Mahindra XUV 700: The automotive space in India saw a new development this week after Mahindra & Mahindra introduced its highly-anticipated Black Theme Edition of its popular premium SUV, the XUV 700.
This strategic launch builds on the back of the recent success dark themed editions that are adding to the XUV500 and the Scorpio range are enjoying, with discerning buyers seeking experiences that enhance their individual lifestyles.
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Mahindra XUV 700 A Bold New Avatar
Mahindra XUV 700 The new Black Theme Edition of the XUV 700 is Mahindra’s answer to the changing tastes of car buyers who prefer dramatic understated looks.
Resized body sections and commanding not-so-subtle road stance have been retained from the original XUV 700 success story, while introducing a more sophisticated monotone treatment to provide it more gravitas and mass appeal from the outside.
Exterior Enhancements
The first thing that will catch your eye with the Black Theme Edition is the finish it has on the outside. Vehicle is painted in deep midnight black with a metal flake that makes the color look different depending on how the light is.
He has real working headlights and just enough metallic flake to change the color at different angles. To offset this main color, it has dark chrome detail replacing the bright chrome trim typical on all the others.
Notable exterior changes consist of:
Highly reflective black front grille finish and dark chrome inserts
Mahindra logo treated with dark metallic finish if viewed on contrast ratio > 60:1 or if viewed on contrast ratio > 100:1
Smoked headlamp and foglight assemblies
Roof rails and windows frames in black
Unique geometric designed all-black 18-inch wheels
Dark chrome door handles and tailgate garnish
Blacked out twin exhaust tips
Interior Sophistication
The dark theme inside the cabin gives you that cocooned feel which is nothing short of luxurious and exclusive. The interior features:
High-end black leatherette cover with accent stitching in gray
Dark brushed aluminum appliqu??s on dashboard and door panels
Black headliner and pillar trims Other options The new Vios is packed with automated functions to ensure everybody a comfortable ride.
Lighted scuff plates with the “Black Edition” script
Special edition floor mats with prominent piping
Ambient light system with interchangeable color choices
Technological Features
The interior of the Black Theme Edition carries forward the world-class technology appeal associated with the XUV 700, offering unique personalization choices.
Two 10.25-inch screens with unique dark mode interface
Highway and Traffic Assistant Systems on ADAS
Apple Car Play and Android Auto Wireless Connectivity
Upgraded 12 speakers Harman Kardon sound system
Tinted panoramic roof with increased UV protection
360 degree around view camera system
Cooler fan for wireless charging pad
Mechanical Consistency
Mechanically, the Black Theme Edition retains the successful set of powertrain options from the standard XUV 700:
2.0-litre mStallion turbo petrol producing 200 PS and 380 Nm of torque
2.2 mHawk oil burner offered in various levels of power, with the higher offering 185 PS and 450 Nm torque
The only transmission options available are a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic.
But that suspension setup has apparent been fettled with by Mahindra engineers and tuned for a mildly firmer ride, which only adds to the dynamically sporty character that goes along with the visual attitude of the Black Theme.
Mahindra XUV 700 Market Positioning
According to industry watchers, the Black Theme Edition is yet another strategic intervention for Mahindra to fortify its position in the premium SUV space.
The special edition is presented as a car in exclusive investment value with limited production, so as to give a sense of rarity to the purchase requirement of demanding customers.
Pricing is around 3-5% higher for the Black Theme versions than the standard equivalent models, making it a more aspirational choice in the range.
Consumer Response
The early reaction to the Black Theme Edition has been very strong; there’s been widespread press coverage and dealers were very quickly fielding inquiries.
The unveiling — timed to coincide with the holiday season — suggests an effort to leverage on a relatively strong sales season in the Indian car market.
On social media automotive fans have especially complimented the integrated details that spread the black effect across the car, rather than just focusing on the surface level.
Competitive Landscape
The arrival of the Black Theme Edition seems to be in response to the company’s rivals launching similar versions in the high-end SUV space.
Dark editions seem to be all the rage across segments these days, and Mahindra’s decision to offer the XUV700 in a blacked-out avatar seems to be the automaker’s away of giving the model a modern, contemporary appeal and better establishing the XUV700 as a premium product.
Mahindra XUV 700 Future Implications
Mahindra XUV 700 According to analysts, the favourable response to the Black Theme Edition may impact Mahindra’s strategy for special editions for all its products.
Providing visually differentiated models, with minimum mechanical changes, is also a cost-effective method to prolong the product lifecycle and keep the consumer interested between full model changes.
The XUV 700 Black Theme Edition is a symbol of the transformation of Mahindra, from a maker of utility vehicles to a creator of sophisticated and lifestyle oriented premium products that have the potential to build huge levels of brand pull and price premiums in an increasingly crowded market.
