2024 Mahindra XUV 3XO review - new name, new appeal?

For many, the sub-four-metre SUV segment is the new entry point to car ownership. So for Mahindra, a firm that deals exclusively in utility vehicles, to be the fifth largest player in this segment is something that can be bettered. The XUV300 has been a steady seller, but it's clear that a major shake-up was needed here. The Mahindra XUV3XO, effectively the mid-life update to the XUV300, is meant to be that shake-up.

2024 Mahindra XUV 3XO Styling, boot space

Heavy styling flourishes seem to be the new norm in this segment, and Mahindra seems to have fully embraced this if the XUV 3XO's new face is anything to go by. It's the new XUV family look which lends this already wide SUV a wider flatter stance from the front. The oversized LED lighting with the big C-shaped LED motifs draws a good deal of attention but is neatly executed within the shaper contours of the bumper. The split grille with the heavy gloss black follows this theme as does the new bonnet. The latter is also meant to further improve visibility. As with many other SUVs in this segment, it's a theme that will divide opinion.

In profile, not much has changed. You now have 17-inch wheels, a segment-first, which makes for a fuller look. The reworked wheel arches, roof rails and C-pillar panels help, as does the heavy dose of gloss-black, but that abrupt look of the XUV300 still hasn't been fully tackled. The rear is again a notable change with the sharper angles to the new boot lid and the more prominent spoiler. The now quite common full-width lighting makes an appearance, which makes for a cleaner look than before. Keeping with the sharper theme, you have a new bumper design here to round things off.

Boot space is now 295L. When measured to the roof, this goes to 364L, with the slight increases coming from some changes to interior trim in this space. It's still a high lip but a useful enough space for a family's weekend luggage. A pair of hooks and a 60:40 function add to the functionality.

2024 Mahindra XUV 3XO Interiors, space, practicality

The interiors of the Mahindra XUV 3XO will be familiar if you've seen the new XUV400. It's still not the most contemporary-looking space, but a good deal of modernity comes from the new centre console with the touchscreen housing, horizontal vents and new switchgear. The flowing look to the dash with the gloss black bands are done well, but a more effective change seems to be the new soft materials and stitching on the dash top and doors. These have improved the sense of quality inside the XUV 3XO as has the new perforated upholstery.

You also get the new Mahindra steering wheel from the XUV700 that's large and quite pleasant to hold. But we think Mahindra could have gone further and redone some of the plastic textures in the lower half of the dash and also gotten rid of some of those slim drive mode buttons that have still been carried over.

While the redone central tunnel doesn't have much storage, you have some massive door bins that will hold a good deal of stuff. The switches and knobs for the new dual-zone climate control are easy to use on the move and you have physical redundancies for most functions. There are also a good deal of charging options, including a wireless charger as well as 65W Type-C charging. But the swatches of gloss black will require more care than usual to keep clean.

Another significant update is the new infotainment system, again similar to the XUV700 and XUV400. You now have a 10.25-inch touchscreen that is fairly slick to use and logically laid out, even if it may not be the best in the segment. We also would have liked a brighter theme. The 10.25-inch driver's display is clear and offers up a good detail of information logically. It's easy to toggle through menus and you also have various layout options that make life easier and are quite a rich feeling.

One of the biggest draws of the XUV 3XO continues to be the rear seat, given the original platform's C-segment origins. The 2,600mm wheelbase and wide cabin make this a usable space for three adults at the back. There's a good deal of knee and leg space, thigh support is also good unlike many others in this segment. We would have liked better contours for the seats, the flat base is functional but can get tiring over long journeys. While the seatback has a comfortable recline angle, some may not like the strong lumbar support.

The light upholstery is a good complement to these traits and the panoramic sunroof, another segment-first, adds to this feeling. The glass doesn't extend too far back, so headroom isn't hampered as much as you'd expect.

2024 Mahindra XUV 3XO Features & safety

Equipment and tech seem to have become big disruptors in this segment, so it's no surprise that the XUV 3XO comes with its share of headlining kits. You have segment firsts like the panoramic sunroof and dual-zone air-conditioning, as well as a 7-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system. You also get auto-headlamps and wipers, Adrenox connected tech, leatherette upholstery and LED lighting. Some misses are telescopic steering adjustment, ventilated seats and a PM2.5 air filter.

The XUV 3XO has a strong base to go work off in terms of safety, with the XUV300 already being 5-star rated by Global NCAP. You now get level 2 ADAS and 360-degree cameras with a blind-view function. The feed is clear enough for the regular cameras but the blind view function doesn't quite give you a wide view, which isn't helped by a grainy feed. Standard safety features include six airbags, all-wheel disc brakes and a new quicker-reacting stability control system from the XUV700.

2024 Mahindra XUV 3XO Driving impressions

Start driving the XUV 3XO and what hasn't changed is that big SUV feel from behind the wheel. You sit quite high up and have a wide view out. The great visibility from here makes tackling traffic especially stress-free. The wide seats will also work for many, but we would have liked better contouring for longer journeys.

Lesser variants of the XUV 3XO get a 1.2-litre 112PS/200 Nm turbo-petrol while the newer 1.2-litre direct-injection turbo has been brought over too with its 130PS and 230 Nm, the over-boost function taking this up to 250 Nm. Both the petrol now get an Aisin-sourced 6-speed torque converter auto. The 1.5-litre turbo-diesel continues with its 117PS/300 Nm and 6-speed AMT. A 6-speed manual is available with all engine options.

Unlike many competitors, the direct injection turbo-petrol is impressively refined. It's quiet at city speeds and there's not much in the way of vibrations. At higher revs, this turns into a pleasant growl quite unlike its three-cylinder rivals. Paired with the new auto performance from a standstill is smooth, but you are caught out by a somewhat dull performance before the boost fully comes around 2,000 rpm. This is most noticed at medium city speeds where you need a good shove at the pedal to trigger a downshift and get up to speed.

It's best to be smooth at these times, given the quite potent surge that comes after this lull. We think a sport gearbox mode would have been a good addition in these situations. But getting past this seems to bring the drivetrain into its sweet spot. There's quite an exciting surge of torque, especially for a sub-four-metre SUV. It settles into a flatter but still strong acceleration in the higher reaches of the rev band. So progress at higher speeds is especially smooth. The gearbox also seems to be more alert at this time, which combined with its soft smooth shifts makes for a clean experience.

You do get drive modes, which change engine response and steering heft, but we would best stick to the lower ZIp and Zap modes in regular driving. The top Zoom mode can be a bit peaky and is probably best reserved for spirited driving.

Mahindra has also reworked the suspension tune with this update, adding a variable damping system. These have been quite effective, and make the XUV 3XO feel far better tied down than the XUV300 ever did. So while the ride is now a touch firmer at low speeds over broken sections, a soft edge to this means that you never really feel uncomfortable. This becomes smoother still as speeds increase and the XUV 3XO's wide track also makes it feel quite planted for this segment. Also, unchanged is that tough demeanour over rough roads where the XUV 3XO feels like it will take a good deal of punishment.

This also leads to the XUV 3XO now feeling much more sure-footed around corners. The body roll is better controlled and the car's movements are now smoother and more progressive, bringing it closer to the top in this segment. This ties in well with its good highway manners, where you can carry quite high speed around banked turns. The steering heft is well judged too now, it weighs up naturally across the modes, although we still would have liked for it to be more direct. Also better would have been a more progressive brake pedal.

2024 Mahindra XUV 3XO Price, Verdict

Priced between Rs 7.49 lakh and Rs 15.49 lakh, the Mahindra XUV 3XO should become a stronger contender in the sub-four-metre SUV segment. Yes, we would have liked a slightly smooth drivetrain at low speeds and the looks might still polarise opinion. But the long list of features and safety equipment, comfortable cabin and the far improved dynamic character will be a draw for a wider section of buyers.

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