Mahindra & Mahindra has officially entered the premium three-row SUV segment with its latest offering, the XUV 7XO. This new model is essentially a rebadged and comprehensively revamped version of the popular XUV700, featuring a fresh design language and upgraded features while retaining the proven powertrain. It enters a competitive space, directly challenging established rivals like the Hyundai Alcazar and Tata Safari.
Price Positioning: XUV 7XO vs Alcazar
The battle for value begins with the price tag. The Mahindra XUV 7XO is offered in six trim levels with both petrol and diesel engine choices. Its ex-showroom price range is quite broad, starting from ₹13.66 lakh and going up to ₹24.92 lakh. The final cost varies based on the chosen powertrain, seating configuration (6 or 7 seats), and trim grade.
Its key rival, the Hyundai Alcazar, is also available with petrol and diesel options. It is priced between ₹14.50 lakh and ₹21.21 lakh (ex-showroom). On paper, the XUV 7XO has a wider price spectrum, offering a more accessible entry point but also extending into a higher premium bracket than the Alcazar.
Dimensions and Road Presence
When it comes to sheer size, the Mahindra XUV 7XO holds a noticeable advantage. Here is a quick dimensional breakdown compared to the Hyundai Alcazar:
The XUV 7XO measures 4,695 mm in length, which makes it 135 mm longer than the Alcazar (4,560 mm). It is also 90 mm wider at 1,890 mm versus 1,800 mm, and 45 mm taller at 1,755 mm against 1,710 mm. This gives the Mahindra a more substantial and commanding road presence.
However, the Hyundai Alcazar fights back with a slightly longer wheelbase of 2,760 mm, offering a 10 mm advantage over the XUV 7XO's 2,750 mm wheelbase. Both SUVs share an identical ground clearance figure of 200 mm.
Powertrain and Performance Showdown
Under the hood, both SUVs offer familiar petrol and diesel engines, but with significant differences in output.
The Mahindra XUV 7XO's petrol engine is a 2.0-litre unit that generates a robust 197 bhp of power and 380 Nm of torque. Its 2.2-litre diesel motor produces 182 bhp and 450 Nm of torque. Transmission duties are handled by a choice of a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox for both fuels.
The Hyundai Alcazar's petrol option is a 1.5-litre engine delivering 158 bhp and 253 Nm, while its 1.5-litre diesel makes 114 bhp and 250 Nm. Like the Mahindra, it offers 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions. A key differentiator for the Alcazar petrol is the additional availability of a 7-speed DCT (Dual-Clutch Transmission) automatic option.
On paper, the Mahindra XUV 7XO holds a clear power advantage in both petrol and diesel avatars, promising a more potent driving experience.
The launch of the XUV 7XO signifies Mahindra's serious intent to capture a larger share of the growing premium three-row SUV market. While it brings a new design and enhanced features to the table, its success will hinge on how customers weigh its aggressive pricing and strong performance against the established refinement and brand trust of rivals like the Hyundai Alcazar. The competition in this segment has undoubtedly heated up.
