I still remember the first time I saw an XUV700. Those C-shaped DRLs looked futuristic, like the SUV was winking at every car around it. Now, after four years of turning heads, the XUV700 is getting a facelift and from what I’ve seen in spy shots, it’s going to look even sharper.

A Sharper Face, A More Aggressive Stance

From the front, the updated grille is the first thing that catches your eye. The new vertical slats give it a bold, upright look while the redesigned LED headlamps with a revised DRL signature look alive when lit. Even the bumpers look more muscular, like the SUV is flexing a little harder. At the back, the tail lamps could stretch into a connected LED bar, a design touch that’s so in these days.

Premium Feel Inside

Step inside and this is where the XUV700 facelift feels like it has jumped a generation. The much-talked about triple-screen setup is expected to debut, spreading across the dashboard like a digital cockpit from the future. Imagine the driver, co-passenger and central infotainment having their own dedicated screens. It’s the kind of thing that makes you go wow.

I’m also hearing about a new Harman/Kardon sound system replacing the current Sony unit. For someone like me who spends hours driving with playlists on, that’s the kind of detail that makes a cabin feel alive. Add in a powered co-passenger seat and auto-dimming IRVM and you start seeing how Mahindra wants the SUV to feel more premium and complete this time.

Power That Stays The Same

Under the hood, Mahindra seems to be keeping things familiar. The same 2.0L turbo-petrol and 2.2L turbo-diesel engines should continue with both manual and automatic gearboxes. For many that’s good news. The engines have already proven themselves to be reliable and strong performers. The AWD option on select diesel trims should carry over too, making it a great highway cruiser and weekend adventurer.

The Big Picture

Expected to debut in early 2026, the facelifted XUV700 will likely carry a small price hike, starting around ₹15 lakh (ex-showroom). But given the refreshed design, upgraded interiors, and added features, it feels like Mahindra is setting up the XUV700 to remind everyone why it became a blockbuster SUV in the first place.