The Mahindra XUV700 has taken a step to the darkish aspect.

This new seven-seat mid-sized SUV is the newest mannequin from the Indian carmaker to realize a blacked-out trim stage. On this specific occasion it’s a feature-packed new flagship variant designed to garner extra consideration alongside top-selling rivals just like the Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan X-Path.

Whereas its most direct competitor is the Chery Tiggo 8 Professional Max, it’s additionally a cut-price rival for the likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Skoda Kodiaq, Toyota Kluger, and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, amongst others.

Whereas the Mahindra XUV700 Black Version could look like only a black-themed aesthetics bundle on the floor, there’s additionally a variety of distinctive options.

These embrace black fake leather-based upholstery (the opposite variants solely include white fake leather-based), entrance seat air flow, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, aspect mirror reminiscence, and Darkish Chrome inside highlights.

WATCH: Paul’s video evaluate of the 2023 Mahindra XUV700 AX7L

This new Black Version variant is the largest change the XUV700 has acquired because it launched in Australia early final 12 months. Even the eager pricing for the 2 common variants hasn’t modified since then.

With this in thoughts, how does the Mahindra XUV700 Black Version stack up? Learn alongside to search out out.

How a lot does the Mahindra XUV700 value?

The Black Version is the brand new flagship variant of the comparatively contemporary Mahindra XUV700 lineup, which changed the a lot much less good-looking XUV500, however it’s nonetheless one of many most cost-effective seven-seat SUVs presently on sale in Australia.

To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up in opposition to its rivals, take a look at our comparability software

What’s the Mahindra XUV700 like on the within?

Strolling as much as the Black Version, you’re introduced with pop-out door handles like these seen on the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. They come out once you unlock the automobile and retract when it’s locked to assist create a glossy aspect profile.

Hopping in, the very first thing you’ll seemingly discover is how excessive the driving force’s seat is. It’s virtually too excessive, however many individuals who purchase one of these automobile need that ‘command’ driving place to provide them the very best view of their surrounds attainable.

Not like each different XUV700 variant on sale domestically, the Black Version (as its title suggests), comes with black fake leather-based upholstery. That is a lot nicer and extra family-friendly than the white fake leather-based within the AX7 and AX7L.

One other function the Black Version positive factors over different XUV700 variants is ventilated entrance seats, which is a Godsend on sweltering days. Nonetheless, no variant gives seat heating, which is one thing nearly each top-spec mid-sized SUV gives in Australia.

The driving force’s seat is comfy sufficient, however it’s slightly flat and doesn’t supply a substantial amount of lateral help within the bends. The seat itself might be electrically adjusted throughout six methods utilizing Mercedes-Benz-like controls on the door panel.

Forward of the driving force is a slightly chunky steering wheel that’s frequent with the Scorpio. It gives each tilt and attain adjustability, which is nice as a result of it permits for individuals of various heights and statures to get cozy behind the wheel.

All of the buttons on the steering wheel are logically positioned, however with the piano-black finishes they get smudgy and gross even after a number of interactions.

The Mercedes-Benz-like nature of the XUV700’s inside continues with the usual twin 10.25-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment system.

The digital instrument cluster appears to be like flashy and high-resolution, and there are vary of informative pages you may cycle by. One features a navigation view that reveals mapping routes when utilizing smartphone mirroring. It will also be triggered to take up the complete 10.25-inch display.

One of many few catches with this navigation view is that it solely works with Apple Maps for iPhones and with Google Maps for Android telephones. It additionally hides a variety of different info like gas vary.

One other function the digital instrument cluster has is a Blind-Spot View Monitor which, as with plenty of high-spec Hyundai and Kia fashions, reveals a reside feed from a digicam mounted below the aspect mirror once you change on an indicator.

It is a nice security function to have, even when in follow the digicam’s body fee is usually a little jumpy and the decision isn’t the flashiest.

Shifting throughout, the touchscreen infotainment show is simply as high-resolution because the digital instrument cluster. It’s a slightly easy unit with simple to navigate menus.

Along with contact inputs, you too can use a BMW-like rotary controller on the centre console to cycle by content material or change the amount.

Not like different XUV700 variants, the Black Version comes with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with wired connectivity for each smartphone-mirroring techniques. It labored effectively for probably the most half throughout our time with the Mahindra, although it will often have dropouts and glitches.

The wi-fi charger additionally cooked my cellphone a number of occasions, main me to ultimately plug in a USB cable to make sure my cellphone battery stayed topped up throughout longer drives.

Another minor infotainment glitches we skilled included the sound system quantity readout getting caught on 24, and the local weather management pop-ups not really popping up when altering sure settings.

Talking of the local weather controls, I’m very glad Mahindra has caught with bodily dials and buttons for the dual-zone local weather management system. One catch, nonetheless, is that it is advisable to take a look at the display to see what temperature and fan velocity it’s set at.

One thing else I observed is the auto local weather management setting preferred to have the fan blowing flat-out by the face-level vents, whereas additionally having the air recirculating, which made for an intoxicating plastic scent after some time.

Wanting across the cabin, there’s a bit an excessive amount of piano-black for our liking. It’s on the centre console, dashboard, and even on the door playing cards. We want Mahindra would select a special end, as a result of it will get so dirty so rapidly, and likewise will get scratched when cleaned.

All of the black inside finishes are fairly darkish, although fortunately there’s a light-coloured headliner to interrupt it up, in addition to a normal panoramic glass sunroof that makes the cabin really feel airier. The latter also can tilt and slide open for further air move.

Shifting to the second row, the bench seat doesn’t slide however gives a recline perform. And at a leggy 182cm, I’ve loads of leg room, toe room, headroom, and shoulder area behind my very own driving place. Going three abreast is doable due to the nearly flat ground, too.

When it comes to second-row amenity, there are air vents mounted on the again of the centre console, in addition to a singular USB-C port.

Like a number of medium SUVs on sale in Australia, the XUV700 comes customary with a 3rd row of seating. There are two seats again there, however the area on supply makes it extra of a kids-only zone, which is consistent with rivals.

For the sake of it, nonetheless, we checked how effectively the third row copes with adults. It’s a mission and a half for me to get again there, and there isn’t sufficient headroom for me to carry my head upright.

Third-row passengers will respect the cup holders on either side although, in addition to the air vents with devoted blower management.

Mahindra hasn’t quoted boot capacities for the XUV700, however just like the Scorpio there’s nearly no cargo area with all three rows upright. You possibly can match a grocery bag or two in case you’re fortunate.

Not like the Scorpio, nonetheless, the XUV700’s third row folds away to create an virtually flat boot ground. There’s really a good bit of usable area when the third row of seats are folded away too.

Fortunately, the XUV700 comes with a full-sized metal spare wheel, which is a crucial function for a lot of rural and regional consumers, and one which’s missing even in some SUVs nowadays.

To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up in opposition to its rivals, take a look at our comparability software

What’s below the bonnet?

All the Mahindra XUV700 vary is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine driving the entrance wheels solely. Diesel energy and all-wheel drive can be found in different markets, together with the choice of a handbook transmission.

Our noticed 7.7L/100km gas consumption determine is hardly class-leading, and it included lots of freeway and freeway journeys over the course of a month. A few of this was accomplished by our video staff on their means between Melbourne and Lang Lang for testing.

To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up in opposition to its rivals, take a look at our comparability software

How does the Mahindra XUV700 drive?

Regardless that I’ve pushed a good few XUV700s now, each time I hop again in and begin it up I subconsciously count on to listen to a diesel clatter.

What you do hear, nonetheless, is a candy petrol-engine rev flare after which a subdued idle observe. Setting off when the engine is chilly can are inclined to see the engine surge a good bit in first gear, which made me soar for the brake pedal a few time. It doesn’t take lengthy for the engine to heat up, nonetheless, when this unusual surge feeling goes away.

The XUV700’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine supplies sufficient grunt in on a regular basis situations. You’re capable of get away from the lights with ease, however don’t count on to win the site visitors gentle grand prix on this 1.8-tonne seven-seat SUV.

The engine rev out slightly within the two decrease gears, however when you get into third gear and past the engine revs cool down. Peak torque comes on faucet from as little as 1750rpm and the automobile leans into this as a lot as attainable.

It’s shocking how rapidly the automobile can speed up with out too many revs on board. It’s feels rather more like a turbo-diesel slightly than a turbo-petrol. This makes for a snug, easy and stress-free driving expertise.

However the XUV700 doesn’t reply effectively to sharp accelerator jabs, taking a second or two for the turbo to spool up and the transmission to drop a gear. It’s rather more comfy being pushed with docile throttle inputs.

This automobile comes with an engine idle cease/begin system that prompts once you’re stationary. It’s not probably the most refined system I’ve skilled because it cuts out the air-conditioner when lively, and at evening time the headlights flicker for a second when the engine restarts.

I can see why many individuals flip off this perform of their vehicles, as it could generally be slightly intrusive and annoying, even when it helps to cut back gas use.

At decrease speeds the automobile feels extra agile that you simply’d initially count on. That is due partly to the extremely gentle steering that makes it simple to twirl the wheel and alter instructions. A draw back of this, nonetheless, is steering that lacks a little bit of suggestions.

As customary, the XUV700 Black Version comes with a surround-view digicam that has respectable however not excellent high quality, in addition to solely rear parking sensors.

Regardless of feeling agile, this automobile isn’t overly dynamic. It throws round its 1.8-tonne mass a good bit in corners, and that isn’t helped by being front-wheel drive. However in all equity, this can be a seven-seat SUV and never a sizzling hatch.

Pimply metropolitan roads is the place the XUV700’s suspension shines probably the most. There’s a MacPherson strut entrance and multi-link rear setup, together with the corporate’s so-called Frequency Selective Dampers.

The latter permits the automobile to stay composed over a singular velocity bump with excessive damping drive, however also can delivers a snug journey on bumpier roads through low damping drive.

For probably the most half, it feels just like the automobile floats alongside city and metropolitan roads, absorbing imperfections effectively. You possibly can hear what the suspension is doing however it doesn’t translate into the cabin, which is a constructive for occupants.

It’s simple to construct up velocity within the XUV700, the turbo-petrol engine by which makes it effectively and really as much as the duty of freeway touring. At round 95km/h, the transmission slots into sixth gear and that retains the revs under 2000rpm, which is nice for cabin atmosphere.

What isn’t nice, nonetheless, is that there’s a good bit of wind noise emanating from the aspect mirrors. This may be mounted by turning up the amount on the good 12-speaker Sony sound system.

Like I discussed earlier than, this automobile doesn’t reply effectively to sharp throttle inputs. With this in thoughts, you do must plan your overtaking manoeuvres because the XUV has to assume earlier than dropping a gear. As soon as this occurs although, it has loads of oomph to get shifting.

The suspension setup feels purpose-built for freeway and freeway touring, as a result of when the going will get actually robust on single-lane nation roads it feels just like the suspension will get slightly overwhelmed and doesn’t know whether or not to stiffen or soften the dampers.

When travelling alongside at 100km/h on undulating, pot-holed nation roads, you are feeling each bump and the Mahindra additionally feels overly tender on the rear. A few occasions on these roads with passengers within the second and third rows, they stated they began to get a bit car-sick from all of the motion.

One other factor I observed whereas travelling at larger speeds for prolonged durations of time is the gas vary pc adjustments slightly quickly. At one level the low-fuel warning got here on, indicating I may solely journey round 50km earlier than the petrol ran out, however once I crammed up the tank I nonetheless had 13L of gas left in it.

On the security entrance, the XUV700 is fairly totally loaded. It comes with an adaptive cruise management system that reacts in a measured technique to vehicles forward. However an annoyance at larger speeds is that it struggles to remain on the set velocity, stabbing on the throttle or brake to keep up it.

There are three completely different choices to vary how rapidly the automobile accelerates as much as the set velocity, although even in its slowest setting it could jerk round like a taxi driver who stabs on the throttle.

One other unusual quirk is that whereas there are all of the requisite buttons for the cruise management, there’s no precise cancel button. This implies if you wish to cancel the cruise after which resume it on the beforehand set velocity it is advisable to press the brake pedal.

I didn’t need to try this although, so I caught with turning off cruise management utterly after which set the velocity once more manually every time.

The lane-keep help is fairly correct on clearly marked roads, although on tight nation highways and single-lane nation roads the system can evenly yank on the wheel when it doesn’t must. I’ve skilled a lot worse in different vehicles, nonetheless.

There’s additionally a Good Pilot perform that basically combines adaptive cruise management and lane centring features. On highways and freeways it really works completely at gently steering the automobile throughout the marked traces, decreasing driver fatigue over lengthy journeys.

Fortunately, in case you don’t like how hands-on the steering help system is with Good Pilot turned on, you may change it off utilizing a menu within the digital instrument cluster.

Lastly, the XUV700 Black Version comes with vivid LED headlights, that are nice for dimly lit rural and regional areas. Above 80km/h there’s a lift perform for the high-beams, which noticeably makes it simpler to see additional down the highway.

What do you get?

On take a look at right here is the brand new flagship XUV700 Black Version variant.

2025 Mahindra XUV700 highlights:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Panoramic sunroof
• Computerized LED headlights
• Computerized high-beam
• Cornering lights
• Fog lights
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Tyre stress monitoring
• Energy-folding exterior mirrors
• 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
• Wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• 6-speaker sound system
• Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
• Leatherette upholstery
• 6-way energy driver’s seat with reminiscence
• One-touch tumbling 60:40 second-row seats
• Twin-zone local weather management
• Keyless begin

XUV700 AX7L provides:

• 12-speaker sound system
• Digital park brake
• Telescopic steering wheel adjustment
• Illuminated vainness mirrors
• Electrical ‘good’ door handles
• Wi-fi cellphone charger
• Blind-Spot View Monitor
• Encompass-view digicam
• Knee airbag
• Adaptive cruise management with cease/go

XUV700 Black Version provides:

• Napoli Black exterior paint
• Black 18-inch alloy wheels
• Facet mirror reminiscence perform
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• Darkish chrome inside finishes
• Black leatherette upholstery
• Ventilated entrance seats

To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up in opposition to its rivals, take a look at our comparability software

Is the Mahindra XUV700 secure?

The Mahindra XUV700 has but to be assessed by ANCAP.

Normal security gear consists of:

• Autonomous emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise management
• Good Pilot Help
• Lane-keep help
• Visitors signal recognition
• Reversing digicam
• Rear parking sensors
• Publish-collision braking
• Entrance, front-side and curtain airbags (6)

AX7L provides:

• Blind-spot view monitor
• Encompass-view digicam
• Knee airbag
• Adaptive cruise management with cease/go

How a lot does the Mahindra XUV700 value to run?

The Mahindra XUV700 is backed by a beneficiant seven-year, 150,000km guarantee together with seven years of roadside help. Servicing is required each 12 months or 15,000km.

To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up in opposition to its rivals, take a look at our comparability software

CarExpert’s Tackle the Mahindra XUV700

The Mahindra XUV700 is oft-forgotten as one of the vital reasonably priced seven-seat SUVs obtainable in Australia, however that doesn’t imply it must be neglected.

On this new top-shelf Black Version guise, it’s fitted with all of the bells and whistles you may hope for, at a price ticket that’s very interesting. For $43,990 drive-away, you may’t even get a base Mitsubishi Outlander or Nissan X-Path seven-seater.

Even in comparison with different budget-friendly XUV700 variants, the Black Version is a sweeter bundle in case you can reside with the darkish Napoli Black exterior paint. That’s thanks primarily to the black fake leather-based upholstery, which is significantly extra family-friendly than the white fake leather-based that’s obligatory in different variants.

It’s additionally good that the entrance seats acquire air flow, particularly as we’re main right into a sweltering Australian summer time, and that the comfort of wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is lastly obtainable.

Whereas the automobile has all these high-tech features, the infotainment glitches and smartphone mirroring dropouts can put a dampener on the general expertise. The comparatively excessive driving place and ultra-light steering additionally don’t really feel overly pure in such a big automobile.

One other consideration is that the XUV700 vary continues to be solely provided domestically with turbo-petrol energy and front-wheel drive. It could be fascinating to see if the provision of turbo-diesel and/or all-wheel drive choices attracted extra clients to this well-priced, underrated Indian-made seven-seat SUV.

Curious about shopping for a Mahindra XUV700? Get in contact with considered one of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here

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