Mahindra XUV 3XO

Mahindra XUV nameplate is not new for the Indian masses. The most affordable offering in this ladder - the Mahindra XUV300, is even more enticing, considering its affordability and performance. Tracing its roots to South Korea, the XUV300 pulled off a superb performance in the Indian market. Fast forward to 2024, the Ssangyong Tivoli-based crossover gets a major makeover with a new name - XUV 3XO. Mahindra says that the ‘X’ in 3XO is there for a multiplier effect. But does the Mahindra XUV 3XO packs in the punch to take the rivals off the chart with another stupendous stint in our market? It's tough to comment, but we can help you understand whether you should get one home.

Pros and Cons 

Mahindra XUV 3XO Exterior Design

Visually, the Mahindra XUV 3XO sports a major makeover compared to the now-defunct Mahindra XUV300. The design receives some prominent changes, making the Mahindra XUV 3XO look distinctive. However, only time will tell if it grows on consumers. The XUV 3XO boasts an all-new theme for the nose. With a piano-black grille extending into the hexagonal LED headlamps, the design reminds us of BE concepts. It looks polarizing, nonetheless.

Around the sides, the Mahindra XUV 3XO commissions freshened-up diamond-cut alloy wheels measuring 17 inches in diameter. The design looks alluring. The overall silhouette is identical to the XUV300’s, as Mahindra hasn’t changed the platform. The cladding is tweaked to look as quirky as the front end, with kinks over wheel arches.

The rear fascia has been completely overhauled, with a freshly stamped boot lid. It now houses a large LED lightbar connecting the tail lamps. Mahindra says it represents the connection between east and west. Nevertheless, the rear is certainly the best angle to look at the XUV 3XO. We do miss the sharp and chiselled front fascia of the XUV300. In understanding, the design will remain a hit or miss with the audience, depending upon individual choices.

Mahindra XUV 3XO Interior

Unlike the exterior design, the interior has taken a more sensible and balanced approach. The baselines for the dashboard layout are carried over from the XUV300; the advancements are in conjunction with the all-electric XUV400. The use of new design elements has accentuated the cabin ambience. The space feels more upmarket with the extensive use of leather at touch points. The steering wheel is an updated unit, and so are the instrument cluster and infotainment unit.

The Mahindra XUV 3XO has upped the ante in terms of features. It now comes equipped with features like a panoramic sunroof, three drive modes, ventilated seats, and more. It further gets a 7-speaker Harman-Kardon sound system, panoramic sunroof, and more. On the whole, the cabin of the Mahindra XUV 3XO feels perfect in all ways.

Mahindra XUV 3XO Comfort

The Mahindra XUV 3XO shows up as a comfortable hauler. The cabin is spacious, and the seats on the XUV 3XO are comfortable. The upholstery is finished in a two-tone white-black theme, helping the cabin look more spacious than it is. Mahindra has also retained the dual-zone climate control on the XUV300, a boon for occupants with different capabilities to bear heat and cold. Designers have also tried to make the boot space more usable with a better shape than the XUV 300. Features like auto-headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay are also a part of the package.

Mahindra XUV 3XO Performance and Handling

We have sung praises for the performance of the Mahindra XUV 3XO. Thankfully, Mahinda has not been a spoilsport in this department. The XUV 3XO continues with the same engine choices as the XUV300 - 1.2L turbo-petrol, 1.2L TGDi turbo-petrol, and 1.5L turbo-diesel. Transmission choices include a 6-speed stick shift, 6-speed torque converter (Petrol variants), and 6-speed AMT (Diesel variants). The powertrain and drivetrain of the XUV 3XO sound stupendous on paper. The petrol motors push out 110 bhp/200 Nm and 130 bhp/230 Nm, respectively. The oil burner develops a peak output of 115 bhp and 300 Nm.

All of these engine options are, undoubtedly, the best in the business. Mahindra has nailed the art of NVH control. Transmission choices have also proved their mettle in the past, except for the not-so-great AMT box. The new 6-speed AT is expected to deliver a smooth experience with the turbo-petrol motors.

The Ssangyong Tivoli roots are apparent, the moment you start driving this baby XUV. The chassis feels rigid and is every bit eager to go fast in corners. Similarly, the suspension has a perfect balance of dynamics and comfort to keep you sane and excited throughout the drive. The steering is rich with feedback and has three modes, making it apt for fast corners and city driving. As for brakes, there are rotors on all pots, making it a safer bet over its rivals.

Mahindra XUV 3XO Key Specifications:

Mahindra XUV 3XO Safety Features

Passenger safety has always been a big USP of the Mahindra XUV 300. The legacy is taken care of in the new avatar, too. The Mahindra XUV 3XO boasts the most extensive safety kit of the segment, comprising all-four disc brakes, six airbags, ABS with EBD, 360-degree parking camera, ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System, three-point seatbelts for all occupants, ISOFIX child seat mounts and more. Mahindra has ensured that safety remains XUV 3XO’s strongest attribute. Attention to detail is of the highest order. So much so that Mahindra is offering three adjustable headrests on the second-row bench.

Mahindra XUV 3XO Technology and Infotainment

The new Mahindra XUV 3XO features a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment unit coupled with a wireless phone charger, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The free-standing unit was first seen on the XUV400, showcasing its immense capabilities. It also comes paired with a 7-speaker Harmon-Kardon sound system. Moreover, the instrument binnacle utilises a 10.25-inch LCD to showcase all the information to the driver crisply. By raising the bar using MapmyIndia’s navigation interface, Mahindra XUV 3XO focuses on its convenience. The instrument binnacle can also project the map with a full-screen layout. With other best-in-segment features like the dual-pane panoramic sunroof and steering mode, the XUV 3XO is the most loaded compact SUV in the Indian market.

Is the Mahindra XUV 3XO for You?

The Mahindra XUV 3XO is a potent product in its compact SUV business. It gets all the bells and whistles one can think of in a car of this category. The engine options are powerful and refined. The XUV 3XO also has various variant options, making it the right choice for most buyers. If you are looking for a compact SUV that’s capable in every sense, the XUV 3XO could be the perfect choice for you. We would want to be tight-lipped about its design, though. Pricing for the XUV 3XO starts from ₹7.49 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up to ₹15.49 lakh (ex-showroom).