Features Of Integrated Amazon Alexa In The Mahindra XUV700 Revealed

It will be the first car in India to offer this feature

• The XUV700’s infotainment system will have Amazon Alexa built into it for voice-enabled functionalities.

• It will allow users to use the same voice commands as Alexa devices for vehicle controls and infotainment systems.

• The system will offer basic offline functionality as well when the vehicle is outside of network coverage.

• The Alexa AI will get over-the-air updates as well to enhance the ownership experience over time.

• The XUV700 will be revealed in its entirety on August 14.

The Mahindra XUV700 is going to be the first car in India to have Amazon Alexa integrated into its on-board systems as the voice enabled AI. It will allow users to make use of the Alexa digital assistant for vehicle functions and also access Amazon’s entertainment services.

The Alexa AI system in the XUV700 is meant to offer the same intuitive experience as Amazon’s range of Alexa-enabled home devices. In order to achieve that, Mahindra’s latest SUV has leveraged the Alexa Auto Software Development Kit for the integration and to build custom voice-enabled experiences while being able to offer over-the-air updates as well.

It will add car-specific functionality too such as navigation and uses third-party skills for functions like finding parking spots. The system can also be used to remotely control features like opening/closing the sunroof and windows, locking/unlocking doors, and adjusting the AC settings.

In addition, Amazon has developed the integrated Alexa AI to offer basic features even when the vehicle is not connected to any networks, i.e., offline. With the XUV700, the system can still take commands for controlling the windows and sunroof, changing cabin temperature settings, and switching to a smartphone that is connected via Bluetooth or USB. The XUV700 will feature a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system powered by the new AdrenoX UI.

The Mahindra XUV700 will also feature remote vehicle control from Alexa home devices like the Amazon Echo using the Mahindra Skill add-on. This interface can offer vehicle information (like fuel levels or tyre pressures) and give commands for locking/unlocking the doors or pre-cooling the cabin.

Veejay Nakra, CEO, automotive division, M&M, said, “Our collaboration with a customer-obsessed leader such as Amazon comes from a single-minded focus to make our new XUV700 an SUV like no other. We are confident that this seamless integration will further enhance the ownership experience of our connected and tech-savvy customers of today.”

The Mahindra XUV700 has been spied and teased with various segment-first features as a premium offering in the mid-size SUV space. It is due to be officially unveiled on August 14 with the launch likely to follow soon after. The XUV700 will be rivalling the likes of the Hyundai Alcazar, MG Hector Plus, and Tata Safari.