The XUV700’s Production Could Begin In Less Than A Month; To Launch Around August

• Series production at the Pune facility is likely to start by July-end.

• The XUV700 will serve as the spiritual successor to the three-row XUV500.

• Mahindra to launch the XUV700 in Q2 FY21, probably in August.

• It is likely to be priced from Rs 16 lakh. 

Mahindra is gearing up to commence production of the three-row XUV700 SUV at its facility in Chakan, Pune.

A recent image from the carmaker’s Pune plant hints at the likelihood of production beginning soon, probably by July-end. This timeline fits perfectly with Mahindra’s plans of launching the XUV700 in Q2 FY21, possibly by August. The XUV700 is the spiritual successor to the ageing XUV500, but the XUV500 nameplate is also slated to return as a two-row SUV.

Based on the new W601 monocoque platform, the XUV700 will get a breath of fresh air over the first-gen XUV500. While we are yet to get a good look at the SUV, we know the XUV700 will get a few additional features. The most prominent of these is the Mercedes-inspired twin-screen setup, which houses both the infotainment system and the digital instrument cluster. The display was recently caught in action and you can read all about it here.

It is also expected to get connected car tech, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, a powered driver’s seat, and level 1 autonomous technology with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Like in the MG Gloster, the XUV700 could get autonomous emergency braking and auto cruise control as part of ADAS.

Under the hood, the XUV700 will utilise the Thar’s 150PS 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 130PS 2.2-litre diesel engines, but with a higher output of power. Both engines are likely to be offered with 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions and the option of an all-wheel drivetrain. 

We expect the XUV700 to be priced from Rs 16 lakh (ex-showroom). It will go head-to-head with other three-row SUVs such as the Tata Safari, Hyundai Alcazar, and the MG Hector Plus.