Australia has just welcomed the 2025 Mahindra XUV700, the Indian brand’s seven-seat challenger that aims to pinch buyers from mainstream and value players alike. Sitting on a fresh platform and powered by a 149 kW/380 Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four that drives the front wheels through a six-speed auto, the XUV700 mixes generous kit with a sub-$45,000 drive-away sticker and a rare seven-year warranty. In short, it feels purpose-built for families who need space and features but refuse to haemorrhage cash.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Keen drive-away pricing for all three grades
- Loaded with tech, dual-screen cockpit, 3D Sony audio, wireless CarPlay
- Seven-year/150,000 km warranty and seven-year roadside cover
- Comfortable ride and supportive seats, even on corrugated gravel
Cons
- Only front-wheel drive; no diesel option yet
- Some cabin plastics still feel budget
- Not ANCAP tested; relies on Global NCAP credentials
- Steering lacks feedback when pressing on
How Much Does It Cost?
Mahindra has nudged prices up by $3,000 for 2025, but the XUV700 remains a bargain. The range opens with the AX7 at $39,990 drive-away, steps to the AX7L at $42,990, and peaks with the Black Edition on $43,990. Those figures undercut most mid-size rivals with five seats, let alone seven.
Features and Benefits
Even the base AX7 packs dual 10.25-inch displays, panoramic sunroof, 18-inch alloys, and Level 2 ADAS. Move to AX7L and you gain a 360-degree camera, powered driver’s seat with memory, and 12-speaker Sony sound. The Black Edition adds ventilated front pews, all-black cabin trim, and a moodier exterior treatment that actually hides the big grille. For 2025 Mahindra also introduces wireless CarPlay and a full-size spare, a welcome nod to Aussie touring.
Safety
Autonomous emergency braking, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise, traffic-sign recognition, and seven airbags are standard across the line-up. ANCAP has not yet slammed one into a wall, but the model wears a five-star Global NCAP result overseas. Until local data lands, it is wise to treat that as encouraging rather than definitive.
Running Costs
Real-world testing returned 8.3 L/100 km on the highway and mid-nines around town, reasonable for a large petrol SUV. Service intervals are every 15,000 km/12 months, and capped-price figures sit comfortably below Japanese rivals. The generous seven-year/150,000 km warranty sweetens the deal, backed by roadside assistance for the same term.
Comparison To Its Competitors
Against value heroes like the GWM Haval H6 and MG HS Plus EV, the 2025 Mahindra XUV700 outguns them on seat count and warranty length. Hyundai’s Tucson and Kia’s Sportage drive better and offer ANCAP stars but cost north of $50,000 when optioned to similar spec. Even the venerable Mitsubishi Outlander Aspire is about five grand dearer and still two years short on warranty cover. If your priority list reads “seven seats, fresh tech, long coverage, sharp price,” Mahindra’s rookie makes a compelling spreadsheet case.
2025 Mahindra XUV700: Affordable Seven-Seat SUV Packed With Tech
Conclusion
The 2025 Mahindra XUV700 is no polished German thoroughbred, yet its blend of tech, comfort, and headline pricing makes it a genuine disruptor. For families prepared to be early adopters, and maybe cop a few “What badge is that?” questions at school drop-off, the XUV700 delivers a lot of metal and silicon for the money. Time will tell if resale and dealer reach catch up, but right now Mahindra has produced one of the most convincingly priced seven-seat packages on sale.
Rating: 8/10
Strong on value, kit, and warranty, respectable on fuel use, and only let down by FWD-only availability and the lack of an ANCAP score (for now). A smart buy for pragmatic families hunting maximum bang per buck.
