Mahindra XUV 3XO: In the fiercely competitive sub-compact SUV market, Mahindra’s XUV 3XO emerges as a significant disruptor, blending bold design elements with cutting-edge technology and powerful performance metrics.

Introduced in April 2024 as a comprehensive facelift to the previously understated XUV300, this latest offering from the Indian automaker brings dramatic visual updates and technological advancements that have quickly captured consumer attention.

The name “3XO” cleverly indicates the vehicle’s positioning as a triple-threat contender, promising consumers “everything you want & more” in a compelling package that stands as a testament to Mahindra’s evolving design philosophy and commitment to innovation.

Mahindra XUV 3XO: Eye-Catching Exterior That Commands Attention

Walking around the XUV 3XO reveals a vehicle that refuses to blend into the background. Unlike its predecessor, which many considered somewhat restrained in its styling approach, the 3XO makes a dramatic visual statement with its distinctive C-shaped LED DRLs and bold front fascia.

The piano black grille with chrome accents creates a premium feel, while the aggressively sculpted bumper gives the front end a powerful presence that’s impossible to ignore.

From the side profile, traces of the XUV300’s DNA remain visible, though the addition of stylish 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels (on higher trim levels) enhances the vehicle’s athletic stance.

The rear features connected LED taillamps with a light bar that stretches across the tailgate, a modern touch that emphasizes the vehicle’s width while creating a distinctive lighting signature at night.

Available in eight color options including striking choices like Tango Red, Citrine Yellow, Deep Forest (Green), and Nebula Blue, the XUV 3XO offers plenty of personalization options.

Dual-tone variants with either black or gray roof treatments further enhance its visual appeal, adding a premium touch that appeals to younger buyers seeking individuality.

Premium Interior With Class-Leading Features

Step inside the XUV 3XO and you’re greeted by an interior that’s been completely reimagined from its predecessor.

The cabin exudes a sense of modernity and sophistication, with premium materials and thoughtful design elements throughout.

The ivory-colored interior creates an airy ambiance, while soft-touch leatherette surfaces on the dashboard and door panels elevate the tactile experience.

The centerpiece of the dashboard is a 10.25-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system that pairs with a similarly sized digital instrument cluster, creating a tech-forward cockpit that rivals vehicles from higher price segments.

The panoramic sunroof—a segment first—floods the cabin with natural light, enhancing the perception of spaciousness.

Comfort features abound, including dual-zone climate control, ventilated front seats in higher variants, a wireless charging pad, and a premium 7-speaker Harman Kardon audio system that delivers impressive sound quality.

The rear passengers haven’t been forgotten either, with dedicated AC vents, adequate legroom, and good headroom despite the panoramic sunroof installation.

The only notable criticism might be the rear seat’s somewhat flat cushioning and limited under-thigh support, which could affect comfort during longer journeys.

However, the 60:40 split folding functionality adds welcome versatility to the 364-liter cargo space—an improvement over the XUV300’s more limited storage capacity.

Segment-Leading Safety Package

Safety has clearly been a priority in the XUV 3XO’s development, with Mahindra proudly touting its 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating. The comprehensive safety suite includes:

The Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) package on AX5L and AX7L variants represents a significant technological advancement for the segment, offering features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance.

While some competitors offer similar features, the comprehensive implementation in the XUV 3XO demonstrates Mahindra’s commitment to democratizing advanced safety technology.

Powertrain Options: Performance Meets Efficiency

Under the hood, the XUV 3XO offers multiple powertrain combinations to suit different driving preferences:

1. 1.2L Naturally Aspirated Petrol:

   • Entry-level engine option

   • Manual transmission only

   • Focus on fuel efficiency for urban commuting

2. 1.2L TGDi Turbo-Petrol:

   • Power: 128.73 bhp @ 5000 rpm

   • Torque: 230 Nm @ 1500-3750 rpm

   • Transmission options: 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter automatic

   • Claimed acceleration: 0-60 km/h in 4.5 seconds

   • Fuel efficiency: 18.06 to 19.34 kmpl (claimed)

3. 1.5L Diesel:

   • Torque: 300 Nm (best-in-class)

   • Transmission options: 6-speed manual or AMT

   • Fuel efficiency: 20.6 to 21.2 kmpl (claimed)

The 1.2L turbo-petrol engine stands out as the most powerful in its class, delivering impressive acceleration and overtaking capabilities.

The torque converter automatic transmission paired with this engine provides a significant improvement over the previous model’s AMT offering, with smoother shifts and better response.

For those who prioritize fuel efficiency and long-distance cruising, the diesel variant continues to impress with its robust torque delivery and economical operation, though some drivers might note the characteristic three-cylinder vibration at idle—a minor compromise in an otherwise refined package.

Ride and Handling: Engineered for Indian Roads

The XUV 3XO’s suspension setup consists of a MacPherson strut fully independent front suspension with an anti-roll bar and a twist beam semi-independent rear suspension with coil springs.

This combination delivers a ride quality that successfully balances comfort and handling, with Mahindra’s engineers clearly focused on addressing the varied road conditions found across India.

A unique feature is the three selectable steering modes—Comfort, Normal, and Sport—that adjust steering weight according to driving conditions and preferences.

In Sport mode, the steering provides adequate feedback, inspiring confidence during spirited driving, while Comfort mode makes low-speed maneuvering and parking significantly easier.

The 5.3-meter turning radius is reasonable for a vehicle in this segment, making the XUV 3XO sufficiently nimble for urban environments.

The ground clearance of 201 mm further ensures that speed breakers and rough patches can be navigated without concern—a practical consideration for Indian road conditions.

Variant Structure and Pricing

Mahindra offers the XUV 3XO in a wide range of variants divided into two main series:

MX Series: Includes MX1, MX2, MX2 Pro, MX3, and MX3 Pro variants, focusing on value-oriented configurations.

AX Series: Comprises AX5, AX5 Luxury, AX7, and AX7 Luxury variants, emphasizing premium features and technology.

The pricing structure starts at ₹7.99 Lakh for the base MX1 variant and extends to ₹15.79 Lakh for the top-spec AX7 L Turbo AT (ex-showroom), making the XUV 3XO competitive across various price points in the segment.

The extensive variant lineup ensures that there’s an XUV 3XO for different budget considerations, though the sweet spot for value arguably lies in the mid-range AX5 variants, which offer a good balance of features without pushing the price into territory where larger SUVs become tempting alternatives.

Key Points of Comparison With Rivals

The sub-compact SUV segment is crowded with capable contenders, including the Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza, Kia Sonet, and Hyundai Venue. Here’s how the XUV 3XO stacks up:

1. Design and Presence: The XUV 3XO’s bold styling gives it distinctive road presence compared to more conventional designs like the Brezza.

2. Interior Space: The XUV 3XO offers impressive rear seat space, competing favorably against the Venue and Sonet.

3. Feature Set: The panoramic sunroof and Level 2 ADAS features represent segment-first offerings that set new benchmarks.

4. Performance: The 1.2L turbo-petrol engine delivers class-leading torque figures, outmuscling several competitors.

5. Safety: The 5-star safety rating and comprehensive safety package position it as one of the safest options in its class.

6. Value Proposition: Competitive pricing across variants makes it an attractive option, especially considering the feature list.

Owner Experiences and Real-World Performance

Early ownership experiences suggest strong satisfaction with the XUV 3XO, with particular praise for its powerful engine performance, feature-rich cabin, and stability at highway speeds.

The improved automatic transmission receives positive mentions for urban driving scenarios, eliminating a key weakness of the previous model.

Some owners report fuel efficiency figures slightly below the claimed numbers, particularly in city driving conditions, which is not uncommon for turbocharged engines.

However, the highway efficiency remains impressive, making it a suitable companion for longer journeys.

The waiting period for certain variants, particularly the base models, has extended to over 50 weeks in some regions, indicating strong market demand that has occasionally outpaced Mahindra’s production capacity.

Mahindra XUV 3XO: A Compelling Package With Few Compromises

The Mahindra XUV 3XO represents a significant leap forward from its predecessor, addressing key weaknesses while building on existing strengths.

The bold styling, feature-rich interior, powerful engine options, and comprehensive safety package create a compelling proposition in the sub-compact SUV segment.

While some aspects like rear seat comfort and three-cylinder refinement leave room for improvement, the overall package offers excellent value considering the breadth of features and capabilities on offer.

For buyers prioritizing visual appeal, feature content, and safety, the XUV 3XO deserves serious consideration among its peers.

In a market segment where differentiation is increasingly challenging, Mahindra has succeeded in creating a product with a distinct identity and competitive advantages.

The XUV 3XO isn’t just a refreshed XUV300—it’s a statement of Mahindra’s evolving capabilities and vision for modern, feature-rich SUVs that cater to the aspirations of today’s discerning consumers.

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