There are mornings when we find ourselves enveloped in metropolitan refinement, the cityscape sprawled before us while we sip our brewed coffee. Yet, there are also mornings when the call of the wild beckons us, urging us to escape the urban jungle and immerse ourselves in nature's raw splendour. And then, there are those rare days when we yearn for the best of both worlds. On such days, the Mahindra XUV700 comes to mind. But why?
Year after year, Mahindra has experienced remarkable sales and growth in customer satisfaction. Specifically, Mahindra has sold over 200,000 units of the XUV700 in just three years, shifting gears for the brand ever since its launch. Mahindra's new twin-peaks logo signifies this momentum, with the XUV700 being the first model in the Mahindra lineup to bear it proudly. To celebrate the SUV's third anniversary, Mahindra has sweetened the deal by offering the AX7 range starting at just ₹19.49 lakhs. However you look at it, the XUV700 has set the benchmark in its segment! But what makes it such a success?
To experience it firsthand, we embarked on a glamping trip—an unexplored concept we stumbled upon during one of our casual water cooler conversations at the office. For the uninitiated, glamping is glamorous camping. Picture an outdoor adventure sans the nuisance of mosquitoes or hygiene woes. Imagine returning from a day of hiking, exploring, or off-road driving and not having to set up camp. Instead, you simply sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in nature—comfortably! It's the perfect combination of luxury and adventure, similar to the Mahindra XUV700.
Stepping into the Mahindra XUV700 cabin feels akin to entering a high-end sedan with a refined atmosphere while offering an SUV's spaciousness and practicality. The door handles pop out, and the driver's seat moves back, making ingress and egress a breeze. The Adrenox OS infotainment system with Alexa built-in puts every command just a voice away, with a total of 83 connected car features for added convenience.
Practicality shines through with thoughtful touches like storing essential documents within the infotainment unit. The panoramic sunroof opened with a simple voice command, floods the cabin with natural light, enhancing the sense of space, especially for those in the third row. Additional tech amenities, including wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a wireless charging pad, and a memory driver's seat, offer a sophisticated and user-friendly driving experience.
Our glamping journey began in the bustling heart of Mumbai, where the vibrant cityscape and its frenetic energy set the stage for our adventure. Navigating the chaotic streets was surprisingly a breeze, thanks to the XUV700's impressively light steering, which made manoeuvring through the traffic effortless. Mahindra offers the SUV with a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine in two states of tune and a turbo petrol mill. For our journey, we opted for the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with the 6-speed automatic transmission, sending power to all four wheels. This powerhouse delivers an incredible 200 HP and 380 Nm of torque, making it the second most powerful car you can buy under the ₹25 lakh mark, just behind its sibling, the Mahindra Scorpio N.
This impressive power ensures a thrilling driving experience. The SUV transforms from a calm city cruiser to a tough performer on the open road, consistently plastering smiles on our faces. The six-speed gearbox ably downshifts, allowing the SUV to gallop ahead with a satisfying burst of torque. The independent suspension, equipped with frequency-selective dampers, ensures that the SUV remains composed at highway speeds while offering a quiet smooth ride on broken and uneven city roads.
Mahindra's commitment to engineering SUVs for every lifestyle is evident in the XUV700, which effortlessly bridges the gap between urban sophistication and rugged countryside readiness. Whether navigating the tight corners of city streets or cruising along scenic rural routes, the XUV700 delivers a dynamic and versatile driving experience that caters to all our adventuring needs, ensuring a smooth and confident ride on any terrain.
Leaving the urban chaos behind, the XUV700 indeed came into its own. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway offered a perfect stretch to test the XUV700's cruising abilities. The adaptive cruise control, a boon on long drives, maintained a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, allowing us to relax and soak in the passing scenery. It accelerated up to the set speed and decelerated if the car in front braked. It also gets lane keep assist, which ensures the SUV is in the centre of the lane on the express highway, providing a secure and stress-free driving experience.
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway was the perfect playground for the XUV700. With every passing kilometre, the vehicle seemed to become more comfortable in its element. The expansive lanes and smooth tarmac allowed us to truly feel the prowess of the engine and the comfort of the cabin. The panoramic sunroof added an extra touch of luxury, filling the interior with natural light and offering us a view of the clear blue sky above.
Soon, the city streets and highways were behind us, and the rugged terrain started as we ventured through the heart of Maharashtra, a region renowned for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. We made a detour to Lonavala, a hill station perched amidst lush greenery, and found ourselves at a waterfall to get some photos. Driving through the water wasn't challenging for the SUV, so we took a few minutes to absorb everything. The Deep Forest Green, one of the two special colours launched—made the XUV700 look picture-perfect amidst the monsoon greenery. The XUV700 has always been a handsome SUV with a butch stance, its vertical grille lines flanked by LED headlamps and DRLs. Sitting on 18-inch wheels, the XUV700 is unmistakable on the road.
Soon, we ventured onto winding country roads, which presented a different driving challenge. The XUV700 handled the change with ease. The suspension absorbed the bumps and dips, ensuring a smooth ride on uneven surfaces. The elevated driving position gave us a commanding view of the road ahead, and the intuitive infotainment system kept us connected and entertained throughout the journey.
Our adventure took us through quaint villages and sprawling fields, each turn revealing a new and breathtaking view. As we approached Khandala, the scenery became even more dramatic, with towering hills and deep valleys covered in a thick blanket of green. The air was crisp and fresh, a welcome change from the city's pollution and noise.
Reaching the waterfall was a highlight of our trip. Seeing the cascading water against the backdrop of verdant foliage was truly mesmerising. The XUV700's rugged capabilities were fully displayed as we navigated the rocky path leading to the falls. It was a moment of pure adventure that reminded us of the joys of exploring the great outdoors.
With the windows rolled down, we savoured the tranquillity of the outdoors, enjoying the serenity of nature without sacrificing modern-day comforts. The ventilated seats and dual-zone climate control setup kept us cool and comfortable, a perfect blend of luxury and convenience. Our destination was Moonstone Hammock, a glamping site nestled amidst nature in Shelu near Karjat. This idyllic retreat offers a perfect escape from the city's hustle and bustle, featuring luxury tents, various outdoor activities, and a peaceful environment.
Safety is not merely a feature but a cornerstone of the Mahindra XUV700's appeal. Boasting a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP, the vehicle is equipped with Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep assist, ensuring a secure and calming drive. An interior camera monitors for signs of drowsiness, reminding you to take a break when necessary. With seven airbags, ABS, ESP, and a robust monocoque structure, the XUV700 stands out as one of the safest cars in the country, providing you with an unparalleled sense of security and peace of mind.
As we drove through the rain-soaked roads, the XUV700's all-weather capabilities truly shone. The SUV's rain-sensing wipers ensured clear visibility, even in heavy downpours, and the headlights automatically adjusted their intensity based on the ambient light, making nighttime driving safer and more comfortable. These features, combined with the SUV's robust build and all-wheel-drive system, make it a reliable companion in all weather conditions.
After hours of navigating Mumbai's notorious traffic, braving the downpour on the highway, and tackling rugged paths, we finally arrived at Moonstone Hammock. The journey, though long, had been one of comfort and adventure, a testament to the XUV700's resilience and grit. Moonstone Hammock welcomed us with open arms. The glamping site was a haven of tranquillity, with luxurious tents set against lush greenery and a serene river flowing nearby. The tents featured comfortable beds, clean linens, and all the requested amenities, offering the perfect combination of nature and comfort. As night fell, the sounds of nature harmonised with tunes from the 12 Sony speakers with 3D audio. The XUV700 stood under the starlit sky, as we called it, a night on day one.
The next day, we explored the surrounding wilderness, and the XUV700 was the perfect companion. Thanks to its all-wheel drive and robust off-road capabilities, it efficiently handled the rough terrain, quickly conquering all the trails. The sturdy suspension and potent engine ensured we always had the power we needed, even on steep inclines. These off-road capabilities solidified the XUV700 as our vehicle of choice for this adventure.
We stopped by another picturesque waterfall, its cascading waters creating a symphony of sounds that soothe the soul. The XUV700's spacious boot easily accommodated our gear, and we enjoyed a delightful meal amidst nature's bounty. By folding the rear seats flat, the SUV provided ample space for all our gear. As we drove deeper into the forest, the air was filled with the earthy scent of wet soil and the cheerful chirping of birds. The XUV700 navigated the narrow trails precisely thanks to a 360-degree view, and its traction control system ensured that we maintained grip even on slippery surfaces. The panoramic sunroof offered an unobstructed view of the towering trees above, adding to the sense of adventure. Returning to Moonstone Hammock, we indulged in the luxuries of glamping. The site offered a range of activities, from kayaking on the river to guided nature walks.
After a day of exploring, we unwound by the campfire, sharing stories under the starlit sky. As all good things ended, so did our glamping adventure. Reflecting on our journey with the Mahindra XUV700, we realised it bridges the gap between the urban jungle and the wilderness, between luxury and ruggedness. For those who seek the best of both worlds, the XUV700 is an ideal choice. The drive back to Mumbai was contemplative. The XUV700, with its refined powertrain, handling, and luxurious interiors, made the return journey just as enjoyable as the outbound one. We couldn't help but appreciate the SUV's versatility as we approached the city. Mahindra has always been synonymous with rugged, reliable SUVs, but with the XUV700, they've taken a significant step into luxury and tech. The vehicle's inside and out design reflects this evolution, setting it apart from the competition. Whether navigating the city streets or exploring the great outdoors, the XUV700 was the perfect companion for any adventure.
Outdoor Partner - Moonstone Hammock
