Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition, 1 Year Later: Is it Worth It?

The Mahindra XUV700 was the car that put us on the map at CarSauce, capturing attention when we first reviewed it a year ago. Today, we're back with the 2025 Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition, a top-of-the-range offering that's not just about looks but delivers some genuine substance beyond its new paint job.

Mahindra has clearly aimed to enhance both the aesthetic appeal and the overall experience of the XUV700 with this new edition, which is why we're taking an in-depth look at all aspects of the vehicle after a year of driving.

Pricing

Mahindra has made the XUV700 Black Edition the pinnacle of the range, coming in at $43,990 drive away. Yes, it's pricier than the AX7L variant, which itself costs $39,990 drive away, but it justifies its additional cost with a slew of aesthetic and practical upgrades that make it a compelling option for those looking for something more exclusive.

Compared to its rivals, the Black Edition's price point is still very competitive. The additions included in the Black Edition add a lot of value for the price—features like cooled seats, a premium blacked-out aesthetic, and other practical enhancements.

Mahindra has managed to pack in enough upgrades to ensure the Black Edition offers a premium experience without an exorbitant price tag.

What Does the Black Edition Exclusively Get?

In addition to the regular XUV700, the Black Edition offers:

• Exclusive Napoli Black paint
• Blacked-out grille, roof rails, and wheels
• Cooled seats
• Full black interior
• Mirror memory functionality
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Exterior Impressions

The exclusive Napoli Black paint is a highlight of the Black Edition, giving the XUV700 a stealthy, imposing presence. The deep black finish contrasts beautifully with the gloss and matte black accents found around the vehicle.

The removal of chrome in favor of blacked-out elements, such as the grille, roof rails, and wheels, provides a sleek and cohesive aesthetic that feels well-executed.

From the front, the XUV700 Black Edition makes a strong visual statement. The redesigned blacked-out grille with the signature Twin Peaks badge in chrome is bold and eye-catching. The sequential LED indicators are a sophisticated touch, reminiscent of features often seen in more expensive vehicles.

The side profile is equally impressive, with its sporty black wheels and minimalist styling. The pop-out door handles add a touch of modernity, while the black roof rails complement the overall theme, making the XUV700 Black Edition appear more rugged and ready for adventure.

At the rear, the XUV700 features 3D-effect taillights that provide a modern touch, and the overall design of the back end is clean and uncluttered. The subtle spoiler and the absence of excessive badging ensure that the sleek black theme remains uninterrupted.

Interior Impressions

Stepping inside the XUV700 Black Edition, it's evident that Mahindra has put effort into making the cabin feel more upscale. The all-black interior is an immediate contrast to the previous white trim, which was arguably polarising for some who prefer a more subdued look. The darker interior not only adds a premium touch but is also more practical for families, as it hides wear and stains better.

The seats are upholstered in faux leather that is surprisingly convincing, providing a soft and comfortable seating experience. The cooled seats are a standout feature that adds an extra level of comfort, especially in warmer climates. The seats also have memory functionality, which makes it easier for different drivers to find their perfect driving position without any hassle.

The dashboard is adorned with soft-touch materials in the areas where it matters most. There is a large panoramic sunroof, which, when open, floods the cabin with natural light, adding to the sense of space and airiness. This sunroof practically turns the XUV700 into a convertible-like experience, perfect for scenic drives.

Mahindra’s Adreno X infotainment system is one of the better systems available in this segment. It features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the touch response is quick, with minimal lag.

The fact that Mahindra shares a screen supplier with Mercedes-Benz is evident in the high-resolution displays, which look sharp and modern. The infotainment system can also be controlled via a rotary dial, providing additional convenience.

Other thoughtful touches in the interior include the cooled center console storage, multiple charging ports (including USB-C), and large door pockets for additional storage. The inclusion of memory-linked mirrors enhances convenience, particularly for families with multiple drivers.

Practicality

As a seven-seat SUV, practicality is one of the XUV700's key selling points. Despite its relatively compact length of under 4.7 meters, Mahindra has made excellent use of the interior space.

With all three rows up, the XUV700 still provides over 200 liters of boot space—sufficient for a few small bags or groceries, making it functional even with a full load of passengers.

Folding down the third row is straightforward, and once folded, the boot space expands significantly. The flat load floor makes it easy to load and unload bulky items. This versatility makes the XUV700 a great choice for families who need flexibility from their vehicle—whether it’s transporting kids, luggage, or a combination of both.

The second-row seats are designed to offer a comfortable ride, with ample headroom, legroom, and foot space. The high seating position also means that passengers get a great view out, which is especially appreciated on longer journeys.

The stadium seating effect, where the second row sits higher than the front, also improves visibility for rear passengers.

Access to the third row is made easy by a simple folding mechanism for the second-row seats. While the third row is not the most spacious, it is adequate for children or adults on short trips. In a pinch, you can seat seven adults, but the third row is best suited for younger passengers.

What's Under the Bonnet?

Powering the XUV700 Black Edition is a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that delivers 149.2 kW of power and 380 Nm of torque. This engine is capable of providing a good blend of performance and efficiency.

It's mated to a six-speed Aisin torque converter automatic transmission, which delivers smooth shifts and helps the vehicle feel more refined compared to rivals that use less sophisticated gearboxes.

The turbocharged engine ensures that the XUV700 has enough power on tap for overtaking on highways and accelerating from a stop. With a 0-100 km/h time of 9.17 seconds, the XUV700 Black Edition is no slouch.

While it’s not the fastest in its class, this level of performance is more than adequate for an SUV of this size, especially when considering its practicality.

The Aisin torque converter is a well-regarded unit that contributes to the smooth and predictable driving experience. Unlike dual-clutch transmissions, which can sometimes be jerky at lower speeds, the torque converter ensures seamless gear changes, making the XUV700 easy to drive in a variety of conditions, from city traffic to open highways.

Driving Impressions

After a year of driving the XUV700, we remain impressed with how well it handles different driving situations. The suspension setup strikes an ideal balance between comfort and handling.

It’s firm enough to provide confidence when cornering, with minimal body roll, yet compliant enough to absorb most road imperfections with ease. This makes the XUV700 Black Edition suitable for both city and highway driving.

On the highway, the XUV700 shines with its ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) features. The adaptive cruise control works well, maintaining a safe distance from vehicles ahead, while the lane-keeping assist is subtle and not overly intrusive.

This makes long-distance driving much less tiring, and we look forward to pushing these features further in our upcoming 12-hour road trip.

The electric power steering is light enough for easy maneuverability around town but gains enough weight at higher speeds to provide a good sense of control. The overall ride quality is comfortable, and even on rougher surfaces, the XUV700 feels planted.

The combination of the powerful turbocharged engine and well-tuned suspension makes it feel nimble for a vehicle of this size.

Fuel efficiency is another aspect where the XUV700 performs admirably. With an average consumption of 10.2 litres per 100 km, it manages to keep fuel costs in check, especially given its power output and seven-seat capacity.

During our spirited testing, the vehicle held up well, delivering reasonable efficiency figures despite the frequent use of full throttle.

Final Thoughts

After one year, our verdict remains largely unchanged: the Mahindra XUV700 is one of the best value-for-money seven-seat SUVs currently available in Australia. It combines practicality, comfort, and performance at a price point that undercuts many of its competitors.

The Black Edition takes this winning formula and elevates it with a host of exclusive features, making it even more desirable.

The exclusive blacked-out styling, cooled seats, and enhanced interior give the XUV700 Black Edition a premium feel that makes it stand out. While there are still some areas for improvement—such as better tires or the addition of heated seats—the overall package is difficult to fault given the price.

If you’re seeking a seven-seat SUV that looks great, drives well, and offers plenty of features, the XUV700 Black Edition is worth a serious look. It delivers an impressive blend of style, practicality, and value, proving that Mahindra can compete with the best in this segment.

If you want to buy one of these or simply want the best deal possible on your next car, visit CarSauce Buy, and our team will help you secure the best deal available.