Mahindra XUV700 SUV To Challenge Toyota Fortuner 

To be based on new generation SsangYong Rexton, the Mahindra XUV700 will rival the Toyota Fortuner & Ford Endeavour

Mahindra is working on a Fortuner rival that is expected to be called Mahindra XUV700. While globally, the SUV will be sold under the Rexton nameplate that is set to witness generation change sometime this year. The SUV will be Mahindra’s first take at the entry level premium SUV space and will essentially be a production version of LIV-2 concept, displayed last year at the Paris Motor Show.  Taking cues from the concept version, it is expected that XUV700, internally known as Y400 will be a full-size SUV and will sit above XUV500 in the line-up. The SUV will be built on the new-generation body-on-frame chassis, borrowed from Mahindra’s Korean subsidiary, SsangYong. The official image of the SUV recently went viral on inter-web which gave inkling of the exterior styling and design. Use of new elements such as LED headlamps, LED DRLs, chrome accent, chrome grille, bold shoulder creases and pronounced bonnet infuse the vehicle with aggression.

With a long wheelbase measuring 2,865mm, XUV700 will offer a roomy cabin. Additionally, the model is expected to be equipped heavily on the inside and on safety front with most of the features retained from the LIV-2 concept. That said the 9.2-inch infotainment screen supported by Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is likely to make its way to the interior. Also, expect a separate display for the rear passengers, fitted to the back of the captain seats that are likely to come with massage function.
The Fortuner rivalling model is expected to make use of 2.2L turbo diesel engine supported either by a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic unit.

Mahindra XUV700 India Launch Date

The XUV700 or simply the rebadged Rexton for the Indian market could either be launched by end of current year or in February next year at 2018 Auto Expo.

Mahindra XUV700 Price in India

In a bid to regain lost ground in the SUV segment, Mahindra is looking at launching multiple products including the Fortuner rival codenamed Y400.  With a high level of localisation, we expect Mahindra to price it aggressively to undercut arch rival by Rs 4 to Rs 5 lakh. Interestingly, Jeep India is also gearing up for the launch of its most affordable SUV, Compass that is expected to enter India through CKD route. As for the XUV700 price, we expect it to fall between Rs 20 lakh to Rs 25 lakh.

Mahindra XUV700 Specifications

The seven-seater SUV is likely to source power from the 2.2-litre, turbocharged oil burner dishing out 184bhp of maximum power and 420Nm of torque. It is expected to use either a six-speed manual unit of a 7-speed automatic gearbox. In addition to the oil burner, Mahindra could also add a 225bhp, 2.0-litre petrol engine to the line-up later.

Mahindra XUV700 Features

-Chrome grille
-Projector headlamps with DRLs
-ORVMS with LED blinkers
LED rear lights
-Leather seats with massage function
-9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system
-10.1-inch display for rear occupants
-Automatic climate control
-Mood lighting
-9 Airbags
-Hill decent control
-Electronic stability control
-Active rollover protection
-advanced emergency braking system
-ABS with EBD
 

Mahindra XUV700 Dimensions

In terms of proportions, the SUV is likely to be akin to the LIV-2 concept measuring 4,850mm in length, 1,960mm in width and 1,800 in height. The 2,865mm long wheelbase hints at a large cabin and the ground clearance is likely to be notably more than Fortuner.

Mahindra XUV700 Exterior

Underpinning the new-generation body-on-frame chassis from SsangYong’s  crew-cab, Y400 is primarily a rebadged Rexton that will take a leap into the new generation globally. In terms of designing, the SUV will take inputs from LIV-2 concept version. The recent sketches released by the company clearly show slightly toned down styling over the concept version. Front profile with chrome accents, new grille, LED headlamps with LED DRLS and large bumper looks assertive.
It is however believed that the India-spec model will carry the quintessential Mahindra elements to bring it on par with fellow Mahindra models. The front profile will carry Mahindra’s signature styling and the chrome laden side profile will get rugged alloy wheels and pronounced wheel arches.

Mahindra XUV700 Interior

In line with the exterior, the interior will be styled to reinforce its sporty character. To infuse it with upmarket looks, Mahindra will add some contemporary elements and high tech in-cabin tech. There could be a 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Mahindra is likely to fit separate 10.1-inch displays on the back of the front captain seats for the rear passengers. The seats will additionally come with massage function. The SUV is expected to brim with advanced tech such as mood lighting, electric sidesteps & technology, multi-functional steering wheel, selectable all-wheel drive system, advanced emergency braking system, ABS with EBD, hill assist and 9 airbags.

Mahindra XUV700 Competition

Upon its launch, the premium SUV will take on the likes of Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Hyundai Tucson and Jeep Compass.