Exactly a year ago, Mahindra pulled the covers off the second-gen Thar and now, the homegrown UV specialist has finally unveiled the highly-anticipated XUV700 at a price that has left everyone gasping. While full price list is yet to be announced, select variants will cost between Rs 11.99 lakhs - Rs 14.99 lakhs, Ex-showroom, Delhi. At this price point, the new offering turns out to be more affordable than even the XUV500, which retails at Rs 15.56-20.07 lakh, Ex-showroom, Delhi. Needless to say, the target audience for both these models is exactly the same and hence, we've decided to pit them against each other simply to figure out who should buy what. So, with this in mind, let's start our Mahindra XUV700 vs XUV500 comparison-
Mahindra XUV700 vs XUV500 Specs Comparison
| Diesel Engine | Mahindra XUV700 | Mahindra XUV500 |
| Capacity (L) | 2.2L mHawk | 2.2L mHawk |
| Power (bhp) | 153 bhp; 183 bhp | 153 bhp |
| Torque (Nm) | 360 Nm; 420 Nm; 450 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Gearbox MT | 6-speed MT | 6-speed MT |
| Gearbox AT | 6-speed AT | 6-speed AT |
| Drive Modes | Yes | No |
| ARAI for Manual | NA | 15.1 kmpl |
| ARAI for Automatic | NA | 15.1 kmpl |
| BS6 | Yes | Yes |
We have started with the heart of both SUVs. The upcoming XUV700 will be powered by the same 2.2-litre mHawk, four-cylinder turbocharged diesel unit but now will make up to 183 bhp on tap and up to 420 Nm of peak torque. Basically, the base variant will churn out 155 PS of power and 360 Nm of torque while the higher trims will develop 185 PS of power and 420 Nm of peak torque (450 Nm with AT). Meanwhile, the XUV500 puts out 153 bhp and 360 Nm of peak torque.
Once launched, the XUV700 will also target Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus and Hyundai Alcazar. Here, too, the XUV700 shines as it generates more power than these SUVs. Both Safari and Hector Plus uses 2.0L FCA sourced diesel that generates 169 bhp with 350 Nm of peak torque while Alcazar churns out 113 bhp and 250 Nm from its smaller 1.5L diesel. The XUV700 will come with a 6-speed stick shift and an optional 6-speed torque converter gearbox. This will remain the same as the XUV500. As of now, the ARAI figures of XUV700 is not yet out but we're sure it'll be close to 15.1 kmpl as to what XUV500 offers.
| Petrol Engine | Mahindra XUV700 |
| Capacity (L) | 2.0L |
| Power (bhp) | 198 bhp |
| Torque (Nm) | 380 Nm |
| Gearbox MT | 6-speed MT |
| Gearbox AT | 6-speed AT |
The upcoming XUV700 will also come with a petrol engine that churns out as much as 198 bhp along with 380 Nm of peak torque. This is the same 2.0L mStallion petrol engine that makes 149 bhp in Thar 4x4. Once launched, the petrol engine will be the powerful in its segment as MG Hector Plus churns out only 141 bhp/250 Nm and Hyundai Alcazar pumps out 157 bhp/191 Nm. Tata Safari does not get a petrol engine. With this, the upcoming flagship from the homegrown carmaker is the clear winner of this part of our Mahindra XUV700 vs XUV500 comparison.
Dimensions and Capacity
| Dimensions | Mahindra XUV700 | Mahindra XUV500 | Difference |
| Length | NA | 4315 mm | NA |
| Width | NA | 1800 mm | NA |
| Height | NA | 1645 mm | NA |
| Wheelbase | NA | 2610 mm | NA |
| Ground Clearance | NA | 190 mm | NA |
| Boot space | NA | 433 litres | NA |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | NA | 50 litres | NA |
We've seen the image and yes, the XUV700 is bigger in size than the XUV500. The exact figures are not yet out but we do believe that the cabin will now be larger and will get an increased shoulder space. The third row was cumbersome to fit in adult passengers comfortably but with the newer version, we expect the space will be well utilised.
Desing Comparison
The spied image caught on the internet clearly indicates how the upcoming XUV700 will look like but is it really the production line variant? Well, that can be said only when the camouflage is fully revealed by Mahindra officially. Till then, we have the spy shot of the XUV700 and the XUV50 design. At the front, both the car indicates a similar design pattern and what's new is the C-shaped clear view LED headlights found on the XUV700.
Similarly, you also get six chrome vertical slat that sits well with the enlarged grille design and it also gets a new bumper design. Overall, we would say, both the SUVs looks just a facelift away from each other.
Moving to the side profile then the creases on the body panels and the window line takes inspiration from the XUV500. What's different is the flush door handles that now look plush and also the new-age alloy wheels design. This spy shot revealed smaller alloy wheels but we expect the higher variant to carry a bigger wheel design.
Like the front, the rear too adds a tad bit of drama with LED taillights and well-placed proportions. Do notice the faux skid plate at the front and rear bumper that gives the XUV700 a sporty appeal. Overall, the car looks handsome and even though it carries similarities from the XUV500, it is quite a distinct product from Mahindra.
Features and Interior
As of now, the interior shots are not found but what can be garnered via the spy shots is that the cabin will be plush than most of its rivals. There will be soft-touch materials and the seat upholstery will be top-notch. We also believe that the plastic quality present on all three rows will be premium and will not give an idea of the cheap material used.
Feature-wise, the SUV is well equipped as it now gets a uni-screen layout that will house an infotainment unit in the middle and an instrument cluster for the driver. Other features like dual-zone climate control, auto-booster headlights, air purifier, multiple drive modes, Sony music system that will also have 3D sound effects will be observed.
When compared with the outgoing XUV500, the XUV700 really stands out. The former gets automatic climate control, projector headlights, a touchscreen infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an electric sunroof are some of the features the SUV packs. Again, With the new model is the clear winner of this part of our Mahindra XUV700 vs XUV500 comparison.
Manufacturer Warranty
The XUV500 comes with 3 years or 1 lakh km warranty. We believe that the upcoming XUV700 will closely follow the pattern and Mahindra might even give extended warranty packages that will be a convenient choice to potential buyers.
Prices
| Model | Price (ex-showroom, Delhi) |
| Mahindra XUV700 | Rs 15 lakh to Rs 21.10 lakh |
| Mahindra XUV500 | Rs 14.27 lakh to Rs 20.11 lakh |
The current-gen XUV500 is priced from Rs 14.27 lakh to Rs 20.11 lakh. It is available in four variants - W5, W7, W9 and W11(O). The automatic sticks to the last three variants only. The prices of the upcoming XUV700 are not yet out but we do believe that the expected price to stick between Rs 15 lakh to Rs 21.10 lakh. All prices stick to ex-showroom, Delhi.
So that was our Mahindra XUV700 vs XUV500 comparison for you and which one of these SUVs will you place your bets on? Do let us know your thoughts in the comment section below. We will be updating more information as we receive it. Also, follow our 91Wheels Whatsapp and 91Wheels Telegram group where we bring you all the latest updates related to the Indian Automotive Industry.
Do subscribe to our 91Wheels YouTube Channel where we bring you all the latest review videos, performance tests, mileage runs, headlight illumination tests and more.
