Once known primarily for rugged utility vehicles designed to take a beating in rural India, Mahindra has undergone quite the makeover. With a stronger design identity, serious investment in engineering, and surprising forays into premium features, the new XUV 3XO lands in Sri Lanka aiming squarely at the value-conscious urban SUV buyer.
It also aims to nibble at the heels of Korean trendsetters and Chinese tech overloads with a generous garnish of features and some bold styling. But has Mahindra brought the finesse to match the flash?
Design & Styling
The 3XO makes a strong visual first impression. Bold lines, angular surfaces, and an aggressive grille give it a modern, almost concept-car-like vibe. The dual-tone roof and splashy colour palette (Citrine Yellow, anyone?) are a welcome break from the endless greys and silvers of today’s traffic. The rear styling continues the sharp theme, with Infinity LED tail lamps adding a distinctive signature. It’s refreshingly original - and not in the “designed-by-committee” way some Chinese counterparts feel.
Cabin & Ergonomics
Step inside and you’re greeted by a cabin that punches above its class - at least at first glance. Leatherette seats, contrast stitching, and a large panoramic “Skyroof™” give the space an airy, upmarket vibe. At my 6’1”, the driving position was surprisingly acceptable, though taller drivers may still feel the pinch over long journeys. Cabin space is adequate for four adults and luggage, but “snug” is a fair description.
Tech & Features
This thing is loaded. Twin 10.25” HD screens (infotainment + instrument), Harman Kardon audio, 360-degree cameras with blind spot monitoring, dual-zone climate control, ADAS Level 2, adaptive cruise control, panoramic sunroof—the whole works. Switching between drive modes - Zip, Zap, Zoom - takes a few seconds too many and is hidden behind a tiny toggle. This is an area ripe for improvement.
Engine & Performance
Powered by Mahindra’s mStallion 1.2L turbo petrol, the 3XO delivers a punchy 110hp and 200Nm - enough to give it decent zip around town. Acceleration feels eager, especially in the lower gears, and it never feels underpowered for daily use. The SXO’s Zip mode is designed for fuel-efficient city driving. Zap is the default mode for a balanced SUV experience, and Zoom mode unleashes the vehicle's full power for spirited driving.
Ride & Handling
The XUV 3XO offers a balanced and steady ride, enhanced by suspension updates that improve both comfort and stability. The vehicle handles well over various road conditions, including speed bumps and larger undulations, with a composed and planted feel. The steering offers multiple modes (comfort, normal, sport) to adjust feel and responsiveness. It’s a car that prefers a relaxed drive over aggressive cornering. And given its urban intent, that’s probably fine.
Safety
In this category, Mahindra has gone all-out. A 5-star safety rating, 6 airbags, ESC, ADAS Level 2 (including forward collision warning and lane keep assist), hill hold/descent, and a robust body structure with 45% high-strength steel. It’s a level of protection that rivals more expensive vehicles, and that earns a thumbs-up.
Value & Verdict
At a starting price of Rs 11.995 million and Rs 12.995 million as tested, the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX7L delivers a great list of features - some of which wouldn’t be out of place in a vehicle at a higher price. The panoramic Skyroof, ADAS Level 2 safety suite, 360° camera, Harman Kardon sound system, and wireless CarPlay are all high-end bragging rights. For those who love gadgets and visual flair, it ticks a lot of boxes. However, buyers in this segment tend to weigh every litre of fuel, every bump in the ride, and every rupee of resale value. And here, the XUV 3XO is stepping into a rapidly evolving battleground. But more critically, the XUV 3XO enters the scene at a time when the segment is shifting fast toward electrification. Although many cost-conscious urban drivers are looking past ICE vehicles altogether, or at the very least, expecting mild hybrid tech for efficiency; another group of individuals (at least for now) are resisting the Electric car In this landscape.
Final words
A visually striking, tech-heavy compact SUV that offers serious feature appeal and solid urban usability - but its ICE drivetrain could prove to be a stumbling block in a fast-electrifying market. It’s a compelling choice for those not ready to plug in just yet, but still looking for big car bling on a tight budget.
