ROCK SOLID

More stable than ever, the Mahindra XUV 7XO proves that meaningful engineering upgrades can redefine a familiar SUV

- By Kurt Morris Photographs Kaizad Adil Darukhanawala

For a while now, most of the spotlight in Mahindra's portfolio has been firmly fixed on two things: its rapidly expanding electric vehicle range and the ever-popular Thar.

Between bold EV concepts, dramatic new design language, and off-road credentials, it almost felt like Mahindra's mainstream SUVs had quietly stepped out of the limelight.

Behind the scenes, however, Mahindra has been busy reworking one of its most important products, the XUV700. And the result is not just an update or a facelift, but something the company believes is significant enough to warrant a new identity altogether — the XUV 7XO.

Naturally, the decision to move away from the well-established XUV700 nameplate raised eyebrows.

It carries immense brand equity in India and remains one of the most recognisable names in the premium SUV space. During a brief conversation with Mahindra's senior management, the reasoning became clear. According to them, the changes made to this vehicle, both in engineering and technology, were so extensive that continuing with the same name would undersell the transformation. The XUV 7XO, they explained, is a meaningful step forward that they intend to grow as a standalone brand in the years to come.

To understand just how deep these changes run, Mahindra chose a fitting backdrop for the media drive — Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Our drive began in the early hours of a bitterly cold morning. The desert can be deceptive that way; while days are warm and sun-drenched, mornings can be punishing. The temperature display on the car read a chilling 4°C as we set off, bundled up and eager to explore the outskirts of Jaisalmer.