Mahindra XUV700 Facelift Spied on Test: Subtle Evolution or the New XUV7XO?

Mahindra continues to stay in one of the leading positions in India’s D-segment SUV category with a lineup that includes the Scorpio Classic, Scorpio-N, Thar Roxx, and the XUV700. In a bid to maintain its edge in this competitive space, the automaker is now preparing to update its flagship SUV, the XUV700, with a mid-cycle facelift, which has just been spotted on test for the very first time.

The First Glimpse

(Picture Credits: RushLane)

A camouflaged test mule of what appears to be the upcoming XUV700 facelift was recently captured on video by TamilMotors360. This is the first public sighting of the refreshed model, suggesting that Mahindra has entered the early stages of road testing.

The test mule, heavily covered in camouflage, largely retains the visual identity of the current model. Key exterior panels, body lines, and overall proportions seem unchanged at this stage, but subtle differences at the front hint at what’s to come.

Expected Launch Timeline and Possible Rebranding

The current Mahindra XUV700 has remained consistent since its debut in August 2021. While many expected a 2025 facelift, sources indicate that Mahindra is more likely to launch the updated SUV in 2026.

Interestingly, the refreshed model may also adopt a new name, the XUV7XO, in alignment with Mahindra’s SUV naming convention (as seen with the Thar Roxx).

The Design Changes

From the initial footage, the most notable update is a revised front grille. The new unit features vertical slats with a sharper, more dynamic slant compared to the current model’s upright design. While the lower grille design appears similar, it may conceal underlying changes beneath the camouflage.

Fog lamps are absent in this prototype, either eliminated or hidden, suggesting a cleaner or possibly more integrated lighting solution in the final version. The most striking element, however, is the new set of circular headlights. These are widely believed to be placeholder units borrowed from the Thar Roxx and not the production-spec lights.

Side and Rear Profile

From the side, the alloy wheel design, body lines, and silhouette remain unchanged. The rear too appears identical to the outgoing model. However, this could change in later prototypes as Mahindra refines the final design. It’s possible the brand will adopt a conservative facelift strategy, refreshing only the front while keeping the rest of the SUV largely familiar.

Powertrains

Mechanically, the XUV700 facelift is expected to retain its current powertrain lineup:

• 2.0L mStallion Turbo Petrol: 197 bhp and 380 Nm
• 2.2L mHawk Turbo Diesel: Up to 182 bhp and 450 Nm (variant-dependent)

Both engine options are likely to be offered with the existing 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic transmissions. Mahindra is also reportedly working on range-extending plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology, though this is unlikely to debut with the facelifted XUV700 or XUV7XO.

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