Mahindra XUV700 5-seater variants discontinued

Mahindra XUV700 6-Seater Variants Discontinued: Here’s Why They Were Short-Lived

Mahindra has silently discontinued the 6-seater variants of the XUV700 in India. These variants, which featured captain seats in the second row, were introduced earlier in 2024 to cater to buyers seeking a more premium and chauffeur-friendly rear-seat experience. However, just months after their launch, Mahindra has pulled these configurations from the lineup. 

Why Were the 6-Seater Variants Discontinued?

The decision appears to be driven by low demand and practical limitations. While captain seats offer a luxurious feel, they didn't resonate with the typical XUV700 buyer, who often prioritizes maximum seating capacity for family use. Additionally, the execution of these seats had shortcomings:

• Non-sliding seats made third-row access challenging.

• Lack of ventilation in the captain seats reduced comfort, especially in warmer climates.

• Limited space between the seats didn't significantly improve accessibility or comfort over the standard bench.

These factors likely contributed to the underwhelming sales performance of the 6-seater variants. 

Impact on the XUV700 Lineup

With the discontinuation of the 6-seater options, the XUV700 now focuses on its 5-seater and 7-seater configurations. This move simplifies the lineup and aligns with consumer preferences, as the 7-seater variants continue to be more popular among buyers seeking family-oriented SUVs.

What's Next for Mahindra?

While the 6-seater XUV700 variants have been phased out, Mahindra continues to update the XUV700 lineup. Recently, the company introduced new diesel variants under the AX3 trim level and adjusted pricing across various models. These changes indicate Mahindra's ongoing efforts to refine its offerings based on market demand and customer feedback.

For buyers specifically interested in 6-seater SUVs with captain seats, alternatives like the Tata Safari and MG Hector Plus remain available in the market.

As Mahindra continues to evolve its product lineup, it's clear that customer preferences and market trends will play a significant role in shaping future offerin

In a rather quiet move, Mahindra has pulled the plug on the 6-seater variants of its popular flagship SUV, the XUV700. Launched earlier in 2024 with the intention of offering a more premium, chauffeur-driven experience, the 6-seater configuration came with captain seats in the second row. However, the experiment seems to have failed to catch on with buyers. Here's a deep dive into why Mahindra made this decision and what it means for the XUV700 lineup.

The Rise and Fall of the 6-Seater XUV700:

The 6-seater variant was seen as a natural evolution for the XUV700. With competitors like the Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus, and Hyundai Alcazar offering captain seat options, Mahindra aimed to tap into a more comfort-conscious segment of the SUV market.

However, the new variant never quite made a splash. Within a few months of its introduction, Mahindra discontinued it. So, what went wrong?

1. Low Demand in a Volume-Oriented Segment:

The XUV700 is positioned as a family SUV, and in India, that typically translates to a preference for maximum seating. The 7-seater variant with a bench seat in the second row proved more practical for large families, while the 6-seater’s reduced capacity made it less appealing to the core buyer group.

2. Captain Seats Had Functional Limitations:

While captain seats sound luxurious, the implementation in the XUV700 wasn’t ideal:

•No fore-aft sliding mechanism: This limited third-row access, making it harder for passengers to get in and out.

•No ventilation: In a hot climate like India, ventilated seats are increasingly becoming a necessity in premium vehicles.

•Tight spacing: The gap between the captain seats wasn’t large enough to offer significantly better comfort or movement.

3. Production Complexity:

Adding a separate 6-seater configuration likely added complexity to Mahindra’s production line. With demand failing to justify the costs, the decision to axe the variant becomes understandable.

Current XUV700 Lineup: Simplified and Streamlined:

With the 6-seater variant gone, the XUV700 now sticks to the 5-seater and 7-seater versions across its MX, AX3, AX5, and AX7 trims. This makes the lineup easier for customers to understand and for Mahindra to manage.

It’s worth noting that the 5-seater variant is still quite popular among urban buyers looking for a tech-laden, mid-size SUV, while the 7-seater caters well to joint families or travel-heavy users.