Mahindra XUV 7XO: Hype Is High, But Will It Deliver?
Mahindra’s XUV 7XO facelift promises premium features and a new AX9L variant, but early signs suggest buyers may want to look closer.
Mahindra is ready to start 2025 on a strong note, and all signs point towards January 5 being a big day for SUV lovers in India.
The company will officially launch the facelifted version of its popular XUV 7O on that day, but there’s more to this update than just a few cosmetic tweaks. Mahindra is changing the name to XUV 7XO, and if recent spy shots are anything to go by, this facelift could be one of the most important upgrades the brand has done in recent years.
Over the last couple of months, the camouflaged XUV 7XO has been spotted repeatedly on Indian roads. From expressways to city traffic, the test vehicles are now showing up more frequently, which usually means the final production version is almost ready.
What’s interesting is that each new spy image seems to reveal something new, and the latest set has thrown up a major surprise - a brand-new top-end variant called AX9L.
AX9L: Mahindra raises the bar
Currently, the outgoing XUV 7O is available in multiple trims, including MX, AX5, AX7 and the AX7L.
Until now, the XUV 7O lineup topped out at the AX7L variant. For many buyers, AX7L already felt fully loaded, offering a long list of features and strong road presence. But with the XUV 7XO, Mahindra appears to be pushing the envelope further.
The AX9L will sit above the AX7L and will act as the flagship variant. This isn’t just a name change for marketing. From what can be seen in the spy shots and early details, the AX9L is meant to deliver a more premium, almost luxury-like experience, something Mahindra has been slowly moving towards with its recent products.
In simple terms, Mahindra doesn’t want the XUV 7XO to just compete anymore. It wants to dominate.
Features that grab attention instantly
One look at the feature list expected on the AX9L, and it’s clear that Mahindra is going all out. The SUV will get a full LED lighting setup, including redesigned headlamps and new LED DRLs that look cleaner and more modern than before.The front grille has also been tweaked, giving the SUV a slightly sharper face.
Inside, one of the standout additions is a new steering wheel with an illuminated Mahindra logo. This might sound like a small detail, but in reality, it adds a very premium and futuristic touch, especially during night driving.
Music lovers are going to like this one. The AX9L is expected to come with a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with Dolby Atmos. This is not something you usually see in this segment. Mahindra is clearly targeting buyers who want a rich in-cabin experience, whether it’s for daily commuting or long highway drives.
Comfort has not been ignored either. Features like a panoramic sunroof, electric boss mode for the rear seat, auto-dimming IRVM, rear window blinds and a powered tailgate are all expected to be part of the package.
These are features we usually associate with cars from a higher price bracket, so their inclusion here could shake things up.
Three screens and a cabin
Another big talking point is the new dashboard layout. Spy images suggest that the XUV 7XO AX9L will feature a three-screen setup, similar to what Mahindra has showcased on its upcoming electric SUVs.This layout is expected to include a digital instrument cluster, a central infotainment screen and a passenger-side display. The overall effect is a very tech-heavy cabin that looks straight out of a concept car, at least by current segment standards.
Adding to this is the new dual-tone brown interior theme seen on the test vehicles. The brown and black combination makes the cabin feel richer and more premium compared to the outgoing model. Brown accents can be spotted on the seats, dashboard and door pads, giving the interior a proper luxury vibe.
As of now, it’s not clear whether this colour scheme will be exclusive to the AX9L or offered on other variants too.
Rear seat comfort might surprise
A closer look at the rear seats reveals perforated upholstery, which strongly hints at rear ventilated seats. If Mahindra actually offers this feature, it would be a big deal. Rear seat ventilation is still rare in this segment and is usually found in much more expensive vehicles.Mahindra already offers rear ventilation on its electric SUV, the XEV 9S, so technically, the company has the hardware and experience. Bringing it to the XUV 7XO AX9L would make a lot of sense, especially for buyers who often travel with family or prefer being chauffeured.
Drivetrain upgrades?
Now here’s where things get really interesting. The AX9L test vehicle seen in recent spy shots is clearly a diesel automatic. A sticker on the rear windshield shows markings that hint at 4-wheel drive and a 7-speed automatic gearbox.If this information turns out to be accurate, it means the XUV 7XO is not just getting a cosmetic update. It could be receiving a major mechanical upgrade as well.
The pre-facelift XUV 7O did offer AWD on the diesel automatic variant, but it was paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox sourced externally. A new 7-speed torque converter would likely improve smoothness, driving comfort and even fuel efficiency.
For enthusiasts and long-distance drivers, this could be a very welcome change.
Exterior changes
Because the test vehicles are heavily camouflaged, not everything is visible clearly. Still, some changes stand out. The front bumper and grille are new, and the LED DRLs look slimmer and more refined. The bonnet now gets stronger creases, giving the SUV a slightly more muscular stance.At the rear, the tail lamps appear to be completely redesigned and connected by a light bar-style element, similar to Mahindra’s electric SUVs. This gives the XUV 7XO a more futuristic look from the back.
New alloy wheel designs are also expected, which should add to the SUV’s road presence.
Engines remain familiar, and that’s not a bad thing
Mahindra is not expected to introduce new engines with this facelift. The XUV 7XO will likely continue with the same 2.2-litre turbo diesel and 2.0-litre turbo petrol engines. Both engines are well-known for their strong performance and reliability, which is exactly what most Indian buyers want.Manual and automatic transmission options will continue to be offered. Official power and torque figures haven’t been revealed yet, but Mahindra is expected to share all details closer to the launch.
A Segment Crowded with Rivals
The mid-size SUV segment is more crowded than ever. The XUV 7XO will go up against heavyweights like the Tata Harrier and Safari, both of which now also offer petrol engines. The MG Hector and Hector Plus continue to attract buyers with their comfort-focused approach.This is where the AX9L could make a real difference. With premium features, advanced technology, a possible AWD setup and a luxurious cabin, the XUV 7XO AX9L could appeal to buyers who want everything in one package without stepping into luxury-brand territory.
Expected Price: What to Expect?
Mahindra has not revealed prices yet, but the XUV 7XO is expected to be priced slightly higher than the current model. The range could start around ₹14.5 lakh, while the new AX9L diesel automatic may cross ₹27 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on features and drivetrain options.
So, Should You Really Wait for the XUV 7XO?
Mahindra seems serious about making the XUV 7XO a segment disruptor rather than just another facelift. The addition of the AX9L variant, possible drivetrain upgrades and a strong focus on luxury and tech show that the company is thinking big.If Mahindra manages to price the XUV 7XO smartly, this SUV could easily become one of the most talked-about launches of the year. For now, all eyes are on January 5.
That’s when we’ll finally know how much of what we’ve seen in spy shots makes it to the showroom - and whether the XUV 7XO really lives up to the buzz.