As its name suggests, the Mahindra XUV700 AX7 is a seven-seater.

The front seats offer generous adjustment and support, and if you choose a grade with a powered driver's seat, the switchgear on the door cards resemble Mercedes-Benz best-practice.

The second row seating, meanwhile, is within spacious surrounds, allowing for better-than-usual legroom in a medium-sized SUV. The cushions are deep for support, while the backrests are reclinable, adding to their comfort and versatility.

Beyond that, the 60:40 split middle row has a kerb-side third-row entry/exit quick-release feature, aided by a simple single-press seat-tumble mechanism for fast and easy access.

The third row is mainly for kids. Larger people can easily travel back there for short periods, but it would soon feel cramped and claustrophobic for some folk. When unused, the individual seats' backrests fold flat into the floor.

All XUV700s sold in Australia initially are seven-seaters.

Doors open large and wide, to reveal a spacious and airy interior that is as inviting and premium as the old XUV500 seemed cheap and cheerful.

Clearly inspired by some Mercedes-Benz models like the A-Class, the XUV700's dash is dominated by a simple rectangular screen that houses two 10.25-inch displays - one for the driver housing instrumentation info, and the other for the multimedia and vehicle-operation systems.

For Australia, all XUV700s should include seven seats, a powered driver’s seat with memory setting, artificial leather trim, dual high-definition screens, a panoramic sunroof, LED headlights, push-button start, auto-on/off headlights, dusk/rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone climate control, a rear-view camera, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity and 18-inch alloys.

Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, auto high-beam and adaptive cruise control are also fitted – a first for Mahindra.

Stepping up to the AX7 Luxury ushers in adaptive cruise control with full stop/go functionality, blind-spot monitor and an additional knee airbag.

You'll also find 360-degree surround-view camera, electric park brake, telescoping steering, wireless charging, upgraded audio with 12 speakers, continuous digital video recording and electrically retractable door handles.

The XUV700 for Australia is powered by a 150kW/380Nm 2.0-litre direct-injection four-cylinder turbo petrol engine. It sends drive to the front wheels via a six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.

The XUV700 can go from zero to 100km/h in about 10.5 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 197km/h.

The Mahindra XUV700 offers a combined average fuel consumption figure of 8.3L/100km. This has been determined on the ADR 81/02 cycle.

Tuned to run on regular 91 RON unleaded petrol, its 60L fuel tank allows about 720km of range between refills.