Upgraded from an XUV500 MT to an XUV700 D AT: Here's how they compare

XUV500 had lots of storage space in front which is non existent in XUV700.

BHPian Joy73US recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

In 2011, I was among the first few XUV500 customers of Ghaziabad, UP. I graduated from Santro to XUV but it was a smooth transition and within a few days, I was moving it across all streets and across states. During that period, I enjoyed the celebrity status when people use to drive crazy and honk just to request us for a look at the vehicle and we duly obliged them, most of the time.

The XUV500 had its own share of niggles but we really enjoyed every drive. Didn't feel tired even after driving more than 1000 kms. in a day.

Then came the dreaded NGT order and I had to sell it off in December 2021. Since I had the experience of dealing with Mahindra, I was confident about the mechanical part but electrical/electronics, doesn’t want to take risks, even after 10 years of ownership. Finally, I booked my XUV700 AX5 on the very 1st day of the launch.

The long wait for delivery and the challenges to live without any personal vehicle. Thankfully I used to do cycling and I kept on using it to visit nearby areas. In March’2022 I started getting updates on my vehicle and realize it could be delivered in April.

In April 2022, I got the call from the dealer that my vehicle is on its way and I should arrange for funds. Unfortunately the same day I got diagnosed with cancer, again ☹. All joy of getting a new vehicle went kaput and priorities of life changed instantly.

I apprised Mahindra and the dealer about my health conditions and requested that my booking can be put on hold. For the next 4 months, I was in bed barely speaking a few words and contemplating how unpredictable this life is. Gradually started getting my strength back and decided to re-live our life….again.

In December 2022, with the exorbitant cost of treatment and medicines, we were indecisive about whether to still continue with our XUV700 booking or look at other alternatives. Visited many showrooms to check small to medium size vehicles but none of them impressed any of the family members. Finally, XUV700 was our unanimous choice.

Being in NCR, we also had to make a choice, to go for either Petrol or Diesel, but since we decided to re-live our life and to cover the entire North, Central, South and Western India, Diesel became the defacto choice.

Based on these discussions, requested Mahindra to reallocate my vehicle. A few reminders and I got a confirmation from the dealer that a vehicle has been allotted to me but unfortunately it was allotted at the current price, not the introductory price.

Few email exchanges, meeting with the dealer sales team and I got the assurance from the sales team that they will do everything possible to get me an introductory price.

A couple of months passed and in April’2023, I got the much-awaited call, sir your preferred color Silver isn’t available but if you agree shall we offer you Everest White with an introductory price. What else I would have said…I gladly accepted the offer.

Now the decision was to be made if I should go with UP14 or BH registration. Did some calculations as UP14 registration gets calculated on the current ex-showroom price while BH registration cost is calculated on what you have actually paid. Completed the necessary documentation and applied for BH registration.

Finally, the day arrive to take the delivery. We got our Everest White XUV700 AX5 DSL AT 7STR, in May 2023.

Standard accessories installed from the dealer – 1) Side Steps, 2) Reverse Camera 3) Door Visors 4) Film on MID screen 5) Mud Flap, 6) Illuminated Scuff plates. 7) I bought Pharaoh 3D floor mats online.

My observations of driving AX5 AT vs XUV500 W6 MT are:

Pros:

• Suspensions are much better.
• Fit and finish of interior and exterior is much better
• Comparatively better audio / MID system
• More features and kids love their first sunroof vehicle
• Very efficient AC
• Headlights looks more effective, yet to check on highway

Cons:

• No Auto Climate Control in AX5
• Auto Stop Hybrid system is a pain and you can’t disable it permanently
• Every time you start the vehicle AC is powered ON
• No 12V or any other power source at the front row. Only 1 USB port available to charge mobiles
• Cabin lights aren’t that effective
• No ambient light

• Since I drove Manual XUV500 W6, I hardly required to move to 1st gear..Even in the slow traffic it was 2nd or 3rd gear. Now it is auto gear , at slow speed engine grunt is audible but once at the highway it is almost silent.
• No user manual book hence have to download it in ‘With you Hamesha’ app
• TPMS could be installed as default (Requested dealer to order and install it at the earliest, hopefully, will get it in 1-2 weeks)
• XUV500 had lots of storage space in front which is non existent in XUV700.
• XUV500 used to have a cooled compartment below driver's armrest, to keep cold drinks and chocolate's cool. Now it is just a storage box with no cooling options.

I never thought of living 17 months without any vehicle but after driving this vehicle, it was worth waiting. On top of it getting an introductory price was the Cherry on the cake. Overall, I am really happy that Mahindra and Shiva Automobile, Sahibabad considered my request and offered the Introductory price even 12 months after I requested to hold the delivery. Thank You Mahindra and Shiva Automobile, Sahibabad.

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