Mahindra is readying its new flagship, the XUV700, for the Auto Expo and has officially released a teaser image of the SUV. The new SUV is based on the LIV-2 Concept (Limitless Interface Vehicle) that forms the base of the latest SsangYong Rexton SUV in the global markets and XUV700 in India.
Mahindra will showcase the vehicle at the 2018 Auto Expo and it will challenge vehicles like Toyota Fortuner and the Ford Endeavour in the market. The full-size SUV will get three row of seats and a capacity for seven occupants.
Exact details of the dimensions of the upcoming vehicle are not known yet but it is expected to get similar dimensions of the new Rexton which gets a longer wheelbase than the Toyota Fortuner. Longer wheelbase translates into more interior space – usually.
Looks wise, the XUV 700 will get bold creases on the body that will grab a lot of eyeballs. We can expect a similar design to the Rexton, but with Mahindra badges.
As always, Mahindra will pack the SUV with a long list of features. The car is expected to get a full-fledged centre console for the rear seat passenger. Seat recline and massage options are also expected for the rear seat. The central console will get a large touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. A lot many features like puddle lamps, take-me-home lights are expected too.
The SUV will also get projector headlamps, 360-degree camera, leather seats, electric tailgate and sunroof to add the premium touch. Rear passengers may also get to enjoy personal screens mounted on the headrests.
Like the XUV500, the new flagship may get as many as 6 or more airbags. Other features like ABS, traction control, hill hold and hill descent will be standard.
Engine-wise, the new Mahindra XUV700 will use a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine that generates 189 Bhp and 420 Nm. 2WD and 4WD options are expected. However, we may not see a low ratio gearbox. Both manual and automatic transmissions will be available.
The XUV 700 is expected to carry a sticker price of around Rs. 22 lakh, that makes it around Rs. 4 lakh cheaper than the Toyota Fortuner. It will be a value for money product that Mahindra will launch in late 2018 or early 2019.
What do you think about the new 7-seater? Share your thoughts in the comments.