Mahindra XUV700 To Get High-beam Assist As Seen On Premium Cars

The feature will be activated when the SUV crosses speeds of 80kmph

• It is seen on premium models including select BMWs and Audis which use laser lights for this purpose.

• Mahindra is expected to use LEDs on the XUV700 for high-beam assist.

• The SUV is also likely to feature dual-zone climate control and a panoramic sunroof.

• The XUV700 will get the Thar’s petrol and diesel engines, albeit with improved output.

• Expected to be priced from Rs 16 lakh to Rs 22 lakh (ex-showroom).

Mahindra’s SUV lineup is all set to get a new member: the XUV700. The carmaker has now released a teaser video, hinting the SUV will feature high-beam assist.

The video shows the XUV700 traversing a dark patch of road. The high-beam assist feature is dependent on the speed of the vehicle and in the XUV700’s case, it will be activated once the SUV crosses 80kmph and Mahindra says it will increase illumination by 1.6 times. It works when the sensor detects low lighting conditions (in tandem with the speed of the vehicle) and switches on the high beam assist to improve visibility, thereby increasing safety while driving.

While it is a new feature for a mass market car, it has been popular among premium cars including BMWs and Audis. In the case of select BMW models, this feature can luminate roads ahead by up to 600 metre. As far as premium cars are concerned, the high-beam assist can also dim the light flow on detection of other vehicles within the range. The feature activates at 70kmph and 80kmph in select Audi and BMW cars respectively. While BMW and Audi use laser lights, Mahindra is expected to utilise LEDs for the said feature.

High-beam assist is not the only new feature that will be onboard the spiritual successor of the XUV500. Mahindra will also offer the XUV700 with integrated digital displays (for the touchscreen and instrument cluster), connected car tech, a panoramic sunroof, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control. The SUV will also get Level-1 ADAS (advanced driver assistance system) including lane keep assist, auto-emergency braking, and perhaps even adaptive cruise control.

• Upcoming Mahindra SUVs

 Under the hood, the 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 is expected to offer the SUV with both 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions. A segment-first optional all-wheel drive (AWD) will also be available.

Mahindra is likely to commence production of the XUV700 from July and launch it by August this year. The SUV could be priced between Rs 16 lakh and Rs 22 lakh (ex-showroom). It will rival the Tata Safari, Hyundai Alcazar, and MG Hector Plus.