Mahindra XUV700 Facelift Spotted Testing: In a development that’s sure to excite SUV enthusiasts across India, Mahindra has officially begun road-testing the facelift version of its blockbuster SUV, the XUV700, expected to hit the market in 2026. A test mule of the updated SUV was recently spotted for the first time on Indian roads, and while it remains heavily camouflaged, some key design and feature changes have already begun to surface.
Launched in 2021, the Mahindra XUV700 turned the tides for the homegrown automaker, thanks to its futuristic features, bold design, and aggressive pricing. Now, with the SUV segment heating up, Mahindra is preparing to revamp its best-seller with a fresh new look and a tech-laden cabin, possibly branding it under a new name — the XUV7XO — in line with its evolving naming strategy.
Design Changes: A Sharper Identity
The test vehicle reveals that the XUV700 facelift will feature a redesigned front end, including a new grille, reworked headlamps with updated DRLs, and a revised front bumper for a bolder road presence. The updated DRLs appear to have a more modern signature that may help distinguish the facelifted version from the outgoing model.
However, the side profile remains largely unchanged, preserving the strong stance and character lines of the current model. The rear changes are yet to be revealed, but subtle tweaks to the taillamps and bumper design can be expected.
Premium Tech & Interior Upgrades
Mahindra isn’t holding back when it comes to elevating the cabin experience. The 2026 XUV700 facelift will reportedly get a triple-screen dashboard layout, a design direction that’s been seen on luxury electric SUVs and concept vehicles globally.
Some of the highlight features expected include:
- Improved Level 2 ADAS suite with enhanced safety functions
- Rear ventilated seats (for the six-seater variant)
- Sun blinds for added rear-seat comfort
- Infinity glass roof with ambient lighting
- Auto park assist, borrowed from Mahindra’s EV lineup
- More connected features and over-the-air updates
These additions would further push the XUV700 towards a more premium space, competing with even higher-segment SUVs in terms of features and technology.
No Changes Under the Hood
Despite all the cosmetic and tech enhancements, the powertrains are expected to remain unchanged. Mahindra will likely retain the tried-and-tested 2.0L turbo-petrol and 2.2L diesel engines, both mated to 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions. These engines have proven their mettle in both urban and rugged terrains, offering a balance of performance and efficiency.
When Will It Launch?
Mahindra has targeted a 2026 launch for the facelifted model, and with testing now underway, more prototypes are expected to be spotted in the coming months. This early testing phase suggests Mahindra is taking a thoughtful approach to refining its flagship SUV, possibly launching it in the first half of 2026.
If the XUV7XO name becomes official, it would reflect Mahindra’s strategy of distinguishing major updates with identity shifts — a move that could also refresh customer interest and create new market buzz.
The Mahindra XUV700 facelift, or the ‘XUV7XO’ as it may be called, is shaping up to be a significant leap in the brand’s SUV evolution. While it continues to deliver on mechanical reliability, it’s the interior tech, premium comfort, and modernized design that could redefine its place in the Indian SUV hierarchy.
With increasing competition from brands like Tata, Hyundai, and MG, Mahindra’s move to update the XUV700 seems perfectly timed. As we inch closer to its launch window, auto enthusiasts can expect a slow reveal of features and design elements, leading up to what could be one of the most anticipated launches of 2026.Mahindra XUV700
