Maruti Suzuki XL7: On the outside, the XL7 has nicely incorporated SUV styling touches on the front and sides while retaining the proportions needed for a three-row people diver.
The front fascia is made up of a bold hexagonal grille with sharp LED projector headlamps that have unique daytime running lights, and it also gets a more aggressive stance than the regular Ertiga.
The front bumper comes with a silver skid plate element that is designed for a crossover purpose while black body cladding around the wheel arches and lower body sections gives a hint of ruggedness.
In profile, the XL7 still adheres to the essential proportions needed for three-row accommodation, but adds one extra character line that adds more tone to its already muscular look, complemented by roof rails that give the all-important adventure-ready vibe.
At the rear, new LED tail lamps are connected by a chrome accent strip to give the visual width as well as premium presence.
The dual-tone alloy wheels also help differentiate the model from the Ertiga and reinforces the XL7’s more premium positioning.
With six unique exterior colors to choose from — including premium options like Burgundy Red and Magma Grey — the XL7 has enough measurability for aesthetics while keeping manufacturing efficiently.
Overall, the design effectively conveys a more adventurous nature, without losing the essential dimensions that make the new C4 a family carrier first and foremost.
Maruti Suzuki XL7: Interior- Premium Versatility Inside
Inside, the XL7 really offers perhaps its biggest differentiation in a completely updated cabin that finally does justice to aesthetic and function vehicles.
The dashboard gets a newer layout, with silver elements as well as an overall better quality of materials used, while the flat bottom steering wheel wrapped in leather also adds a sporty touch not usually seen in the segment.
Seating arrangements are notably versatile, seen with choices of captain’s chairs in the second row on select variants to offer luxury akin to that in the front of the cabin while also preserving ease of entry to the third row.
The theater-style seats allow proper visibility for all passengers seated throughout, and the reclining function for all three rows makes long trips that much more pleasant.
The third row is plenty roomy for adult passengers on shorter journeys, an important criteria to consider if you need seven-passenger capacity from time to time.
There’s a proper amount of emphasis on storage solutions, with several cubby areas throughout the cabin and bottle holders in all of the door pockets.
With all seats in position, the cargo capacity is 209 liters, and when the third-row seats are stowed away it expands to a generous 803-liters, enabling application to a wide range of family requirements from daily commuting to weekend trips.
Performance and Efficiency: Balanced Abilities
Powering the XL7 is Maruti’s tried-and-tested 1.5-liter K15B petrol engine making 103 horsepower and 138 Nm of torque.
This powerplant also features Smart Hybrid technology, and comes equipped with an integrated starter generator that assists in providing torque during acceleration while also allowing for auto start-stop in traffic, and enables extreme fuel economy of around 19.01 kilometers per liter in standardized testing conditions.
Though these performance numbers may seem subdued for a vehicle of this size and weight, the engine’s silky character and accessible torque delivery are more than enough for the standard use case of urban displacement and weekend freeway trips.
Progressive power delivery is especially useful in stop/start traffic, where driveability is more important than outright acceleration.
The 2.8 is mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission, the latter of which is becoming increasingly popular despite its lack of gears compared to best in class because of its smooth operation and reliability record.
The focus here is on smoothness and efficiency rather than sporty characteristics—which seems like the right approach considering the family-oriented positioning of the vehicle.
Ride Quality and Refinement: Plush Calibration
The XL7, meanwhile, is clearly tuned to the business at hand, and with its suspension bits sensitivity dialed up for a passenger-oriented ride quality.
The MacPherson strut front, torsion beam rear suspension configuration yields composed behaviour across different road surfaces, with a particular aptitude for absorbing the sharper shocks found on developing infrastructure.
Noise-vibration-harshness (NVH) management is given due attention, with improved sound insulation resulting in a cabin area that positively encourages conversation between all three rows—a sensible consideration for family vehicles. At highway speeds, wind and road noise are well-mannered, too, meaning less fatigue on long journeys.
While the XL7 is primarily an on-road vehicle, its 180mm of ground clearance helps instill confidence when driving over uneven road surfaces or modest forays off-road.
This mix of both occasional rough-road capability and on-road comfort matches how the vehicle is marketed as versatile family transportation rather than a dedicated off-roader.
Tech Implications: Modern Day Convenience
Technology: The XL7 upgrade recognizes changing consumer expectations with a robust suite of connectivity and convenience features.
Similar to smartphones, the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible 7-inch SmartPlay Studio infotainment system comes with a familiar screen to users.
Other conveniences are automatic climate control with separate vents for the second-row passengers, keyless entry and push-button start, and cruise control that helps ease highway arteries.
The rear parking camera with dynamic guidelines makes it easier to maneuver in tight spaces—a particularly handy feature considering the size of a three-row SUV.
Safety features include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability program and hill-hold assist on automatic variants.
The HEARTECT platform for added crash protection is reinforced, and there are ISOFIX child seat anchors to cater to the family-oriented use cases common in this segment.
Maruti Suzuki XL7
Maruti Suzuki XL7 review in the second half of 2023: The Maruti Suzuki XL7 is a well-aligned addition to the row, with more visual decor and high-class amenities than the generic compact fare, but still with the base practicality that are the hallmarks of good family cars.
Combining crossover styling with MPV versatility, Maruti’s offering caters to consumers looking for more emotional public transport than bog-standard people carriers.
In a segment where buyers are increasingly purchasing design and feature content along with practicalities, the XL7’s well-balanced approach may be enough to sway buyers that might’ve otherwise gone with a more-premium crossover or SUV.
The XL7 is delivered with Maruti’s trusted reliability and service support, thus driving a shrewd stake further to solidify the company’s dominance on the Market as India’s automotive face continues its migration.
