Mahindra XUV500 vs Audi Q7
What's the difference?

Mahindra XUV500

—

2018 price

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Audi Q7

$75,880 - $129,990

2025 price

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Summary

2018 Mahindra XUV500

2025 Audi Q7

By Andrew Chesterton

By Chris Thompson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.2L

Turbo V6, 3.0L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Diesel/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

6.7L/100km (combined)

7.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Cheap way into seven seats
Petrol/auto combination a winner
Hugely spacious third row

Extremely comfortable
Sensible tech and ergonomics
Design still looks current

Dislikes

Underwhelming safety
Steering that requires plenty of guesswork
Cheap-feeling interior

Thirst for fuel
Lack of front row storage
Occasional drivetrain hesitation

2018 Mahindra XUV500 Summary

Just in case attacking Australia's crowded SUV market with a virtually unheard of Indian brand wasn't a high enough hurdle to leap over, Mahindra had made its task even harder - think a Bollywood version of Mission Impossible - by launching its XUV500 SUV here with a diesel engine (which nobody wanted) and a manual gearbox (which few could even remember how to use).

Fortunately, it fixed one of those issues late in 2016, finally adding an automatic transmission to the line-up. And now, at long last, it's fixed the other.

This, then, is the petrol-powered XUV500 SUV. And, on paper at least, it's the most sense-making Mahindra to date.

For one, it's a ferociously cheap way into a new seven-seat SUV. For another, it's pretty well equipped, even from the base level. There's a long warranty, an equally long roadside assistance offering, and there's capped-price servicing, too.

So, should the mainstream SUV players be looking over their shoulders?

Spoiler alert: no.

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2025 Audi Q7 Summary

The updated Audi Q7 is a bit of a game of ‘spot the difference’ - but even though it’s far from a new generation, the update is more than just some shiny new bits.

While the brand’s first SUV is still in its second generation, a bit of modernised design and some tech tweaks are aimed at keeping it in line with rivals, even as it nears a decade on sale.

As well as the new features, there’s also a new variant bound for Aussie showrooms. So, is it still up to the task?

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Deep dive comparison

2018 Mahindra XUV500 2025 Audi Q7

Verdict

This petrol-powered and well-priced XUV500 W6 might mark Mahindra's most convincing effort at cracking Australia's congested SUV market, but we're still not completely convinced.

That said, it's certainly cheap, the ownership credentials stack up and it's a very comfortable way to transport seven people.

Verdict

Overall, changes to the Q7 aren’t quite revolutionary, but that’s okay because it was already a fantastic large SUV.

The fact Audi has kept the price around the same mark and introduced a cheaper entry-grade should be welcome news for prospective buyers.

But even the existing variants are capable and impressive family haulers… and now they’re just that little bit better.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Mahindra XUV500 vs Audi Q7 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mahindra XUV500 vs Audi Q7
What's the difference?