Mahindra XUV700 Ebony vs Tata Safari Stealth: A Closer Comparison Of The Two Special Edition SUVs

SUVs in India have been on a dark-themed streak lately, and the Mahindra XUV700 Ebony Edition is the latest SUV to join this trend. Its arch-rival, the Tata Safari, also received a limited run Stealth Edition very recently, which no doubt, gives it a menacing look. 

The XUV700 Ebony Edition is offered on the higher-spec AX7 and AX7L 7-seater variants, and the Safari Stealth Edition based on its top-spec Accomplished Plus variant. Let’s compare these two mean-looking SUVs in the next section.

Design

The special editions don’t bring major design overhaul in both the SUVs as it is just a darker cosmetic makeover.

The Mahindra XUV700 in its Ebony edition comes painted in the Stealth Black hue. It retains the same fascia as the standard model with horizontal headlights complemented by C-shaped DRLs. However, the grille has black inserts instead of chrome to give it that dapper look. There is also a silver skid plate for some contrast. 

The same is the case for Safari Stealth with a similar front to its regular model with black inserts on the grille. It gets a different-looking matte finish black bodypaint, namely Carbon Noir, which looks more sportier to the eyes. It has vertically stacked headlights and connected DRLs for that modern and premium look.

The XUV700 Ebony sits on 18-inch alloy wheels which have been blacked out. Apart from that, it also gets black roof rails. It has an ‘Ebony’ badging placed on the front door.

The Safari Stealth differentiates with bigger 19-inch alloy wheels finished in matte dual-tone that gels well with its overall look. It also features a ‘Stealth’ badging in the front fender and a blacked-out ‘Safari’ lettering on the lower portion of the front door.

At the rear, the XUV700 Ebony has things familiar with LED tail lights, a roof-mounted spoiler, a shark fin antenna, and a rear washer and wiper. Even the chrome badging is similar to the standard car.

The Safari Stealth gets connected taillights, a roof-spoiler mounted stop lamp, a blacked-out big ‘SAFARI’ badging on the centre of the tailgate and a glossy all-black skid plate.

Interior

The Mahindra XUV700 gets an all-black theme inside the cabin with some contrasting silver inserts. The leatherette seats now come in an all-black finish, highlighted by contrasting silver stitching and glossy black elements throughout. Additionally, silver accents and dark chrome finishes can be seen on key areas like the AC vent surrounds, steering wheel, and AC knobs. The roof is finished in a light grey shade, providing a subtle contrast to the otherwise dark interior. But do note that the Ebony Edition is offered only with a 7-seater option. 

The Safari Stealth likewise features an all-black theme inside with black leatherette upholstery. Its roof in fact is also done in black to pair well along with the dark theme. Unlike the XUV700, the Safari Stealth can also be opted in a 6-seater variant with captain seats in the second row. The dashboard features a layered design with a central panel adorned in faux carbon fibre trim.

Features

Based on the higher-spec AX7 and AX7L variants, the XUV700 Ebony comes with a wealth of features with some key highlights like 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment, a 10.25-inch digital driver display, ventilated front seats, a dual-zone climate control, powered driver’s seat with memory function and a panoramic sunroof. It also gets 7 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, TPMS, rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera and level-2 ADAS for safety.

The Safari Stealth edition is also based on its top-spec trim and hence is loaded with features to its brim. The top of them is a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, dual-zone automatic climate control, ventilated front and second-row seats (6-seater only), a 10-speaker JBL sound system, 6-way power adjustment for driver side with memory function and 4-way for the co-driver side, and wireless phone charger. 

The TataSafari also gets 7 airbags (6 as standard), a 360-degree camera, disc brakes on all wheels, ISOFIX, TPMS, an electronic parking brake with auto hold function, adaptive cruise control and ADAS features.

Powertrain

The Mahindra XUV700 Ebony brings you more choices in its powertrain with both petrol and diesel engine options while the Safari Stealth is powered by a single diesel engine only. The XUV700 is ahead with more power and torque with both its engines. But sadly, the XUV700 Ebony Edition can’t be had with the all-wheel drive option found in the standard model. 

Price And Rivals

It's worth noting that the Mahindra XUV700 Ebony is available with both its top and one-below-top variants while the Tata Safari Stealth is exclusively offered with the top variant. Still, the Mahindra XUV700 Ebony stands up to Rs 3.1 lakh more affordable in its top-spec variant compared to the Safari Stealth. The Safari is also offered in a dark edition which gets a gloss black paint scheme. But if you want the Tata Safari Stealth Edition, we would advise you to be quick as it is limited to 2,700 units. 

The XUV700 and Safari Stealth also take on other SUVs like the MG Hector and Hyundai Alcazar, the former two of which are also offered in dark editions.

So, which of these dark editions will you buy? The XUV700 Ebony or the Safari Stealth. Let us know in the comments below.