Mahindra XUV 700: The morning fog hadn’t lifted yet when I first laid eyes on the XUV 700 parked outside my apartment. Two months and nearly 3,000 kilometers later, I’ve formed some strong opinions about Mahindra’s flagship SUV that go beyond what you’ll find in typical brochures.

First Impressions: More Than Just Size

Let’s be honest – the XUV 700 commands attention. Its imposing stance and arrow-shaped LED DRLs give it a presence that’s hard to ignore in traffic. What struck me wasn’t just its size (though it is substantial), but how Mahindra has managed to make it look expensive without being flashy.

The C-shaped rear lights caught my neighbor’s eye immediately. “Doesn’t look like anything else on the road,” he remarked, and I have to agree. After years of seeing cookie-cutter SUV designs, the XUV 700’s distinctive character feels refreshing.

Cabin Fever: The Good Kind

Stepping inside reveals where Mahindra has truly upped their game. The panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with light, making even mundane grocery runs feel special. My teenage son practically lives in the third row during family trips – a testament to its usability compared to the cramped afterthoughts in most 7-seaters.

The twin 10.25-inch screens dominate the dashboard, but they’ve somehow avoided the tacked-on tablet look that plagues many modern interiors. Everything feels integrated, though I’ve noticed the infotainment occasionally freezes when I’m simultaneously using navigation and Bluetooth audio.

The leatherette seats in my AX7 variant have held up surprisingly well despite numerous coffee spills (my fault) and a particularly messy ice cream incident (definitely the kids’ fault).

Tech That Actually Works

AdrenoX, Mahindra’s connected car tech, became unexpectedly useful during a recent downpour. Having forgotten to close the windows, I used the app to roll them up without leaving my office. Small victories.

The built-in Alexa functionality entertained my daughters endlessly on our drive to Munnar, though its inability to understand their excited, rapid-fire questions sometimes led to hilarious misinterpretations.

Frankly, I was skeptical about the smart door handles, but they’ve proven themselves practical during grocery runs when my hands are full of shopping bags. Not revolutionary, but genuinely convenient.

Performance: Jekyll and Hyde

Under the hood, my diesel automatic (185 PS variant) delivers a split personality that suits my driving habits perfectly. Around town, it’s composed and refined – the transmission slurs shifts almost imperceptibly during school runs and office commutes.

But find an open highway, and the engine’s character transforms completely. (Mahindra XUV 700) There’s a delightful surge of torque that pushes you back in your seat when overtaking. During our weekend trip to the hill station, the XUV dispatched slower traffic with minimal drama despite being fully loaded with passengers and luggage.

Fuel economy hovers around a respectable 14km/l in mixed driving – not class-leading but acceptable given the performance on tap.

Commanding Presence That Turns Heads

Walking up to the XUV 700, the first thing that strikes you is its imposing stance. The sharp LED headlamps with distinctive arrow-shaped DRLs create an unmistakable signature, especially at night. During my time with it, the midnight black color drew plenty of admiring glances at fuel stations and parking lots alike.

The proportions feel just right – substantial without being unwieldy in urban environments. The clean character lines along the sides lead to C-shaped tail lamps that further enhance its distinctive rear profile. It’s refreshing to see an SUV that doesn’t merely follow design trends but sets them.

Living With It: The Everyday Reality

The honeymoon period has worn off, revealing both strengths and quirks. The automatic wipers seem perpetually confused by light drizzle, either staying dormant or frantically sweeping clear glass. The wireless charger struggles with my phone case, requiring precise placement every time.

Yet these minor irritations fade against the backdrop of genuine capability. The advanced driver assistance systems stepped in during a near-miss when a scooter suddenly cut across my lane – the automatic braking intervening just enough to prevent contact without causing a rear-end collision.

Boot space swallowed our entire month-long vacation luggage without complaint, and the powered tailgate has proven more than a gimmick when approaching with arms full.

Maruti Breeza – A premium features SUV launched with shandar look

Mahindra XUV 700: Worth Your Money?

After two months of ownership, the XUV 700 feels less like a vehicle purchase and more like a significant lifestyle upgrade. It’s not perfect – nothing is – but its combination of presence, practicality and performance delivers genuine value despite recent price increases.

For growing families seeking a do-it-all SUV that won’t blend into parking lot anonymity, the XUV 700 makes a compelling case that’s hard to ignore. Just don’t blame me when your kids start requesting “the sunroof car” for every journey, no matter how short.