Just before this year’s calendar could graduate to October, Mahindra revealed the complete price list of the XUV700. At least that’s what we believed until today. Why? Because now there are two new variants, both diesel-powered. The first one is the AX7 diesel manual with Luxury Pack, priced at Rs 19.99 lakh. The second is the AX7 diesel automatic with Luxury Pack and AWD (All Wheel Drive). That costs Rs 22.89 lakh. Mind you, like the rest of them, both those figures are valid only until Mahindra receives 25,000 bookings for the XUV700. Once that limit is breached, all numbers will receive upward revisions.

So, why has Mahindra further expanded the upcoming SUV’s portfolio? The carmaker has an answer – “to address customers’ requests”. Fair enough. The AX7 diesel manual with Luxury Pack becomes the new entry-level derivative that offers all creature comfort. When compared, it costs Rs 1 lakh less than the AX7 petrol manual with Luxury Pack.

On the other hand, the second new variant becomes the new range-topper. It costs Rs 1.3 lakh more than the AX7 diesel automatic with Luxury Pack. Also, it is the second one with the optional AWD. And yes, both are in seven-seat forms.

The Luxury Pack ropes in some impressive features into the equation. The list includes a blind view monitor, a 12-speaker Sony sound system, 360-degree surround view, knee airbag for the driver and wireless mobile charging. Stuff like telescopic steering adjust, electric parking brake, adaptive cruise control, and electric Smart door handles also come in.

As things stand, you cannot book the Mahindra XUV700. At least not officially. That window will open on October 7, 2021, at 10 am. When will the deliveries commence? An official announcement regarding that will be made on October 10, 2021. If you wish to know more about the specifications and the rest of the prices, click here.

Once launched, the Mahindra XUV700 will fight battles on at least two fronts. One with compact SUVs like the Volkswagen Taigun, Kia Seltos, Nissan Kicks and Skoda Kushaq, whereas the other with larger SUVs such as the MG Hector Plus, Tata Safari and Hyundai Alcazar.

With the addition of these new derivatives, there are now 23 different variants of the XUV700. But is that far too many for customers to fathom? Or, will they appreciate the vastness of choice? Out of the two, which bucket do you find yourself in?