Mahindra has begun dispatching the entry-level AX variant of the XUV7XO, available in petrol and diesel with a 6-speed manual gearbox only.
Despite its base positioning, the AX variant retains a triple 12.3-inch screen layout, six airbags, and cruise control as standard.
Mahindra launched the all-new XUV7XO in January this year, but for the first several months, deliveries were focused squarely on the upper rungs of the variant ladder, the AX7, AX7L, and AX7T. That has now changed.
The company has commenced dispatches of the base AX variant, opening up the XUV7XO to a wider pool of buyers who have been waiting for a more accessible entry point into what has become one of India's strongest-selling large SUVs.
In the competitive 4.5m to 4.8m SUV segment, the XUV7XO currently holds second place on the sales charts, with a market share exceeding 23 per cent. That figure speaks to the model's traction with Indian buyers, and the addition of an entry-level variant is only likely to strengthen its position further.
AX Variant Prices and Powertrain
The XUV7XO AX petrol is priced at Rs 13.66 lakh, while the AX diesel comes in at Rs 14.96 lakh (both prices ex-showroom). Both are available exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Buyers seeking an automatic transmission will need to step up to the AX7 or a higher variant.
Exterior Features of the XUV7XO AX
Front and Side Design Elements
At the front, the base AX variant shares several visual elements with its higher-spec siblings. Bi-LED projector headlamps with integrated DRLs, a signature gloss black grille, and a silver garnish on the lower front bumper all feature on the entry trim. What it does miss out on is a handful of functional additions, namely the ADAS radar, front camera, parking sensors, LED fog lamps, and cornering lights.
On the sides, the AX sits on 17-inch steel wheels with silver-finish wheel covers, a noticeable step down from the 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels found on the AX7 and the 19-inch units reserved for the flagship variant.
Flush door handles are present, though they do not open automatically, and the window line gets a gloss black treatment. The ORVMs are electrically adjustable but do not fold electrically.
Rear End of the Base Variant
Towards the rear, the XUV7XO AX features a shark fin antenna, a roof-mounted spoiler, and LED taillights. However, buyers will find no rear wiper, washer, defogger, or reversing camera at this trim level.
Interior and Equipment on the AX Trim
Despite sitting at the bottom of the range, the XUV7XO AX is notably well-appointed on the inside. The headline feature is the coast-to-coast triple-screen layout, made up of three 12.3-inch displays, a setup that would not look out of place in a variant costing considerably more.
The infotainment system supports Adrenox, Alexa with ChatGPT integration, and both wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Smartwatch connectivity is also included, alongside Type-C and Type-A charging ports and a 12V charging point in the third row.
Other noteworthy inclusions are the DAVINCI suspension system, electric power steering, push-button start, a tyre position display, cruise control, all four power windows, and rear AC vents for both the second and third rows.
Safety on the Base AX
The safety kit is genuinely robust for a base variant. Six airbags come as standard, along with electronic stability control, traction control, hill hold control, hill descent control, and cruise control. The omissions compared to higher trims are ADAS, auto headlamps, and rain-sensing wipers.
For buyers working within a budget but unwilling to compromise on space, safety, or technology, the XUV7XO AX makes a compelling case for itself.
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