Hold onto your hats, India! Mahindra has just lobbed a serious contender into the fiercely competitive compact SUV ring, and it’s packing serious style, tech, and value. The XUV 3XO isn’t just a refresh; it feels like a statement. Promising a bold new look, features often reserved for pricier segments, and a price tag that demands attention, is this the new king of the affordable urban jungle? Let’s dive in.
A Head-Turning Makeover: Design That Demands Attention
Gone is the slightly conservative stance of its predecessor. The XUV 3XO bursts onto the scene with a dramatically redesigned front end. The standout feature? A striking new LED light bar stretching across the width, flanked by distinctive vertical LED headlamps – it’s instantly recognizable, especially at night. The grille is bolder, the bumper more sculpted, and the overall silhouette carries a more confident, planted stance. Around the back, connected LED taillights echo the front’s modern theme, while new alloy wheel designs add to the fresh appeal. Mahindra aimed for maximum road presence, and they’ve largely succeeded. It looks substantially more premium and contemporary than the car it replaces.
Stepping Inside: Tech Takes Center Stage
Open the door, and the transformation continues. The interior is a significant leap forward. Dominating the dashboard is a large, crisp 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system – Mahindra’s latest AdrenoX interface. It’s responsive, feature-packed (including wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), and finally feels truly competitive. Complementing this is a fully digital 10.25-inch driver’s display, offering multiple configurations and crisp graphics. The dual-tone theme, improved materials, and thoughtful ambient lighting elevate the cabin feel well beyond its price point. Key highlights include ventilated front seats (a segment rarity), a panoramic sunroof, a wireless phone charger, and a powerful 7-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Mahindra has loaded the 3XO with goodies usually found in cars costing lakhs more.
Powertrains: Familiar Yet Capable Options
Under the hood, the XUV 3XO carries forward Mahindra’s proven engine lineup, now updated to meet stricter emission norms (RDE):
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Petrol: The turbocharged 1.2L mStallion engine (110 PS, 200 Nm) comes paired with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission (Torque Converter).
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Diesel: The 1.5L mHawk diesel (117 PS, 300 Nm) is available exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
While not entirely new, these engines are known for their strong low-end torque – perfect for city commutes and highway overtakes. The diesel’s punch and the petrol’s refinement remain key selling points. The absence of a diesel automatic option might disappoint some, but the petrol automatic is expected to be a popular choice. Ride quality, a Mahindra strength, should continue to be composed over our varied road conditions.
The Big Deal: Pricing and Variants That Shake the Segment
This is where the XUV 3XO truly aims to disrupt. Mahindra launched it with an aggressive ex-showroom starting price of ₹ 7.49 lakh (approximately $8,970), going up to ₹ 15.49 lakh (approximately $18,550) for the top-end diesel automatic. This positions it squarely against the established giants: the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, and the Nissan Magnite/Renault Kiger twins. Crucially, its feature set, especially at the top end (like the panoramic sunroof, AdrenoX screens, Harman Kardon audio), often undercuts rivals’ offering similar tech. Multiple variants (MX1, MX2, MX3, AX5, AX7, AX7 L) cater to a wide budget range.
Launch Buzz and Finding One Near You
Mahindra officially launched the XUV 3XO in April 2024, with deliveries commencing shortly after. Booking is open online and at dealerships nationwide for a token amount. Given Mahindra’s extensive network and the initial positive response, availability is generally good, though waiting periods for popular variants (especially top-end automatics) might develop. It’s readily available across major Indian cities and towns.
Playing in a Tough League: How Does It Stack Up?
The compact SUV segment is India’s battleground. The Tata Nexon counters with its 5-star safety and recent facelift. The Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet offer proven reliability, feature richness, and multiple engine choices (including turbo-petrols). The Maruti Brezza banks on brand trust and fuel efficiency. The XUV 3XO’s trump cards are its radical new design, segment-leading infotainment and digital cockpit combo at its price, the inclusion of premium features like ventilated seats and Harman Kardon audio in top variants, and Mahindra’s traditional strength in ride quality and perceived ruggedness. Its aggressive pricing makes the feature proposition hard to ignore.
The Real-World Take: An Expert Weighs In
Okay, let’s cut through the hype. As someone who’s tracked this segment for years, the XUV 3XO feels like Mahindra finally hitting the compact SUV bullseye. The Pros: That design works – it looks expensive. The dual 10.25-inch screens genuinely elevate the cabin experience, making rivals feel dated. Features like ventilated seats and the Harman Kardon system are genuine luxuries in this bracket. The petrol and diesel engines offer strong performance, especially the diesel’s torque. The starting price is incredibly sharp, and even the top variants offer compelling value for the kit you get. Safety is covered with dual airbags, ABS, EBD, and ESC standard, and higher variants get up to 6 airbags. The Cons? While improved, some lower cabin plastics still remind you of the price point. Rear seat space, though adequate, isn’t class-leading – taller passengers might wish for more legroom, especially if the front seats are pushed far back. The lack of a diesel automatic option closes a door for some buyers. Boot space is decent but not segment-leading.
Hi, I’m Ricky, the founder of OKSociety.in. I’m a tech enthusiast with a deep passion for smartphones, mobile technology, and everything that makes our digital lives smarter. I started OKSociety to share honest reviews, the latest phone updates, and practical buying guides to help people make better choices in this fast-paced tech world.