New 2021 Mahindra XUV700 - Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Explained
5If you were perplexed with the XUV700's naming, you wouldn’t be the only one. After all, the car – codename W601 – was to be the new XUV500. It followed the same template – a transverse engine layout, monocoque body and designed with three rows of seats.
There was also nothing wrong with the XUV500 moniker either. Yes, sales have fallen in the decade since its launch, but the name still has good brand value. But seeing just how much of an improvement the W601 was over its predecessor, Mahindra felt it was good enough to be a segment higher. Hence, keeping with the alpha-numeric naming hierarchy, they called it the XUV700. This naming strategy achieved two things; first, it has given the XUV700 a more premium position and second, it has left space below for another product to be badged the XUV500.
Underpinning the XUV700 is a brand-new platform, and the company says the new monocoque is 80 percent stiffer than the XUV500’s, thanks to an increase in the number of spot welds and adhesive bonding.
Mahindra has worked hard to reduce weight, with the XUV700’s monocoque frame using quite a bit of lightweight high-tensile steel and other weight-saving measures like lighter engines, which weigh around 70kg less than before. Overall kerb weight ranges from 1,960kg-2,040kg, which is still heavy but it takes into account the additional equipment and safety features the XUV700 is loaded with. Interestingly, the rear tailgate is made of composite plastic that's aimed at weight reduction. However, this could pose a practical problem because, unlike sheet metal, which can be easily repaired if damaged in an accident, the plastic tailgate may need to be replaced if you are rear-ended.
Like with the XUV500, the platform is configured for front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive options. Although this time round, it is designed to accommodate a 48V mild-hybrid system as well, which could come in the future.
The engine line-up includes a pair of brand-new engines – the latest-gen 2.2-litre mHawk diesel and mStallion 2.0 turbo-petrol – both of which debuted in the Thar. However, power figures have been hiked significantly in the XUV700. The base diesel variants get a 155hp rated motor but this output jumps to a class-leading 185hp for higher variants. Taking the power stakes to a different level is the 2.0 turbo-petrol that, armed with variable valve timing, direct-injection and turbo power, produces a class-busting 200hp.
The new platform also makes use of the latest-generation electrical and electronics (E/E) architecture, enabling it to host an advanced infotainment system (from Visteon) and a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) never seen in a car in this class or price. Mahindra is clearly determined to ‘out-tech’ the competition.
The XUV700’s styling is a mature evolution of the XUV500, with cleaner lines and a more balanced look. It sits lower than its predecessor (by 30mm), comes with a muscular bonnet, and a strong new grille with twin vertical bars, which gives it a lot of road presence. A nice touch is the way the outside vertical bars bend and flow into the headlight cluster. Making its debut on the XUV700 and sitting proudly in the centre of the grille is Mahindra’s new ‘Twin Peaks’ logo, which interestingly will only adorn the automaker's SUV range.
The profile is perhaps the cleanest side of the new car, gone are the numerous rear wheel arch lines and the odd cheetah paw handles, in their place are flush door handles that pop automatically when you approach the car; very cool and handy to use too, though mid versions require you to push the handle to pop it while the base variant will have a little cumbersome click to unlock (key), push to pop and then pull to open action.
At the rear, the arrow-shape tail-lights are striking but the design feels like it belongs to another car; it is an example of the lack of consistency and cohesiveness in the styling, which still has too many fussy elements like the disproportionately long DRLs and the excessive sculpting of the wheel arches that dwarf the 18-inch wheels.
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