Mahindra XUV500 Vs New XUV700 : Know About The Changes In Looks, Interiors & Features

Mahindra has changed in terms of technology or features to the driving experience. The XUV700 shows that.

XUV500 & XUV700

New Delhi: The XUV500 when it came out, was a big change for Mahindra. It was a step for them into the more premium SUV segment. While the Scorpio and Bolero have been huge sellers, the XUV500 was a boost for Mahindra in terms of making big premium SUVs. The new XUV700 however represents a bigger leap yet. It is the most premium Mahindra yet and also the most expensive-discounting the Alturas. We decided to bring together the XUV700 and the XUV500 to see what all the changes are.

In looks, build & technology, the XUV700 is a big change, so much so that Mahindra changed the name from the new-gen XUV500 to the XUV700 since it became so premium that there is clear space for a new XUV500 below. The XUV700 has become a luxury/premium SUV filled with technology.

However, before we talk about all that, it looks there is some similarity between the two. Mahindra has obviously carried forward the XUV500's design but changed the look. Parked side by side, there are similarities in terms of shape or the window line while the XUV700 is a bit longer. In terms of width, both stay the same but the XUV700 stands taller. In pure looks, though the XUV700 is cleaner without unnecessary styling. The flush door handles, the new front-end design with the new logo and the C-shaped DRLs/headlamps are much more futuristic over the earlier XUV500. Even from the rear, the XUV700 looks more modern than the earlier tail-lamp design of the XUV500.

However, more than the exteriors, the interiors are the real change. The XUV500 interiors were getting dated but with the new one, Mahindra has completely changed it. The twin screens, the new-look steering wheel or the upholstery- they all look and feel premium. Quality of materials used inside to the basic design theme- all is again a big step up. Mahindra also has changed the infotainment system along with getting a lot of new technology. The earlier XUV500 had basic features but the new one now makes it compete with luxury SUVs costing twice as much. The new infotainment system has Alexa built-in plus has in-built apps along with connected car technology, a premium 3D audio system, panoramic sunroof, digital dials, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, 360-degree camera etc.

A big change is also the inclusion of the ADAS features with radars and cameras in the XUV700. Compared to the XUV500, the wheelbase has also improved and so has been the space on offer. The last bit is the driving experience which further to me is the biggest differentiator. The new XUV700 drives vastly better and brings in a more mature driving experience. It drives like a premium SUV while the XUV500 feels more old-school. In terms of the lighter steering, the better handling or braking and of course, the engines, the XUV700 feels like a generation ahead. The XUV500 came with diesel but also had a petrol engine for a short time.

The new generation petrol or diesel engines make the XUV700 a massively improved vehicle- especially the petrol engine with its power. Both the diesel and petrol get automatic options while the diesel gets drive modes too. It is quite clear that the generation gap is huge and in the few years, Mahindra has changed in terms of technology or features to the driving experience. The XUV700 shows that.