Mahindra & Mahindra has officially unveiled the 2026 iteration of its flagship SUV, the XUV 700, in a grand launch event at Mumbai’s Jio World Centre today. The latest version of this popular mid-size SUV comes with significant upgrades in design, features, powertrain options, and safety technology, strengthening its position in India’s competitive SUV market.
Launch Highlights and Overview
The 2026 XUV 700 marks the first major update since the model’s introduction in 2021. Anish Shah, Managing Director and CEO of Mahindra Group, revealed that the company has invested over ₹1,200 crore in developing this new version, focusing on customer feedback and emerging market trends.
“The new XUV 700 represents our commitment to providing world-class automotive experiences to Indian customers,” said Shah during the launch. “With enhanced technology, refined design elements, and improved performance, we’re confident that the 2026 XUV 700 will set new benchmarks in its segment.”
The refreshed XUV 700 will be manufactured at Mahindra’s state-of-the-art facility in Chakan, Maharashtra, with exports planned to several international markets including South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
Design and Exterior Updates
The 2026 XUV 700 retains its commanding road presence while featuring several design refinements. The front fascia now sports a bolder grille with chrome inserts and redesigned LED headlamps with C-shaped DRLs. The bumper has been reworked with larger air intakes and integrated fog lamps.
In profile, the SUV features new 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels on higher variants (17-inch on lower variants) and stronger character lines. The rear gets updated LED tail lamps with a light bar running across the tailgate, a sportier bumper design, and dual exhaust tips on top variants.
The dimensions remain largely unchanged at 4,695mm length, 1,890mm width, and 1,755mm height, with a wheelbase of 2,750mm. However, the ground clearance has been slightly increased to 210mm (from 200mm) for better off-road capability.
The 2026 XUV 700 comes in eight color options, including three new shades: Electric Blue, Crimson Red, and Dune Beige.
Powertrain and Performance
Under the hood, the XUV 700 continues to offer both petrol and diesel engine options, now with enhanced power outputs and improved efficiency:
- mStallion 2.0L Turbo Petrol
- Power: 210 bhp (up from 200 bhp)
- Torque: 380 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
- Fuel Efficiency: 14.5 kmpl (manual), 13.8 kmpl (automatic)
- mHawk 2.2L Turbo Diesel
- Power: 185 bhp (up from 175 bhp)
- Torque: 420 Nm (manual), 450 Nm (automatic)
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
- Fuel Efficiency: 18.2 kmpl (manual), 17.5 kmpl (automatic)
Both engines now come with idle start-stop technology as standard, contributing to improved fuel efficiency. The automatic transmission has been updated for smoother shifts and better response.
The new XUV 700 offers four drive modes – Zip, Zap, Zoom, and Custom – which alter throttle response, steering weight, and transmission shift points. The all-wheel-drive system, available on higher diesel variants, has been enhanced with a new electronic locking differential.
Interior and Feature Enhancements
Inside, the 2026 XUV 700 receives significant upgrades with improved materials and additional features. The dashboard layout has been refreshed with a more premium look, featuring soft-touch materials and piano black finishes.
The centerpiece remains the dual 10.25-inch screens (upgraded from the previous 10.1-inch), with one serving as the digital instrument cluster and the other as the touchscreen infotainment system. The infotainment system now runs on Mahindra’s AdrenoX 2.0 interface with enhanced graphics and processing speed.
Notable interior features include:
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- 12-speaker Sony 3D sound system (up from the previous 8-speaker system)
- Panoramic sunroof with improved UV protection
- Ventilated front seats with memory function
- 8-way power-adjustable driver and passenger seats
- Three-zone automatic climate control
- Wireless phone charging pad (now supporting 15W fast charging)
- Air purifier with AQI display
- Ambient lighting with 64 colors (up from 16 colors)
- Digital rearview mirror with DVR functionality
- 9-inch heads-up display with enhanced graphics
Advanced Technology and Connectivity
The 2026 XUV 700 introduces Mahindra’s latest connected car technology, AdrenoX Connect 2.0, offering over 80 connected features including:
- Remote engine start/stop and climate control
- Geofencing and vehicle tracking
- OTA (Over-The-Air) updates for software and maps
- Voice-activated commands with integration of Alexa and Google Assistant
- Personalized driver profiles with cloud storage
- Remote diagnostics and service reminders
- Smart home integration for IoT devices
- Enhanced navigation with real-time traffic updates and 3D mapping
The SUV also introduces Mahindra’s new advanced driver assistance technology, Driver Assist 360, which includes:
- Level 2 ADAS features with enhanced capabilities
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality
- Lane keeping assist with haptic feedback
- Forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking
- Blind spot detection with cross-traffic alert
- Driver attention monitoring system
- 360-degree camera system with 3D view
- Automatic parking assistance for parallel and perpendicular spots
Safety Enhancements
Safety remains a top priority, with the 2026 XUV 700 built on an enhanced version of Mahindra’s high-strength steel platform. Standard safety features across all variants include:
- 7 airbags (up from 6 in the previous model)
- Electronic stability program (ESP)
- Hill-hold and hill-descent control
- All-wheel disc brakes with ABS, EBD, and brake assist
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
- Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
- Electronic parking brake with auto-hold function
- Impact-sensing door unlock
- SOS call function and crash notification
The company expects the new XUV 700 to maintain or exceed the 5-star Global NCAP safety rating of its predecessor.
Variants and Pricing
The 2026 Mahindra XUV 700 is available in five variants – MX, AX3, AX5, AX7, and AX7 L – with both petrol and diesel engine options. The pricing structure (ex-showroom, India) is as follows:
| Variant | Petrol MT | Petrol AT | Diesel MT | Diesel AT | Diesel AT AWD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MX | ₹13.99 Lakh | ₹15.49 Lakh | ₹14.99 Lakh | ₹16.49 Lakh | – |
| AX3 | ₹15.99 Lakh | ₹17.49 Lakh | ₹16.99 Lakh | ₹18.49 Lakh | – |
| AX5 | ₹17.99 Lakh | ₹19.49 Lakh | ₹18.99 Lakh | ₹20.49 Lakh | – |
| AX7 | ₹20.99 Lakh | ₹22.49 Lakh | ₹21.99 Lakh | ₹23.49 Lakh | ₹25.49 Lakh |
| AX7 L | ₹22.99 Lakh | ₹24.49 Lakh | ₹23.99 Lakh | ₹25.49 Lakh | ₹27.49 Lakh |
All prices are ex-showroom, pan-India
Key Features by Variant
| Features | MX | AX3 | AX5 | AX7 | AX7 L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LED Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Digital Instrument Cluster | – | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 10.25″ Touchscreen | – | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto | – | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Panoramic Sunroof | – | – | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leatherette Seats | – | – | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 7 Airbags | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| ADAS Features | – | – | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| 360° Camera | – | – | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ventilated Seats | – | – | – | – | ✓ |
| Sony 3D Sound System | – | – | – | – | ✓ |
Market Positioning and Competition
The 2026 Mahindra XUV 700 is positioned to compete directly with the Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus, Hyundai Alcazar, and the lower variants of Toyota Fortuner and MG Gloster. With its enhanced features and competitive pricing, Mahindra aims to strengthen its position in the mid-size SUV segment, which has seen significant growth in India over the past few years.
Automotive analysts believe the refreshed XUV 700 has the potential to disrupt the segment once again. “The 2026 XUV 700 brings significant upgrades in technology and features at a competitive price point,” noted Shailesh Chandra, automotive industry analyst. “The inclusion of advanced driver assistance systems and connected car features at this price range gives Mahindra a distinct advantage in the crowded SUV market.”
Availability and Bookings
Bookings for the 2026 Mahindra XUV 700 will open on November 1, 2025, across all Mahindra dealerships and on the company’s website. The booking amount has been set at ₹21,000, with deliveries scheduled to commence from November 20, 2025.
Mahindra has announced special introductory offers for early bookings, including:
- Extended 5-year warranty package
- 3 years of free roadside assistance
- Special financing options with interest rates starting from 7.99%
- Exchange bonuses up to ₹50,000
With its blend of striking design, advanced technology, powerful performance, and competitive pricing, the 2026 Mahindra XUV 700 is set to elevate the mid-size SUV experience for Indian consumers.