KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- XUV700 facelift spotted with new grille and twin-barrel projectors.
- Triple-screen dashboard and Harman Kardon audio upgrade interior.
- Retains 2.0L petrol and 2.2L diesel with AWD option.
- Diesel prototypes tested in Maharashtra, launch eyed for 2026.
- XEV 7e electric variant arriving as early as November 2025.
Mahindra XUV700 Facelift: Mahindra seems to be gearing up for a refreshed version of its flagship SUV, the XUV700, and recent sightings suggest the launch might not be too far off. Automotive enthusiasts have spotted a convoy of five XUV700 facelift test mules in Maharashtra, giving us our first real glimpse into what the updated SUV could bring. Check out the rest of the details below and make sure you join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Community to stay versed on the latest automotive news.
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Mahindra XUV700 Facelift: Exterior Updates
The most noticeable changes are at the front. The facelifted XUV700 appears to sport a reworked grille and a redesigned twin-barrel projector headlamp setup. A new LED DRL signature gives the SUV a more premium look, while a radar module hints at advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) features. The test vehicles also featured large, possibly 19-inch alloy wheels, indicating these could be top-spec trims.
From the side, the SUV retains much of its current silhouette, but the rear might see subtle tweaks. The tail lamps could get a refreshed LED pattern, while the bumper design appears slightly updated, adding a sharper and more modern touch.
Mahindra XUV700 Facelift: Interior Overhaul
The XUV700 facelift isn't just about exterior tweaks. Inside, Mahindra seems to have gone all out. A triple-screen dashboard setup, reminiscent of the upcoming XEV 9e, dominates the cabin. The steering wheel now features an illuminated Mahindra logo, while the premium audio system sees an upgrade from Sony to Harman Kardon, potentially with a high-power multi-speaker setup.
Additional upgrades include an auto-dimming IRVM, BYOD connectivity for rear passengers, and three-row seating with the possibility of ventilated captain chairs for the second row.
Powertrain & Performance
Under the hood, Mahindra is expected to retain the familiar engines. Petrol fans will get the 2.0L turbocharged unit producing around 197 bhp, while diesel enthusiasts can look forward to the 2.2L turbo-diesel putting out roughly 185 bhp and 450 Nm. Transmission options will likely include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic, with AWD variants available for those seeking extra traction.
What the Spying Tells Us
All the test mules were camouflaged and carried red registration plates from Pimpri-Chinchwad, hinting that Mahindra is ramping up testing. The dual exhausts and "D571" sticker on the rear windshield indicate these were diesel-powered prototypes. With testing frequency increasing, a launch in 2026 seems plausible, while an electric variant - the XEV 7e is expected to arrive earlier, potentially in November 2025.
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Verdict
Mahindra's XUV700 facelift looks poised to strengthen its position in the D-segment SUV market with a combination of bold exterior revisions, a tech-laden cabin, and refined powertrains. The spy shots give us enough hints to be excited about, and with the launch drawing closer, enthusiasts will have plenty to look forward to.
