XtraOrdinary?

An evolution of the XUV 700, the Mahindra XUV 7XO looks to bolster the in-cabin experience. But the crux of the matter lies hidden, like a pleasant surprise

- Salman Bargir

THE 7XO LARGELY carries over the XUV700's mechanical underpinnings. However, what truly defines this evolution isn’t immediately obvious. It’s something subtle, almost obscure, and only reveals itself once you get behind the wheel. And get behind the wheel we did. More on that shortly.

First, the cosmetic upgrades. Up front, the six-slat grille has been revised and now appears wider. Finished in glossy piano black, it features what Mahindra calls “jewel-like talon accents”, giving it a subtle, three-dimensional presence, much like the twin peaks logo that sits prominently at the centre. The headlamp unit has also been updated, with the earlier reflector-type units making way for Bi-LED projectors. Designed as small square elements arranged in a segmented line, the new turn indicators illuminate sequentially, in the intended direction.

Flanking the fascia are C-shaped split daytime running lights (DRL), which, viewed head-on, give the front end a cohesive appearance. The redesigned bumper now houses ice cube-shaped LED cornering lights and projector fog lamps, positioned side by side. Overall, the front end retains traces of the previous design while adopting the design language seen on newer Mahindra models such as the XEV 9S. The styling is more rounded, less sharp and aggressive, and instead leans towards a more sophisticated and mature aesthetic. Some may like it, some may not.

The profile remains largely unchanged, with the only notable visual updates being the flush-fitting door handles, a gloss-black finish for the lower cladding and wheel arches, and new dual-tone, diamond-cut 19-inch alloy wheels. The wheels themselves have received a size upgrade and are now wrapped in 235/55 R19 tyres.