I’m excited to walk you through the latest on the 2026 Mahindra XUV700 Facelift. If you’ve been tracking spy shots, rumours and dealer whispers, you’ve probably seen the same clues I have: test mules on the road, a techier cabin and talk of a launch in early 2026. In this post I’ll break down what we know, what’s likely to change, and what to watch next.
Where we stand now: testing and production timing
Right now, I can tell you that Mahindra is actively testing prototypes of the facelifted XUV700 on public roads. Recent spy shots show camouflaged mules with clear design updates. These images suggest the program is in advanced development. Several publications are reporting a launch window in early 2026 (Q1), with some even pointing to January as a possibility.
On the production front, industry reporting and dealer sources indicate that production will begin soon to support a Q1 2026 debut. However, as of Nov 18, 2025, Mahindra has not issued a formal press release confirming an exact production start date. That means we should expect more spy shots and possibly dealer briefings before the official announcement.
Key exterior and interior changes to expect
From the spy material, the facelift looks like a careful refresh rather than a full redesign. On the outside, changes appear to be mostly cosmetic. Expect a new grille, revised headlamp and DRL layouts, reworked front and rear bumpers, refreshed LED taillights and new alloy wheel designs. In short: updated styling, but the same overall body shell.
Inside is where things get interesting. Multiple photos show a new triple-screen layout: an instrument cluster, a large central infotainment screen and a third screen for the co-passenger or entertainment. This layout borrows cues from Mahindra’s XEV family and signals a push toward a more tech-heavy cabin. I’d expect higher-quality materials, ambient lighting, and more tech features across mid and top trims.
Mechanical setup, powertrains and tech upgrades
Mechanically, sources say the facelift will likely keep the current engines. That means the familiar 2.0L turbo-petrol and the 2.2L turbo-diesel are expected to carry forward, with the same manual and automatic gearbox options. AWD variants are likely to remain available.
Where the XUV700 facelift could step up is in features and driving aids. Reports suggest the facelift may get a richer ADAS suite, possibly with Level-2 features such as adaptive cruise, lane-keep assist and more advanced camera/radar integration. Other rumored additions include rear sun-blinds, a panoramic sunroof with better shading, ventilated second-row seats (on captain-seat versions), improved audio (rumours mention a possible Harman/Kardon 16-speaker Dolby Atmos setup), and auto-park assist.
To put those changes in perspective: if Mahindra adds a reliable Level-2 ADAS pack and a high-end audio system, the facelift moves the XUV700 closer to premium rivals in tech, even if the engines stay the same.
Expected pricing and variants — what I think will happen
At this stage there is no authoritative price list for the facelifted model. Most outlets are guessing a modest premium over the current XUV700, reflecting the tech and features upgrades. That means the price jump may be visible for top trims that add the triple-screen, ADAS pack and premium audio.
My view is that Mahindra will keep a broad variant lineup similar to the current model to protect sales volume. Expect entry-level trims to remain competitively priced while higher trims will carry the extras and the price premium. Dealers often get early briefings, so I wouldn’t be surprised if showroom staff start taking expressions of interest before the official launch.
Quick comparison: current XUV700 vs expected 2026 facelift
| Feature | Current XUV700 (2024–25) | Expected 2026 Mahindra XUV700 Facelift |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior | Existing grille, lamp designs, bumpers | New grille, revised headlamps/DRLs, refreshed bumpers and wheels |
| Interior | Dual-screen or single large screen options | Triple-screen layout with updated materials and ambient lighting |
| Powertrains | 2.0L petrol, 2.2L diesel; manual/auto; AWD options | Same engines and gearbox options expected |
| Safety & Tech | Good ADAS baseline on higher trims | Upgraded ADAS (possible Level-2), enhanced audio, auto-park |
| Launch timing | Current model in market | Early 2026 (Q1) — production to begin soon |
What to watch for next — timeline and signals
If you want to keep tabs, here’s what I would watch for in the coming weeks and months:
- Official Mahindra press release or dealer briefings announcing a production start date.
- More spy shots that reveal final grille, bumper and screen designs.
- Early bookings or showroom displays that hint at pricing and variant structure.
- Brake-testing and homologation data that often appear before launch.
Given the current reporting, the critical window is the final weeks before Q1 2026. That’s when production ramps up and Mahindra typically starts dealer training and media drives.
Real examples and reported details
To be concrete, here are some of the specific, reported details I’ve seen that support the summary above:
- Spy shots repeatedly show a three-screen dashboard. That’s a strong visual cue that interior tech is a headline change.
- Multiple outlets place the launch in early 2026 (Q1); some say January is possible while others say the first half of 2026.
- Reports name the existing 2.0L petrol and 2.2L diesel as the retained engines, which suggests Mahindra is focusing on tech and features rather than a powertrain overhaul.
- Rumours of a Harman/Kardon 16-speaker Dolby Atmos system and ventilated second-row seats point to a serious value push in higher trims.
Also Read: Big Reveal Before Launch! Mahindra Confirms 8 High-Tech Features in the Upcoming XEV 9S
Final Thoughts
In short, the 2026 Mahindra XUV700 Facelift looks set to be a meaningful tech and features upgrade rather than a full mechanical rewrite. I expect production to begin soon, with a public launch in early 2026. If you care about interior tech, ADAS and a fresh look, this facelift will be one to watch. If you want, I can monitor Mahindra’s official updates and send you a short notice when production or a launch date is confirmed. Which would you prefer: regular updates or a side-by-side feature comparison with the current model?
