Mahindra XUV700 & MG Astor: Most Feature Packed SUVs With Premium Looks & Tech

MG Astor and Mahindra XUV700 go beyond the usual touchscreen, wireless smartphone connectivity as the talking point here becomes technology via new features

MG Astor and Mahindra XUV700

Source : Somnath Chatterjee

There was a time when features included air conditioning and power steering but not anymore as new premium SUVs are increasingly loaded with all kinds of technology and premium features. Features normally seen on luxury cars a few years back are now offered on more mainstream products and compact SUVs. In that sense, there are two SUVs that currently can claim to be the most feature-packed SUVs and by that we mean, the MG Astor and the Mahindra XUV700. These SUVs go beyond the usual touchscreen, wireless smartphone connectivity, digital dials, or a panoramic sunroof as the talking point here is technology via new features seen on these two. Let's take a look.

Mahindra XUV700

The cabin is clearly tech filled with the way the twin screens are designed together plus the quality along with the design is clearly a big leap forward from the earlier Mahindra SUVs. However, we are here to talk about the standout features.

For us, we like the dual-zone climate control system which is very helpful and something seen on luxury cars. For our hot summers and flexibility, this is one of the best features of the car. Then the Sony 3D audio system with 12 speakers brings a nice sound output.

We also liked the surround-view camera and the blind-spot monitoring- both of which are useful. Of course, there is connected car tech and 3D maps with built-in Alexa. Also, the powered driver's seat retracts back to allow easy ingress.

Lastly, the ADAS features in-built are new with the XUV700. Alongside lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, high-beam assist and traffic sign recognition, there is also driver drowsiness detection while you can customise speed alerts in the voice of your loved ones. The high beam assist switches to low beam with oncoming traffic plus the auto emergency braking is something which is useful too.

MG Astor

Hector paved the way with a giant touchscreen but the Astor goes one step forward with its own AI robot! Yes, the Astor has an AI assistant on the dashboard. In addition to usual voice commands, the AI assistant also can tell you a joke or answer questions too.

Then we like the detailed view of the 360-degree camera too. There is connected tech here too but notably, there is a Bluetooth-enabled key, a Blockchain-protected vehicle digital passport, plus a ton of subscription-based services.

Via an app, you can reserve a parking slot through a head unit (via Park+). Like the XUV700, there is ADAS and the Astor gets Autonomous Level-2 at that. The level of features includes speed assist with various modes which either warn you or stop you from going after a certain speed limit. There are lane functions too which also include loads of options. Moving on, there is Adaptive cruise control, rear-drive assist, intelligent headlamp control, and front collision warning. For drivers, the Astor lets you alter the steering weight too. 

Verdict

These two SUVs are filled with tech. They are useful at one end while also bringing a luxury quotient on the other. Some of the ADAS features are relevant and increase safety plus some bring convenience. These two overall have raised the bar for features at this price and segment for sure.