Mahindra is preparing a major update to its popular SUV, the XUV700, with a facelift expected to launch in early 2026. Codenamed XUV7XO, this mid-cycle refresh brings modern styling, more features, and upgraded tech to the table.
The XUV700 facelift (XUV7XO) modernizes the SUV with high-end features typically found in premium brands. While the core mechanical package remains, the upgrades to design, comfort, and safety systems aim to keep Mahindra ahead in the tech-focused SUV space. If you can wait until 2026, this refresh promises significantly more value—especially for tech and comfort enthusiasts.
The Mahindra XUV700, a prominent SUV model, is anticipated to receive its first substantial mid-cycle refresh. While some minor updates and special editions, such as the Ebony Edition, have already been released, a more comprehensive facelift is projected for the first half of 2026, with some earlier reports suggesting a late 2025 arrival.
Anticipated Enhancements for the Facelift:
- Interior Technology: A major expected interior upgrade includes a triple-screen dashboard configuration, drawing inspiration from Mahindra’s electric XEV 9e concept. This setup is likely to feature three large 12.3-inch displays dedicated to infotainment, the driver’s instrument cluster, and a separate screen for the front passenger.
- Exterior Styling: The facelift is expected to bring a redesigned front grille, updated LED headlights with new LED daytime running light signatures, and refreshed front and rear bumpers. New alloy wheel designs are also probable. The existing flush-fitting door handles and the overall side and rear profiles are largely expected to remain consistent.
- Enhanced Cabin Features: The updated model is likely to incorporate features such as ventilated rear seats (particularly for captain seat configurations), an additional wireless charging pad, an auto park assist system, a digital key, and potentially an upgraded Harman audio system with Dolby support. There’s also a possibility of rear sun blinds and an Infinity glass roof with integrated ambient lighting.
- Safety Enhancements: The XUV700’s current safety package, which includes multiple airbags and Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems), is expected to be carried over, potentially with some improvements.
- Powertrain Options: The facelifted XUV700 is expected to retain its current engine lineup: the 2.0-liter turbo-petrol and the 2.2-liter turbo-diesel engines. Both engine options will continue to be paired with 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions. All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is anticipated to remain available in select diesel variants. No significant mechanical alterations or the introduction of hybrid technology are confirmed for this specific facelift, though Mahindra is exploring hybrid options for its broader vehicle range.
📅 Launch Timeline & Naming
- Launch window: January to March 2026
- Likely new name: XUV7XO, aligning with Mahindra’s fresh branding for its SUV lineup
✨ Exterior Changes
- A new front grille with vertical slats for a more aggressive look
- Sleeker dual-projector LED headlights replacing the older C-shaped DRLs
- Redesigned front and rear bumpers for sharper aesthetics
- Inverted L-shaped LED DRLs integrated with fog lamps
- New alloy wheel designs, likely 18″ or 19″
- Subtle changes at the rear, including refined LED tail lamps
🛋️ Interior & Cabin Upgrades
- A three-screen dashboard layout:
- 12.3″ digital driver display
- 12.3″ infotainment system
- Passenger-side screen (inspired by Mahindra XUV.e9 concept)
- Enhanced comfort:
- Ventilated seats in the second row (6-seater configuration)
- Rear sun blinds, updated panoramic sunroof with ambient lighting
- Other additions:
- New steering wheel
- Dual wireless charging pads
- NFC-based digital key
- Electric tailgate
- Possibly a 16-speaker Harman Kardon system with Dolby Atmos
🛡️ Safety & Tech Upgrades
- Expanded ADAS Level-2 suite, expected to include:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic emergency braking (AEB)
- Lane keep assist
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- High-beam assist
- Traffic sign recognition
- Likely addition of auto-parking assist
⚙️ Engine & Transmission Options
- Petrol: 2.0L turbo (approx. 197–200 bhp, 380 Nm)
- Diesel: 2.2L turbo (available in 155–185 bhp tunes, up to 450 Nm torque)
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
- AWD: Available with select diesel variants
- No hybrid or EV variant in this facelift
💰 Expected Pricing & Trims
- Expected to start from ₹15 lakh and go up to ₹27 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Continues with MX, AX3, AX5, AX7, AX7L variants
- 5, 6, and 7-seater configurations to remain
✅ Quick
| Category | Updates |
|---|---|
| Styling | Refreshed grille, DRLs, headlamps, alloy wheels |
| Cabin | Triple displays, premium audio, rear comforts |
| Technology | Expanded ADAS, new UI, auto park, digital key |
| Performance | No change in engine lineup; AWD stays available |
| Pricing | Minor hike over current XUV700 (₹50k–₹1L approx.) |
Recent Developments and Current Status:
- Variant Restructuring: Mahindra has recently streamlined the XUV700’s offerings by discontinuing lower-spec AX3 and 5-seater variants. The vehicle is now primarily available in 6- and 7-seater configurations.
- Pricing Adjustments: Over the past year, there have been various price adjustments, including both reductions and increases, for certain variants.
- Ebony Edition Launch: An “Ebony Edition,” an all-black limited-run version based on the AX7 and AX7 L variants, was introduced in March 2025.
The XUV700 facelift aims to refresh its market position within the competitive 5-to-7-seater SUV segment, where it competes against models such as the Tata Harrier/Safari, Hyundai Alcazar, and MG Hector Plus. A slight price increase is anticipated for the updated model.
