The recently launched Mahindra XUV 3XO is essentially a facelifted XUV300, and that new name is only the starting point of a raft of changes that includes a new design, new interiors, more features and even new powertrain options. Here, we are taking a close look at how the XUV 3XO has evolved over its predecessor, and all that makes it unique.
Mahindra XUV 3XO vs XUV300: design
Mahindra has completely revised the front and rear design on the XUV 3XO. The rectangular headlamps are now hexagonal in shape, the drop-down LED DRLs are now C-shaped, and the entire headlamp assembly now sits in a blacked-out enclosure. The fog lamps have been repositioned in the main headlamp cluster itself, and it also gets a new blanked-out grille with chrome inserts (much like in an EV). The lower bumper is now more contoured and appears a lot busier with a larger central air intake.
Over at the sides, the only major change is a new design for the 17-inch alloy wheels, but at the rear, the tail gate is completely new. The wrap around tail lamps have been swapped with new triangular units that are connected via an LED light bar, there’s a more pronounced spoiler and the registration plate housing has been relocated to the bumper which also gets additional silver inserts. Overall, the rear does appear a lot cleaner than before.
Mahindra XUV 3XO vs XUV300: interior and features
On the inside, the XUV 3XO sees a major step up over the XUV300. Not only is the design all-new (which is actually shared with the XUV400), but it also sees a major step up in quality with soft-touch materials on the dashboard.
The dashboard-set infotainment screen flanked by AC vents has now made way for a 10.25-inch free-standing infotainment screen, with the central AC vents now underlining it. The HVAC controls are also completely new, the centre console area has been redesigned with a new wireless charger, and the steering wheel now comes finished in gloss black.
The storage shelf on the dashboard, however, has been replaced by a gloss black trim and also gone are the analogue dials with a central MID. Instead, there’s a new 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster that has come straight from the XUV700.
It also sees a major setup on the equipment front – new features include wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, eSim-based connected car tech, panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, ADAS suite, a 6-speaker Harman Kardon sound system as well as a segment-first electric parking brake with auto hold. A reprofiled boot floor has also helped enhance volume, which is up from the XUV300’s 259 litres to 295 litres.
Mahindra XUV 3XO vs XUV300: engine options
Under the hood, Mahindra has retained the familiar 117hp, 300Nm, 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel; a 111hp, 200Nm 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol; and the range-topping 131hp, 230Nm, 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, direct injection turbo-petrol unit. But what’s new are the gearbox options.
The AMT gearbox for the 111hp turbo-petrol engine has made way for a more sophisticated 6-speed torque converter unit which is also offered on the higher-spec 131hp turbo-petrol engine; the latter previously didn’t get the option of an automatic gearbox at all. The diesel engine continues with its AMT gearbox as before.
What do you think of all the updates on the XUV 3XO? And do you like how it looks? Let us know in the comments below.
