They’re both feature-rich premium SUVs but the XUV700 gets a few toys that the Astor does not
The Mahindra XUV700 had us excited for its first-in-segment ADAS (Advanced Driver Assist System) features since we first spotted its pre-production test mule with the radar technology. It surprised us further by offering a variety of segment-firsts and premium features at attractive prices when it launched in September. MG has been in festive limelight with the launch of the Astor that introduces ADAS to the compact SUV segment, a headline feature similar to the XUV700. Both are rich in technology but the Mahindra has some comforts that even the MG doesn’t offer. Here are 10 features that the XUV700 offers over the Astor:
10.25-inch digital driver’s display
Screen sizes matter in closely priced premium offerings and the XUV700 wins this one. It’s integrated dual-screen setup with 10.25-inch displays for the infotainment system and the digital instrument cluster looks more modern in comparison. The MG SUV also has a 7-inch digital driver’s display but it is not as premium as that of the XUV700.
Dual-zone climate control
Auto AC is a common fitment but multi-zone climate control is a premium feature often restricted to cars which are priced higher than Rs 20 lakh. But the XUV700 is equipped with dual-zone climate control which allows the two front passengers to autonomously maintain two different temperatures at the same time. For instance, the driver can set their AC to 26 degrees Celsius and the passenger can have theirs set to 23 degrees Celsius.
Memory function for 6-way power adjustable driver’s seat
The top variants of many premium offerings in the compact and mid-size SUV segment, like the Astor and XUV700, are equipped with a power-adjustable driver’s seat. But Mahindra elevated that feature by offering it with a memory function. This allows the owner to save a specific seat position to the car’s system. So, even if someone else drives it and adjusts the seat to their needs, the owner can reset it to their saved settings at the touch of a button instead of adjusting it all over again.
With this feature, the driver’s seat will also automatically slide back for more comfort at the time of entering the car. Luxury vehicles even allow for multiple seat settings to be saved for multiple users.
Also read: Mahindra XUV700 Variants Explained: Which One Should You Buy?
Drive modes
An engine’s ECU (electronic control unit) can control its responsiveness and alter the driving experience. The cars with driving modes allow the user to switch between ECU presets, which can either improve fuel efficiency, or offer a sportier response, or automatically adjust the balance between those two. While the MG Astor offers different steering modes, it does not get driving modes which are offered in the XUV700.
Select diesel variants of the Mahindra XUV700 are offered with four driving modes: Zip (comfort), Zap (extra thrust of power), Zoom (faster acceleration), and Custom (as per user preferences).
Wireless charging
Surprisingly, the MG Astor misses out on a popular feature in this segment: a wireless charging pad. Mahindra has included it in the XUV700 but only in the most expensive variant: AX7 with the Luxury Pack.
Third-row of seats with third-row AC
The biggest advantage of the Mahindra XUV700 over the MG Astor is its larger size and the option of 7-seater variants with a third-row of seats. When those seats are not in use, they can be folded down to make room for luggage, making it a more versatile offering than the similarly priced MG Astor.
Electrically popping out door handles
Some premium features are more about offering an experience than serving a purpose. The XUV700’s door handles sit flush in the bodywork to improve the car’s overall aerodynamic efficiency. In the priciest variant, these handles pop-out electronically when the car is unlocked or when the person with the key is near it.
3D Sony audio with 12 speakers
Both the Mahindra and MG SUVs come with six speakers but the XUV700’s top-spec trim with the Luxury Pack gets a premium Sony audio system. It uses 12 speakers for a 3D surround sound experience and customized acoustic modes.
Built-in Amazon Alexa
The Mahindra XUV700’s infotainment system may not have a digital AI assistant with a robot-head on the dashboard, it does get built-in Amazon Alexa. This feature enables users to interact with some of the vehicle functions and get information via voice commands. Plus, the XUV700 gets the Adrenox infotainment system with built-in Alexa from the one-above-base AX3 variant onwards.
All-wheel drive option
In most premium vehicles, all-wheel drive is a very expensive option and thus not offered in cars costing less than Rs 20 lakh. Even the Mahindra XUV700 doesn’t do that but at least it gives buyers the option of AWD with the top-spec AX7 diesel-automatic variant. This improves the overall experience of an SUV as it offers better traction off road while being safer to drive in wet conditions.
While the Mahindra XUV700 does offer these features over the MG Astor, it charges a heavy premium for them.
Read More on : XUV700 on road price