Mahindra has been on a roll lately, hasn't it? Over the last year and a half, we've seen them expand their lineup with exciting electric vehicles like the XEV 9e and BE 6, not to mention the rugged Thar facelift and Thar Roxx. But if you're holding your breath for a completely new nameplate in 2026, you might want to exhale. The Indian auto giant is shifting focus to refining its champions, and that's fantastic news for anyone in the market for a proven SUV.
Key Highlights
- ✓ The Mahindra XUV700 is being renamed and facelifted to the XUV 7XO, launching on January 05, 2026.
- ✓ Pre-bookings for the XUV 7XO begin on December 15 at 12 pm for a token amount of Rs 21,000.
- ✓ The Scorpio-N facelift is also slated for a Q1 2026 launch with cosmetic and feature updates.
- ✓ The XUV 7XO's interior will feature a new triple-screen layout, a major highlight of the update.
- ✓ Both SUVs will retain their existing 2.0L petrol and 2.2L diesel engine options.
So, what's on the agenda? Get ready for the much-anticipated facelifts of two of the biggest names on the road: the XUV700 (which is getting a new name!) and the mighty Scorpio-N. It’s all about making the best even better, and I’ve got the inside scoop on what you can expect from these refreshed beasts in 2026.
A New Identity: The Mahindra XUV 7XO Arrives
First up, let's talk about the big one. After a solid four-year run, the beloved Mahindra XUV700 is getting a significant mid-lifecycle refresh, and it's coming with a new name: the Mahindra XUV 7XO. Mark your calendars for its official debut on January 05, 2026. This isn't just a minor touch-up; it's a thoughtful evolution of an already fantastic SUV.
From what we've seen of the camouflaged test mules, the exterior changes are focused on giving the SUV a sharper, more modern look. The front end gets a revised grille with larger air intakes, and the headlamps are being swapped for a cool twin-pod design. That signature C-shaped DRL that we all recognize? It's staying, but in a much sharper form, and there's a good chance it might be joined by a trendy connected light bar across the front.
The updates continue to the back with new tail-lamps that echo the updated design language, along with revised bumpers. To complete the look, expect some fresh, new aero-optimised wheels. While the powertrains—the reliable 2.0L petrol and 2.2L diesel—are expected to remain unchanged, it’s the interior where things get really exciting. The cabin is set to get a massive upgrade with a new triple-screen layout, heavily inspired by Mahindra's futuristic born-electric SUVs. And don't worry, the versatile 6- or 7-seat configurations are here to stay. With an estimated price range of Rs 14 lakh to Rs 24 lakh, it’s positioned to be a serious contender.
How to Book Your XUV 7XO: The Step-by-Step Guide
Feeling the excitement? If you're already picturing an XUV 7XO in your driveway, Mahindra is making it easy to get in line. The carmaker has confirmed that pre-bookings will kick off at 12 pm on December 15. All it takes is a token amount of Rs 21,000 to reserve your spot. You've got two ways to do it, so let's break it down.
The Classic Offline Method
If you prefer a personal touch, simply head over to your nearest Mahindra showroom. You can chat with a sales consultant who will walk you through the entire process. Keep in mind that specific variant details and test drives won't be available until the SUV actually hits the dealership floors after launch. However, you can still reserve your vehicle based on your preferred fuel type (petrol or diesel) and transmission (manual or automatic).
The executive will handle the paperwork, and once you make the payment, your pre-booking will be registered, and you'll get an acknowledgement. From there, you can track your booking through the dealership, and they'll give you a call as soon as display units, test drives, and deliveries begin.
For the Tech-Savvy: Booking Online
Prefer to book from the comfort of your couch? No problem. Just go to Mahindra’s official booking website. Once you're there, select 'SUVs' under the Vehicle Type section. From the model list, choose the XUV 7XO and start customizing. You'll be able to pick your engine and transmission options right away, with more detailed variant information becoming available closer to the launch date.
After you've finalized your configuration, you'll select your preferred dealership from a list based on your location. Then, simply sign in with your mobile number and OTP or your email ID. Fill in any finance or exchange details if needed, complete the Rs 21,000 payment, and boom—your XUV 7XO pre-booking is instantly confirmed. It's that simple!
Don't Forget the Scorpio-N: A Subtle but Smart Refresh
While the XUV 7XO is grabbing a lot of headlines, the Big Daddy of SUVs isn't being left behind. The Mahindra Scorpio-N is also set for a facelift in the first quarter of 2026. This update seems to be more of a "light nip and tuck," focusing on subtle refinements rather than a complete overhaul. And honestly, for an SUV that's already so dominant, that’s a smart move.
Spy shots suggest the changes will be to the lighting elements, trim, and wheel designs. A recently spotted test vehicle in Tamil Nadu hints at some interesting interior updates too. We're expecting to see the impressive 10.25-inch infotainment screen from the Thar Roxx make its way into the Scorpio-N, along with a few more creature comforts. Sources also suggest the interior might get redesigned horizontal AC vents for a cleaner look.
Dimensionally, the SUV will likely remain unchanged, but top-spec variants might get a fresh set of larger alloys, possibly sized up to 19 inches. As is common with facelifts, the mechanicals will be carried over. That means the powerful 2.0L turbo-petrol and 2.2L diesel engines, paired with either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, will continue to power this beast, with the 4x4 option still available on the diesel. The estimated price is expected to be between Rs 14 lakh and Rs 26 lakh, keeping it highly competitive against rivals like the Tata Safari and Hyundai Alcazar.
Conclusion
So, the bottom line is this: 2026 is shaping up to be the year of refinement for Mahindra. Instead of chasing new nameplates, they're doubling down on their most successful models, the XUV700 and Scorpio-N, and making them even more compelling. The transformation of the XUV700 into the tech-forward XUV 7XO, especially with that triple-screen dash, is a bold statement.
Meanwhile, the Scorpio-N facelift promises to add a layer of premium polish and comfort to its rugged appeal. With both SUVs retaining their rock-solid engine options and gaining meaningful aesthetic and feature upgrades, Mahindra is ensuring its key players are more than ready to dominate the roads for years to come. It’s an exciting time to be an SUV fan in India!
