Driven | Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition
Black is beautiful right? Meet the Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition
I slid into the all-black Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition, this seven-seater SUV looks mean and packs the kind of confidence that turns heads. Welcome to the dark and stylish Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition.
What’s New on the XUV700 Black Edition?
Mahindra’s Black Edition oil-slick upgrade sits at the top of the XUV700 lineup, blending premium trim with a dramatic aesthetic. Available only as the AX7L seven-seater, it’s priced at R627,900, about R28k more than the standard AX7L. Key upgrades include a Napoli Black exterior, black 18-inch alloy wheels, and an all-black grille instead of the usual chrome. The powertrain remains the same; a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine delivering 149 kW and 380 Nm, linked to a six-speed automatic driving the front wheels. You still get top-tier safety and tech: think 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitor, seven airbags, wireless charging, and a 12-speaker Sony sound system.
Exterior
Napoli Black is the new “I mean business.” The Black Edition wears it confidently from grille to tailgate. The boomerang-style LED daytime running lamps and full LEDs frame that dark grille, while functional air intakes, blacked-out 18-inch rims, pop out door handles, and camera-equipped mirrors complete the aggressive look you can’t ignore. The rear-end flairs with pointy 3D taillights, spoiler, and 360° camera setup, giving it the kind of menacing charm.
Interior
Slide inside, and the drama continues but in a classy way. Gone is the light-colour leatherette of other trims. Here, it’s deep black, well-stitched, and family-friendly. Mahindra wisely skipped white interiors this time, because c’mon, no one wants white leather and kids in the back. The dual 10.25” screens for driver and infotainment are intuitive, and wireless CarPlay/Android Auto is a modern must-have. There’s dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, and hey, those rear seats recline and have cup holders, and the third row has its own climate control—so yes, road trips just got comfier. Only gripe? Ventilated front seats without heating, impressive for summer, not so much forSouth Africa's winter drizzle.
Engine / Driving Impressions
Under the bonnet sits a 2.0L turbo petrol that’s as confident as its looks—149 kW and 380 Nm isn’t shy. That six-speed automatic sends torque to the front wheels, and shifts smoothly. There’s a slight think-before-power moment—like a deep breath before the sprin but once it lands, acceleration hits like that first sip of your morning coffee. Steering is light, making city driving a breeze, but it takes a beat for the heavier-feedback fans to get used to. Suspension? Mahindra’s frequency-selective dampers soak up our crazy South African roads with dignity. Fuel-wise, I averaged around 9.8 L/100 km, and with a 60L tank, its 600 km range feels clutch for long drives. Throttle response is not perfect, sometimes a bit jittery but in the bigger picture, it’s still a very solid drive.
Pricing
Here’s the money talk: the Black Edition starts at R627,900, perched above the AX7L’s R599,999. Even so, you’re getting exclusive styling, top-spec tech, and family-ready practicality for that small premium, it actually lands strong on the value scale.
Rivals
In the seven-seat game, the Hyundai Alcazar and Tata Harrier 8 are hot on its tail—both priced between roughly R500k–700k, depending on trim. The Alcazar might offer more refinement inside, but lacks the visual bravado of the Black Edition. The XUV700 outguns both with sharper styling, more features, and, dare I say, more swagger.
Conclusion
So, is the Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition the black drip of SUVs? For me, yes—absolutely. It’s not just a seven-seater; it’s a statement that says, “I want comfort, I want tech, but I also want to look like a boss doing it.” Bold, practical, and unapologetically confident—Mahindra, you’ve cooked up something special here.
