various price points in the used market. However, look to spend anywhere between Rs 14 lakh-20 lakh, depending on the variant you go for. Any more and you’re just better off buying a brand-new example. As always, there’s some scope for negotiation with the price.

Also See:

Buying a used Tata Safari: what to look out for

2021 Mahindra XUV700 review, test drive

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