Mahindra XUV700 (AX7L D AT) Ownership Review: The Silver Surfer


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As we are enthusiasts, I suggest you a small tip. If possible get a copy of Service/ Workshop Manual of XUV700. It should be available if you can be in a good rapport with your SA. They won't give it outside, but you can have it!

There are several specs, which a newbie technician will overlook. I am sure Mahindra may do a better job than other brands, but still as an owner of the ride, we do have an OCD to keep our ride the best and in shape as day1. Example- The clearence of a valve/ manifold will be given as certain mm ..even if it off it won't pose a harm instantly, but it can affect other parts.
 
Thread Starter #34
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Frustrating AdrenoX experience (continued)

Finally I was able to time and capture the AdrenoX ‘Silver Box’ reboot sequence which happens every 5 minutes post the last reboot.

Till the ‘Disclaimer’ screen is visible, pressing the camera button activates the camera. After that, nothing works and a count-down for 5 minutes starts internally repeating the reboot cycle over and over again. Hill Hold Control Error also appears out of the blue.

Without the Center Screen, there is no way to play Music, no Radio, no phone connection even for basic calling let alone Android Auto / Carplay, no Camera, no navigation, no way to change the Drive Modes and no way of knowing the Fan speed or the temperature set.

Upon reaching out to Mahindra, it became clear that this is not a software fix which resulted in ordering of the ‘Silver Box’ for it’s replacement. Surprisingly the remote features of the currently installed unit had been disabled upon ordering of the part itself with today / tomorrow being the clarity for part arrival.

Video of the reboot cycle

AdrenoX app says Subscription Expired
Screenshot_20221220_080821_AdrenoX Connect.jpg
 
Thread Starter #36
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It must be frustrating to get these type of defects plus it's dangerous as well.
Indeed, the instrument cluster reboot is pain on long drive (more so when you know the area has speed cams) and the lack of functioning cameras becomes really frustrating while reversing & parking. Stories and delays from Mahindra only act like salt.
 
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Fantastic review of the XUV700! It provides a lot of insight with regards to ownership. It is quite saddening to see the glitches that you are facing. I guess only saving grace (at times) is that Mahindra is reactive. TATA experience could have been worse!
 
Thread Starter #38
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The ‘Silver Box’ replacement

Despite the dealer procuring the part from a near-by dealer which should have been an overnight delivery, somehow it took them 2 days to arrange the same.

The actual process of removing the glovebox, removing the old unit and reversing the sequence with the new unit hardly took any time – probably 45-60 minutes for the entire mechanical swap. What took most of the time though was availability of the right person both at the dealership for sharing the relevant details back to Mahindra and then at Mahindra to finally approve the release of vehicle – the whole process dragged the timeline from an hour to 4 hours. Thankfully it was less than the requested entire day for replacement.

Couple of learnings from this:
  1. An year into sales and Mahindra has still not perfected the software end. Glad the ECU is not integrated in the ‘Silver Box’ and the vehicle was still driveable with something as basic as instrument cluster failing and with features less than even my humble Genio.
  2. The ‘Silver Box’ failure is quite common post the Apple CarPlay update and the same is not recommended anymore – that’s the story I got and I was happy to live without the CarPlay update. Surprising that the part is not readily stocked if that is the case.
  3. The information sharing process between dealer and Mahindra which consumed a good chunk of time could have been saved in my opinion.
  4. Cut one head and two more shall Rise. While the ‘Silver Box’ replacement solves an issue, it opens up a Pandora box with firstly the exterior having bird poop at multiple places & the interior panels (luckily plastic only) getting finger prints and smudge marks and secondly the front passenger area getting a faint squeak.
  5. Washing & Cleaning mentioned on the RO is only a gimmick and the job won’t be performed. When questioned the response was that’s it mentioned by default on the RO. Not sure why it was part of approval as well at the time of RO opening which showed zero amount.
  6. It was surprising to see a pending payment for the disposable covers on a warranty part replacement visit which not there on the same RO when the diagnosis was done 3 days prior. While it was waived off as a goodwill gesture, it should not have been there in the first place.
While setting-up the new system, found some interesting notifications.

Software showing System up to date despite not having the latest version of software
Mahindra XUV700 Software.jpg


A sub-menu of Over the Air Surprises having Happy Birthday notification under History…
Mahindra XUV700 Birthday 1.jpg


…along with a greeting
Mahindra XUV700 Birthday 2.jpg



While it’s a nice touch, not sure from where Mahindra picked up this date as it’s incorrect.

A word about the not so latest 8.01.41 version:
  1. Happy to report that Android Auto connection so far has been seamless with the connection happening automatically everytime.
  2. The Instrument cluster now display the maps without setting a destination – that’s the way it should work ideally.
  3. Camera seems to have higher frame rate now.
  4. Not sure if it was present earlier or not but yesterday I accidentally clicked on the XUV7OO icon displayed on the top view which enabled some transparent mode. While this works only at low speeds, it looks cool to see what you have just passed over under the translucent XUV7OO icon. Only in this mode and the 3D mode the frame rate drop is observed.
 
Thread Starter #39
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ADAS issue and getting the Sequential Tail Lamps

While cruising along on the highway, out of the blue the Adaptive Cruise Control got disabled, a warning chime sounded and when I looked at the cluster, the error below came-up.
Mahindra XUV700 ADAS 1.jpg


I tried to clean the windshield multiple times with the washer wiper (both while stationary and while moving) but the error didn’t go away. Recorded this video
https://youtube.com/shorts/3Q7fucLTsDU

Restart as well didn’t solve the issue and only after cleaning the windshield manually did the error go away shortly after starting to drive. I suspect that the Passenger side wiper itself is not cleaning the entire area and is lifting-off at the top near the ADAS camera due to the curvature of the windshield.

Closer pic from top of the area cleaned by wiper
Mahindra XUV700 ADAS Wiper 2.jpg


This error occurred only twice till now and the only solution is manual cleaning of the windshield.


Recently also noticed that one of the Rear Door Chrome strip has finishing issue with the metal part coming off.
Mahindra XUV700 Chrome Strip Gap 3.jpg


Most likely would be replaced under warranty.


Got the much awaited Sequential Tail Lamps as well but it was not without it’s share of story. After opening all the Tail gate inner trim and removing all the lamps to save time while the parts were being issued from stores, it was found that one side outer and other side inner lamp had transit damage. And they were the only available parts that day with fresh lot expected to arrive the next day. Got just the lamps fixed back and carried the trim panels in the boot to avoid fitment and removal the next day.

Tail Gate from inside
Mahindra XUV700 Tail Gate 4.jpg


Trim panels and lamps removed
Mahindra XUV700 Tail Lamps 5.jpg


Oustide view without the lamps
Mahindra XUV700 Tail Lamps 6.jpg


The dealer promptly informed the next day that the parts had arrived and were already opened and checked for quality before calling me. It hardly took 30 minutes to swap the lamps and I took the opportunity for getting the only 2 bulbs (Brake & Reverse) changed to LED.

While checking the Reverse LED before fitting
Mahindra XUV700 Tail Lamps 7.jpg


The straight swap LED for Brake light
Mahindra XUV700 Tail Lamps 8.jpg


Comparison of Brake light
Mahindra XUV700 Tail Lamps 9.jpg


Captured Super slo-mo of the Sequential Turn Signals in action to see the segments lighting-up
https://youtube.com/shorts/foK6eAlQbGE

The next while washing & cleaning found the small but painful scars left by the lamps during removal / fitment …
Mahindra XUV700 Tail Lamps Damage 10.jpg


… and thankfully just some dirt marks on the white trim panels
Mahindra XUV700 Tail Lamps Damage 11.jpg
 
Thread Starter #41
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1st Service of 10000 Kms

Due to unplanned travel which came-up for next day and the odo already at 9500 Kms, checked with the local dealer Mighty Mahindra if they could accommodate the request for 10K service an hour later at 3pm. They were kind enough to accommodate the request and had a blazingly fast turn around of just 2 hours which included some minor jobs.

Engine Cover was rattling and it was fixed properly. Tyre rotation with steering calibration addressed the issue of steering feel which was different since the Lower Control Arms replacement. Engine Oil, Oil filter and cabin air filter were replaced while cleaning the Engine air filter. 6 Liters of DEF was also added bring the total service cost to Rs. 4,471/-. Including the previous DEF top-up of 8 Liters (Rs. 977 including filling charge), the total DEF consumed was 14 Liters (Rs. 1631 total expense) for 9500 Kms leading to approx. an average consumption of 680 Km/L and additional cost of Rs. 0.17/Km.

Waiting for bay allocation
Mahindra XUV700 1.jpg


Oil used - surprisingly the grade is not mentioned on the Oil
Mahindra XUV700 3.jpg


DEF is also specially packed for Mahindra
Mahindra XUV700 4.jpg


Washing which took most of the time even in this short window
Mahindra XUV700 2.jpg


The next day left home early for the destination but upon crossing the 9800 Kms mark, the alert for scheduled service due came-up.
Mahindra XUV700 5.jpg


Tried to search for options through the settings but couldn’t find any and finally waited till 9AM before calling the CoTek for help. He promptly guided on the process to reset this by Switching OFF the ignition and then Switching it back ON without pressing the brake pedal but keeping the Enter button on the steering pressed and releasing it just before the needles complete their sweep. Post this, the alert got cleared and it didn’t come-up again.

Post lunch after the restart suddenly the look and feel of Android Auto changed to coolwalk which was a pleasant surprise with the maps using the entire screen real-estate.
Mahindra XUV700 6.jpg


Some observations after covering 10K Kms:

1. Till now I have had 05 additional visits (once for Navigation issue, Silver Box replacement diagnosis, Silver Box replacement and twice for Tail Lamp replacement).
2. The only persistent noise bothering as of now is from DEF / fuel tank.
3. Drive normally and this engine rewards with exceptional FE and whenever you need that extra power, it delivers without hesitation.
4. Though ADAS is over cautious at times with some random braking, once you adapt to it the drive is quite blissful especially on the expressways.
5. Last couple of weeks saw quite a lot of issues with AdrenoX app (remote commands activation getting stuck, random log-out from app, trip history not working, live location sharing not working etc.).

Why can't they be always more cautious while installing fitments.[frustration]
That's there but I feel it's more to do with the Plastic composite tailgate and in my opinion the dimple in the paint visible in the Driver side pic would not have been there on a metal surface.
 
Last edited:
Thread Starter #42
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Experience from covering 3500 Kms in just 10 days

Certain circumstances required taking 2 round-trips of around 1400 Kms each split equally over 2 consecutive days just 8 days apart. Including some work related travel, it meant covering a colossal 3500 Kms in just 10 days post service.

An interesting behavior I noticed on my highway trips is once the speed stabilizes to anything above 60-70 Kmph after starting from even 2-3 days of pure city run covering 100 Kms at max, there is a considerable drop in FE (as noticed via the instantaneous gauge) for the first 20-25 minutes. Post this only normalcy is restored and the FE jumps back up by 2-3 Kmpl. Looks like automated DPF regeneration happening in the background to clear all the soot accumulated from the city runs. Wish the Information skin on the instrument cluster gave some real information related to what’s happening with maybe some advanced gauges for Soot level & regen state, Turbo Boost, Battery Voltage, Transmission Oil temp., etc. With the Android based implementation, would have been great to just have Torque Pro installable on the center screen for all this information and more.

Trip stats post fill-up after the first day run - amazing frugality
Mahindra XUV700 Trip 1.jpg


A truck having a hard time with a very long grade – from a distance it looked as if it was on fire
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/x6tgeHi_Ny0

Bugs leaving their mark
Mahindra XUV700 Trip 2.jpg


A random capture of the odo on the return leg the next day
Mahindra XUV700 Trip 3.jpg


The final stats
Mahindra XUV700 Trip 4.jpg

Mahindra XUV700 Trip 5.jpg


It is worth pointing out that a decade ago this same travel used to take in excess of 12 hours with 2 proper breaks for meal & snacks and other short ones for nature’s call. The Agra-Lucknow Expressway reduced the time by almost 1.5 hours and finally the Meerut-Delhi Expressway and Bundelkhand Expressway reduced it by another 2 hours with the journey now taking slightly over 8 hours with just one meal break among other short ones.

Washing done in night itself to bring it back to glory
Mahindra XUV700 Trip 6.jpg


Once again the Adaptive Cruise and Smart Pilot assist worked flawlessly on the expressways and after having got used to the quirks they make driving a real bliss. Noticed that the truck traffic on the Bundelkhand Expressway has increased many folds (probably due to no toll yet) and it was alarming to find repairs have already started on this newly opened expressway.

A timelapse of day drive on Bundekhand Expressway capturing the varied terrain this Expressway passes through

Just 8 days later travelled on the same route once again, only the timing was different involving more of night driving on the return leg. The Booster lamps really aid in driving and give the confidence at night.

Cooling-off after reaching the destination
Mahindra XUV700 Trip 7.jpg


Stray animals on the Expressway with another jumping the crash barrier to join them
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/uNKIXo00Bak

The booster lamps in action on the Yamuna Expressway

Amazing consistency in the final stats
Mahindra XUV700 Trip 8.jpg

Mahindra XUV700 Trip 9.jpg


All thanks to the night travel, the Bugs had left there mark in a bigger way this time and required cleaning the windshield manually as well twice during stops. Currently using the WaveX windshield washer concentrate but need to find a better solution which is effective on bugs.
Mahindra XUV700 Trip 10.jpg


The ORVMs were toughest to clean
Mahindra XUV700 Trip 11.jpg


Restoring the lost shine
Mahindra XUV700 Trip 12.jpg
 
Thread Starter #43
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Comparison with Endeavour, Software Update, Chrome Strip replacement and DIY DEF filling

Sold the Endeavour in the second week of Feb. and sharing some observations gathered over 4 months when I had both the XUV7OO and the Endeavour:

1. Twice I had to take the roads less taken in the XUV7OO and once I had to turn back due to fear of getting stuck. There is no substitute for the go-anywhere capability of the Endeavour.
2. Not being able to carry the stroller behind the 3rd row with the entire family on-board is a big issue in the XUV7OO.
3. Drivetrain vibrations in the Endeavour were non-existent while there are some distinct vibrations in the XUV7OO, especially when accelerating from 1500 to 2000 RPM in 2nd gear.
4. The engine of the XUV7OO is a gem and despite the lack of displacement, it gets the job done with lesser downshifts resulting in lower cabin noise.
5. Even the automatic transmission on the XUV7OO is much eager to lock the Torque Converter than the Endeavour – on my daily office commute now there is no unnecessary over-revving.
6. On-road driving dynamics and comfort of XUV7OO are much better but the suspension noise (primarily from front) over broken tarmac is much higher than the Endeavour.
7. Miss the 8-way adjustment in the driver seat – the ability to adjust the angle of the seat base was a real boon in the Endeavour and helpful on long drives.
8. The stock headlamps of the Endeavour were never even satisfactory while the XUV7OO excels in this area.
9. While the XUV7OO has plethora of features, the usable ones helping in driving like the Auto-dimming IRVM (mentioning it not because of convenience but in evening with IRVM in night mode with the Sunroof Shade open, in the XUV7OO you see the sky above and not what’s behind which was never an issue with the Auto-dimming IRVM in Endeavour – the IRVM in the latter was stable as well on broken roads while in the former it just vibrates crazily giving a blurred image), stable software and the ability to unlock many more customizations in the Endeavour are really missed.
10. FE is quite rewarding and not only the Endeavour, the XUV7OO has till date delivered the best FE of any vehicle owned in last 2 decades (including multiple Scorpio’s). As per FuelIO, average baseline of XUV7OO D AT is 12.69 Kmpl as opposed to 8.15 Kmpl of Endeavour 3.2 AT and 9.54 Kmpl of Hexa 2.2 AT over similar drives while Pajero Sport 4x4 MT had around 8.71 Kmpl when the road network was in pretty bad shape.
11. Miss the larger fuel tank resulting in 800+ Kms of usable range in the Endeavour before the DTE went below 50 Kms triggering a panic. Same route and similar driving in the XUV7OO barely touches the 700 Kms mark before the DTE approaches 50 Kms (could be some calibration issue in the latter as at this point the Diesel fill quantity till auto-cut is around 50 Liters out of 60 where-as in Endeavour it used to take-in around 75 Liters out of 80).

The final shot of both before taken before handing over the Endeavour.
Ford Endeavour Mahindra XUV.jpg


Coming back to the XUV7OO, got a call from dealership for Chrome Strip and took this visit for getting the software update done as well which is supposed to be more stable.

Waiting for the Chrome Strip replacement
Mahindra XUV700 1.jpg


Since a service camp was running, a through check-up was done free of cost
Mahindra XUV700 2.jpg


Version post the software update

Mahindra XUV700 3.jpg


Regarding DEF filling, the XUV7OO has a 20L DEF tank and for every 10% change in level, it should correspond to 2L DEF. Based on this assumption, I purchased a 6L pack of DEF to be filled a later stage along with a cleaning duster – both of which were having discount during the service camp. For rest of the service items, there was no amount to be paid.

For filling the 6L DEF completely, the level should have been below 70%. While filling the DEF is a pretty straight forward process, added a deep scar to the arm during the process of cutting the packaging to release the spout. Before filling the DEF, the level was 66% and I was completely confused when after filling the level showed 86% - a change of only 20% corresponding to having added 4L DEF only and not 6L. Made a frantic call to the service center and I was advised that it might take time to calculate the correct level. I was not convinced with the reply since when the DEF is filled upto the brim at the service center, the level immediately shows 98% without even starting the Engine. But I had no other option but to wait it out. What’s surprising is that the DEF level starting rising with every drive and over a span 03 days and after driving 58Kms over the Holi holidays, the level maxed out at 94% after which it started falling again.

The DEF pack of 6L

Mahindra XUV700 DEF 2.jpg


DEF level before, interim and after

Mahindra XUV700 DEF.jpg


On a separate note, there was an annoying rattle from the boot which took time to diagnose by myself and was finally evident when the 3rd row seats were opened. Found the 2nd row seat frame cover lying around and am surprised how it got dislodged.

The cover

Mahindra XUV700 Loose Cover 1.jpg


Location where it was supposed to be

Mahindra XUV700 Loose Cover 2.jpg
 
Thread Starter #44
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The fall of ‘L’, some other trips and stats

While removing the luggage after returning from a trip, noticed that the ‘L’ badge had parted ways and dropped off somewhere.

The missing ‘L’ badge
Mahindra XUV700  - 1.jpg


Achieved some eye-watering FE figures on the Expressway despite maintaining decent pace. The mHwak 2.2 is really rewarding when it comes to FE without compromising on the performance.

Setting a personal record (in a SUV) at 16.9 Kmpl
Mahindra XUV700 Expressway FE - 1.jpg


Interestingly the DTE / Range did not go beyond 999 Km (ignore the Average here)
Mahindra XUV700 Expressway FE - 2.jpg


The return leg on the same route with full load dropped the FE considerably to 14.4 Kmpl
Mahindra XUV700 Expressway FE - 3.jpg


The long straights on pretty much empty Bundelkhand Expressway…
Mahindra XUV700 Expressway.jpg


…followed by someone standing in the middle on a curve
https://youtube.com/shorts/dbazUE2-9R4?feature=share

This was captured right after a fill-up after driving for 1 Km – seems to be accounting for around 57L of Diesel
Mahindra XUV700 FE after fill.jpg


This trip was followed was a trip to Ranthambore with some dear friends of Endeavour group. This allowed us to sample the newly built section of Delhi – Mumbai Expressway.

The convoy
N Mahindra Ford Convoy - 1.jpg

N Mahindra Ford Convoy - 2.jpg


Stickering done
N Mahindra Ford Convoy - 3.jpg


On the way to safari
Ranthambore - 1.jpg


Resting peacefully
Ranthambore - 2.jpg


The first sighting
Ranthambore - 3.jpg


As if the Tiger was following a strict timetable, it stood-up and started walking in to the denser part at sharp 5:15pm

Captured on DSLR
Ranthambore - 4.JPG


A bird dropped by to say hello…
Ranthambore - 5.jpg


…and another got stuck on the return journey (still can’t imagine how it went through the gap in the lower grill)
S Mahindra XUV700 Bird.jpg


The worst FE captured all thanks to continuous climb on the way to Nainital
T Mahindra XUV700 Nainital Climb.jpg


Parked peacefully on another level
T Mahindra XUV700 Nainital Parking.jpg


The decent from Nainital recuperating the losses
U Mahindra XUV700 Nainital Descent.jpg


Note: Zip mode was used only to capture the stats.
 
Thread Starter #45
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2nd Service of 20000 Kms

On the return from Nainital, the odo touched and crossed the 20K mark.

Capturing the moment
Mahindra XUV700  20k.jpg


With another travel planned for the next day and having reached Haridwar earlier than expected on the return from Nainital, thought of getting the service done before heading home. Tried my luck and requested the folks at Mighty Mahindra if they could accommodate my vehicle for 20K service. They requested me to reach there by 4pm.

Reached there on the dot and without wasting any time, a service bay was allocated. While this service does not require Engine oil change, I requested them to change it along with the oil filter. Surprisingly the air filter, despite having cleaned it at almost every 5K Kms, required replacement. What was shocking though was that the Front Brake pads required replacement too – from the looks of it, there seemed to be enough thickness left but that is all unusable due to the embedded sensor.

Waiting service bay allocation
Mahindra XUV700  Service 1.jpg


In the Service bay
Mahindra XUV700  Service 2.jpg


The service kit
Mahindra XUV700  Service 3.jpg


Air Filter Part number
Mahindra XUV700  Service 4.jpg


Surprisingly no technical specs of oil mentioned yet again
Mahindra XUV700  Service 5.jpg


The Front Brake kit
Mahindra XUV700  Service 6.jpg


Old Pads
Mahindra XUV700  Service 7.jpg


One of the Pad is already reaching the sensor due to which replacement was mandated
Mahindra XUV700  Service 8.jpg


Along with Alignment and Balancing, the total service bill came to Rs. 13,170/- which included 8L DEF and cabin filter as well.

Some observations after covering 20K Kms:
1. Since the 10K service done in end of Jan. till the 20K service in 3rd week of April, there had been only 01 unscheduled visit for chrome strip replacement and Silver Box update with general check-up during service camp.
2. Despite the steering angle sensor being reset, the steering feel has gone for a toss and the steering has become quite heavy.
3. Just before stopping, the brakes now make a squealing sound – surprised that there was no such issue with the old worn out pads.
4. Due to lack of time, the washing and cleaning was deferred for the next week and during that visit, the brakes were cleaned (for noise) and steering angle sensor was reset again but none of these solved the respective issues which still persist.
5. The other persistent noises bothering as of now are from DEF / fuel tank and the Engine cover which rattles.

Noise from Brakes
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/aAZkzCGb7eE
 

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