Autonomous Features Expected On The Mahindra XUV700

These driver assistance systems will be a first in the mid-size SUV space

• The XUV700 has been spied with a camera on the front windscreen, confirming the presence of ADAS or Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.

• ADAS includes active vehicle safety features with the help of cameras and sensors. 

• It could get blindspot detection, drowsy driver detection system, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and lane keep assist. 

• It will be powered by Mahindra’s latest 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines, with 6-speed manual and automatic options. 

The upcoming Mahindra XUV700 has been spied again, revealing a camera behind the front windscreen, around the internal rearview mirror (IRVM), reaffirming the SUV will get a segment-first feature - ADAS or Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.

ADAS is basically used for active vehicular safety features based on cameras and sensors. There are different levels with the higher ones getting auto-pilot mode. The XUV700 is expected to get level 1 autonomous tech like the MG Gloster, which is the most affordable car with the feature in India. 

Mahindra showcased its ADAS tech fitted to the Marazzo at Auto Expo 2020. It has the following features: 

• Drowsy driver detection system: The system detects drowsiness in the driver by monitoring steering movements and asking them to take a break. 

• Cross-traffic alert: Warns the driver of a vehicle or object that might be approaching the car from out of the camera range.   

• Attention detection: Alerts the driver on detecting inattention. 

• Blindspot detection: Detects vehicles that aren’t visible because of the car's blindspots, majorly towards the side and rear. 

• Lane keep assist: Uses a forward-facing camera to keep the driver from moving out of the lane inadvertently.

• Autonomous emergency braking system (AEB): Usually a car fitted with an AEB system applies full emergency braking if it comes in critical proximity to a moving or stationary vehicle or an object in the front under the speed of 30kmph, if there’s no driver input sensed. Likewise, if it is above 30kmph, it will first warn you of the danger ahead by giving a jerk, and if still there’s no driver input, it will automatically apply the brakes to avoid a crash or limit the impact of the accident. 

These are the features the XUV700 could get, along with adaptive cruise control. It is an advanced version of your regular cruise control, which automatically slows down and speeds up the car to your desired speed limit without disabling the feature. For reference, regular cruise control keeps the car at the preset speed, but requires manual intervention to slow down, brake, and accelerate again. It will further feature a 360-degree camera as well. 

Based on the latest teaser, it will also get high-beam assist LED headlights -- which basically means the throw of the light will be increased as you cross 80kmph -- dynamic turn indicators, flush door handles, personalised voice for speed alerts, and 18-inch alloys tyres. 

The Mahindra XUV700 will come with the Thar’s petrol and diesel engines, although tuned for higher output. In the Thar, the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol unit makes 150PS and up to 320Nm, while the 2.2-litre diesel is good for 130PS and 300Nm. Mahindra will offer the SUV with both 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions. A segment-exclusive optional all-wheel drive (AWD) will also be available.

Going by our earlier report, Mahindra is likely to unveil the XUV700 and commence production by the end of this month. It could be launched in August 2021, possibly on Independence Day. The new-generation Thar was revealed on August 15 last year. 

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It will replace the XUV500, which will later be relaunched as a five-seater rival to the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. We expect the XUV700 to be priced from Rs 16 lakh to Rs 22 lakh (ex-showroom), rivalling the  MG Hector Plus, Tata Safari, and Hyundai Alcazar.