Why Mahindra XUV 7XO AX Variant is Better Than AX3 and AX5: The Ultimate Value Analysis
The launch of the Mahindra XUV 7XO has sent shockwaves through the Indian SUV market. With a starting price of ₹ 13.66 Lakh, it is not just competing with compact SUVs like the Creta and Seltos; it is practically bullying them. However, a closer look at the variant lineup reveals a fascinating “Mind Game” played by Mahindra. Mahindra XUV 7XO Best Variant To Buy 2026 Full Review
Most car buyers are conditioned to believe that the “Base Model” is bare-bones and the “Mid Variant” is the sensible choice. In the case of the XUV 7XO, this logic is completely wrong. Skoda Kylaq Prices Hiked By Up To Rs 19,000: Check New 2026 Price List
At MotorCarVerse, we have crunched the numbers, and the conclusion is shocking: The base AX variant is a steal, while the mid-spec AX3 and AX5 variants are arguably “financial traps.” Here is why the base model is better than its expensive siblings. 4 New Skoda Cars Launching in India in 2026: Kushaq Facelift to New Superb
1. The “Base” Model Myth: AX is Loaded!
Usually, buying a base model means compromising. You get black door handles, no music system, and steel wheels. Mahindra has flipped this script. The XUV 7XO AX is not a base model in the traditional sense; it is a feature-rich SUV that puts rivals to shame.
What You Get in the Base AX (₹ 13.66 Lakh):
- Triple Screen Setup: Yes, you read that right. The base model gets the massive “Super Screen” setup (Digital Cluster + Infotainment). No cheap aftermarket screens needed.
- Connectivity: Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay are standard.
- Safety: 6 Airbags, ESC (Electronic Stability Control), and ISOFIX are standard.
- Luxury Basics: LED Projector Headlamps, LED Tail Lamps, and Smart Door Handles.
- Comfort: Rear AC Vents, Armrest, and Cruise Control.
Verdict: The AX variant covers 95% of what a modern driver actually needs. It doesn’t look cheap from the outside, and it feels premium on the inside.
2. The AX3 “Price Trap”: Paying ₹ 2.3 Lakh for… What?
Let’s look at the AX3 variant, which costs roughly ₹ 16.02 Lakh (Petrol MT). That is a massive jump of ₹ 2.36 Lakh over the base model.
What Do You Get for Extra ₹ 2.36 Lakh?
- Rear View Camera
- Electric Folding Mirrors
- Rear Wiper/Washer
- Rear Defogger
The Reality Check: Are these four features worth ₹ 2.36 Lakh? Absolutely not.
- You can install a high-quality aftermarket Reverse Camera for ₹ 5,000.
- You can live without auto-folding mirrors or a rear wiper.
- The “Value per Rupee” crashes hard here. You are paying a premium just to get out of the “Base” tag, but mechanically and experientially, the car is identical to the AX.
3. The AX5 “Sunroof Tax”: Is a View Worth ₹ 1.5 Lakh?
Moving up to the AX5 variant (₹ 17.52 Lakh), you are paying another ₹ 1.5 Lakh over the AX3 (and nearly ₹ 4 Lakh over the Base AX).
What Do You Get Extra?
- Panoramic Skyroof: This is the main selling point.
- Alloy Wheels: 17-inch Diamond Cut.
- LED Headlamps: Full LED (vs Bi-LED in base).
- Curtain Airbags: (Already standard in Base now, so moot point).
The Reality Check: While the Panoramic Sunroof is a “Wow” feature, ask yourself: Is it worth spending ₹ 4 Lakhs more than the base model?
- The AX5 still misses out on “True Luxury” features like Leatherette Seats, Power Seats, and ADAS.
- For a price nearing ₹ 18 Lakh (Ex-Showroom), the AX5’s fabric seats and missing ADAS make it feel overpriced compared to competitors like the Tata Safari or Hector.
4. The “Sweet Spot” Dilemma: AX7 Kills the AX5
Here is the final nail in the coffin for the mid-variants. The price gap between the AX5 and the premium AX7 is only about ₹ 96,000.
For less than ₹ 1 Lakh extra, the AX7 gives you:
- Level 2 ADAS (Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist).
- 6-Way Power Driver Seat with Memory.
- Leatherette Interior.
- Dual Zone Climate Control.
- 18-inch Alloys.
The Strategy: Mahindra has intentionally made the AX3 and AX5 poor value propositions to push you towards the AX7.
- If you can afford the AX5, you should buy the AX7.
- If you can’t afford the AX7, you should drop down to the AX.
Conclusion: The “Barbell” Buying Strategy
The smartest way to buy the Mahindra XUV 7XO is to adopt a “Barbell Strategy”—buy at the ends, avoid the middle.
- Winner #1: The AX (Base)
- For: Budget buyers, practical users, and those who want the “Big SUV” feel without the debt.
- Why: Unbeatable value. You get the engine, the size, the screens, and the safety for ₹ 13.66 Lakh.
- Winner #2: The AX7
- For: Luxury seekers and Tech lovers.
- Why: For just ₹ 96k more than AX5, you get a car that feels twice as expensive.
- The Losers: AX3 & AX5
- Why: They exist only to make the AX look like a steal and the AX7 look like a necessary upgrade. Don’t fall into the trap of paying lakhs for a rear wiper or a sunroof alone.
Final Verdict: Save your money. Buy the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX, add a reverse camera and some nice seat covers, and enjoy a ₹ 20 Lakh driving experience for ₹ 14 Lakh!
Disclaimer: Comparison based on ex-showroom prices and feature lists available at launch (January 2026). Prices and features are subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does the base AX variant of XUV 7XO have a touchscreen?
Yes! The AX variant comes with the “Superscreen” setup, which includes a 10.25-inch Infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch Digital Instrument Cluster.
2. Is the engine same in AX and AX7 variants?
Yes, the engine options (2.0L Turbo Petrol and 2.2L Diesel) and their power tuning (200 PS / 185 PS) are identical across all variants. You do not get a “weaker” engine in the base model.
3. Can I install a rear camera in the XUV 7XO AX variant?
Yes, you can install an aftermarket rear view camera or a genuine accessory camera from the dealership. The screen already supports it.
4. Does the AX variant come with Alloy Wheels?
No, the AX variant comes with 17-inch Steel Wheels with wheel covers. However, the design of the wheel cover mimics an alloy wheel quite well.
5. How many airbags are in the base model?
The XUV 7XO AX variant comes with 6 Airbags (Driver, Passenger, Side, and Curtain) as standard.
6. Is the AX3 variant worth the extra money?
In our opinion, No. The ₹ 2.36 Lakh price jump over the AX adds very few functional features (Rear Wiper, Mirrors) that do not justify the cost.
7. Does the base AX variant have Android Auto?
Yes, it supports Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which is a rare feature for a base model.
8. Is the panoramic sunroof available in AX3?
No, the Panoramic Skyroof starts from the AX5 variant.
9. Can I get the 7-seater option in the base AX variant?
Yes, the base AX variant comes standard as a 7-Seater.
10. Does the AX variant have rear AC vents?
Yes, it has AC vents for the 2nd and 3rd rows, ensuring passenger comfort is not compromised.
11. What is the on-road price difference between AX and AX5?
Depending on the state, the on-road price difference can be nearly ₹ 4.5 Lakh to ₹ 5 Lakh.
12. Does the AX5 variant have ADAS?
No, ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) features start from the AX7 variant.
13. Is Cruise Control available in the base model?
Yes, surprisingly, Cruise Control is a standard feature even in the base AX variant (Petrol and Diesel).
14. What features are missing in the AX variant compared to AX3?
The main misses are Electric Folding Mirrors, Rear Camera, Rear Wiper/Washer, and 60:40 Split seats.
15. Is the AX variant available in Diesel?
Yes, the AX variant is available in both Petrol (MT) and Diesel (MT) options.
