Mahindra has tactfully enriched its XUV700 lineup by rolling out a new AX7 variant with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), offering automotive enthusiasts a more attainable path to enhanced driving dynamics. This new iteration, tagged at ₹23.04 lakh (ex-showroom), lowers the financial barrier for AWD enthusiasts, previously restricted to the top-tier AX7L model.
By launching the AX7 AWD trim, Mahindra subtly reshuffles the deck, placing power and performance in the hands of a broader customer base without straying into luxury-level pricing. Buyers can also opt for the swanky Ebony Edition, coupling mechanical grit with a dark-themed aesthetic, though cosmetic tweaks remain minimal on the base AX7 AWD trim.
Mahindra XUV700 AX7 AWD
Under the chassis, no revolutions have been made—just trusted engineering. The AX7 AWD is energized by Mahindra’s familiar yet formidable 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine. This powertrain roars to life with 182 bhp at 3,500 rpm and produces a brawny torque of 450 Nm in the 1,750–2,800 rpm range.
This variant exclusively comes mated with a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. That pairing ensures refined shifts and efficient torque distribution—ideal for both urban slogs and trail escapades.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.2-litre mHawk Diesel |
| Power Output | 182 bhp @ 3,500 rpm |
| Torque | 450 Nm @ 1,750–2,800 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed Torque Converter Automatic |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) |
Features That Make the AX7 AWD Shine
Positioned just below the AX7L, the AX7 AWD doesn’t cut corners when it comes to features. This variant carries the gravitas of Mahindra’s Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), alongside practical and safety-centric add-ons like a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), side airbags, and the driver drowsiness alert feature—essential for long-haul journeys.
The cabin echoes a premium whisper with touches like leatherette seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shifter, and 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels that lend a graceful stance. Convenience features are abundant, striking a fine balance between sophistication and utility.
Highlight Features of AX7 AWD
- 6-way powered driver seat with welcome retract
- Auto booster LED headlamps for enhanced night visibility
- Air purifier for a cleaner cabin environment
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Co-driver ergo lever for quick adjustments
- One-touch smart-close driver window
- Steering-mounted audio and cruise controls
- Electrically foldable and adjustable ORVMs
- Rain-sensing wipers and auto headlamps
The AX7 AWD proves itself to be a practical yet plush choice for those who crave all-weather capability without forking over extra lakhs for the top trim.
Mahindra’s Meteoric Rise in South Africa
Away from Indian roads, Mahindra is burning rubber in Africa. With a staggering 40% year-over-year surge in monthly sales, Mahindra has become South Africa’s fastest-growing automotive marque. March 2025 was historic: the automaker breached the 2,000-unit mark with 2,253 vehicles sold—obliterating its earlier monthly record of 1,613.
Sales Records Broken in March 2025
| Category | Units Sold |
|---|---|
| Total Vehicles | 2,253 |
| SUV Segment | 1,000 |
| Pick-up Trucks (Bakkies) | 1,256 |
| Scorpio-N Deliveries | 145 |
Over the financial year ending March 2025, Mahindra chalked up an impressive tally of 15,088 vehicles, outperforming its own benchmarks and solidifying its eighth-place rank among automakers in South Africa.
Strategic Expansion
With big numbers comes bigger ambition. Mahindra is setting up a state-of-the-art assembly facility at the Dube Tradeport in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This new unit will replace its existing plant and promises an increased monthly output of over 1,000 vehicles—an upgrade from the current capacity of around 700 units.
This strategic expansion enhances Mahindra’s ability to cater to rising demand, particularly for its popular pick-up truck range. Vehicles like the XUV 3XO, Bolero, Scorpio N, and the newly introduced XUV700 are expected to roll off the new production lines, positioning Mahindra for sustained growth in the sub-Saharan market.
AWD and a Global Growth Story
Mahindra’s addition of the XUV700 AX7 AWD is a tactful maneuver—bringing off-road prowess to a broader demographic without diluting the core of the brand’s performance ethos. Paired with its meteoric expansion in Africa, Mahindra is steadily carving a path of accessible innovation and global relevance. For Indian buyers, this new variant offers rugged reliability without excess, and for the international market, Mahindra is proving it’s not just competing.
FAQs
What is the price of the new Mahindra XUV700 AX7 AWD?
The Mahindra XUV700 AX7 AWD is priced at ₹23.04 lakh (ex-showroom), making it a more accessible AWD option in the lineup.
Does the AX7 AWD variant offer petrol engine options?
No, the AX7 AWD variant is only available with a 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine and does not come with a petrol engine option.
What transmission does the Mahindra XUV700 AX7 AWD use?
The vehicle is equipped with a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission, paired exclusively with the diesel engine.
What features are included in the AX7 AWD variant?
The AX7 AWD comes with features such as ADAS, 6-way powered seat, dual-zone climate control, leatherette interiors, LED headlamps with Auto Booster, and more.
Where is Mahindra expanding its manufacturing facilities in Africa?
Mahindra is setting up a new advanced manufacturing hub at the Dube Tradeport in Durban, South Africa, replacing its older plant to support increased vehicle production.
