Mahindra XUV700 Ebony Edition vs Tata Safari Dark Edition: Design Of Dark-Themed Family SUVs Compared

Being one of the early offerings in the mid-size SUV segment, the Tata Safari has established a standard for special blacked-out editions that not only provides buyers with an alternative but also enhances its visual appeal. Following suit, Mahindra introduced the XUV700 Ebony Edition, which adopts a similar blacked-out treatment inside out while offering multiple engine choices. 

Which of these special dark-themed SUVs is worth considering? Find out as we compare their exterior and interior aesthetics while also highlighting their price differences and key features.

Exterior Differences

When viewed head-on, the Safari Dark Edition in its Oberon Black shade presents a more subtle yet sophisticated blacked-out look. The LED DRLs with welcome and goodbye lighting add a premium touch, while the all-black 19-inch alloy wheels and blacked-out side body cladding enhance its sporty character. At the rear, the theme continues with blacked-out elements, including the bumpers and skid plate, creating a seamless dark aesthetic.

On the other hand, the XUV700 Ebony Edition offers a more striking presence, particularly with its additional blacked-out elements on the grille. While it also features a blacked-out front grille, the contrasting silver skid plates break the monotony. The blacked-out 18-inch alloy wheels and flush door handles contribute to the dark-themed design. Additionally, the Ebony badging on the front door and tailgate further distinguishes it from the standard variants.

Interior Changes

Inside, both SUVs embrace an all-black cabin theme. The XUV700 Ebony Edition enhances its dark-themed interior with piano black elements on the center console, while contrasting silver accents and a light grey-finished roof liner add a touch of sophistication. 

Meanwhile, the Safari Dark Edition stays true to its name with an entirely blacked-out interior, including the all-black dashboard. The blue ambient lighting within the cabin creates a more refined atmosphere, which pairs well with the black-blue leatherette seat upholstery, further enhancing its exclusive appeal.

Features

Both SUVs are based on their higher-spec variants and come packed with premium features. The XUV700 Ebony gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system paired with a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display. Convenience is further enhanced with ventilated front seats, a powered driver’s seat with memory function, wireless phone charging, a panoramic sunroof, and dual-zone climate control.

On the other hand, the Safari Dark features a larger 12.3-inch infotainment system, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, and a gesture-enabled powered tailgate. It also comes equipped with a 10-speaker JBL sound system, ventilated seats, ambient lighting, and an air purifier add to the overall experience.

On the safety front, both SUVs come equipped with 7 airbags, electronic stability control, ABS with EBD, a tyre pressure monitoring system, a 360-degree camera, level-2 ADAS.

Powertrain

Under the hood, the XUV700 Ebony is offered with either a 200 PS/ up to 380 Nm 2-litre turbo-petrol engine or a 185 PS/ up to 450 Nm 2.2-litre diesel engine. In contrast, the Safari Dark is available only with a 2-litre diesel engine that puts out 170 PS and 350 Nm. Both SUVs offer a choice between a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic gearbox. 

Despite being based on higher-specced variants, the XUV700 Ebony does not get an all-wheel-drive option and is available only with a front-wheel drivetrain.

Price 

When it comes to pricing, the Mahindra XUV700 Ebony starts at Rs 19.64 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up to Rs 24.14 lakh (ex-showroom). Meanwhile, the Tata Safari Dark Edition sits within a slightly broader range, priced between Rs 19.65 lakh and Rs 25.60 lakh (ex-showroom). Both SUVs take on the MG Hector Blackstorm while also serving as alternatives to the Tata Harrier Dark Edition.