Maruti Suzuki XL7: In India, stylish, feature-rich and practical family cars are seeing increasing demand. With the likes of Ertiga and XL6 Maruti Suzuki’s MPV portfolio already, there is also a new star being born just like the XL7.
Now on sale in markets like Indonesia, the XL7 is the ‘SUV design’ ruggedised and toughened up sibling of the XL6 that’s targeted at the buyers looking for an affordable 7-seater with SUV styling.
It hasn’t made its official debut in India yet, but the XL7 has all it takes to be successful in our market. It has a nice mix of SUVishness, space and Maruti reliability.
Design: SUV-Inspired and Bold
The XL7 is based on the XL6 but gets a more imposing look thanks to more rugged styling. At the front, the car comes with a sportier grille, combined LED DRLs and a chunkier bumper.
Blackout trim, roof rails and faux skid plates provide a rugged SUV-like vibe.
On the sides, it sports a high ground clearance with 16-inch duel-tone alloy wheels, body cladding and black ORVMs.
The rump of the car sees LED tail lamps joined by a glossy black strip, giving the car wide look from the back.
Traditionally, MPVs like the Ertiga have a rather boxy design, but the XL7 looks more of a crossover SUV than a van.
Inside and Comfort: 7 Seater
The XL7, unlike the XL6 that is a six seater with captain’s chairs in the middle row, comes packed with full 7-seater configuration with a second-row bench. This Duty is ideal for bigger families and thus more convenient.
The dashboard design is neat and it’s inspired from Ertiga/XL6 but the XL7 gets dark-themed interiors with orange highlights to give that sporty feel.
The only slight downside is that the materials feel a little flimsy, but they do feel well assembled and the ergonomics are just right.
In space the XL7 provides good head and legroom in all three rows. The third row is usable for adults (but on short excursions only) and for the kiddos on longer trips.
Boot space is tight with all seats up, but it expands greatly when the third row is flipped forward.
Engine and Performance
The XL7 derives its drive from Maruti’s trusted 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine that comes with mild hybrid technology.
This engine develops 103 PS and 138 Nm and can come mated to a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed torque […]
The emphasis of the engine is on ride quality and fuel efficiency rather than top end performance. It’s a pleasure to tool around the city in and make long highway runs comfortably.
Mild-hybrid also helps with greater fuel efficiency, which ranges anywhere from 16–19 km/l, depending on the variant and how you drive it.
Comfort is the priority in the tuned suspension, and the vehicle easily absorbs potholes and bumps.
It may not be a hardcore SUV, but the XL7 has a better ride over the rough stuff and bad roads as opposed to standard hatchbacks.
Features and Technology
The XL7 comes loaded with:
7-inch touchscreen entertainment with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Smart key and push button start
Automatic climate control
Rear sensors and camera on parking that is upgraded.
Dual airbags, ABS with EBD
Electrically foldable ORVMs
Rear wiper and washer
Brakes and hill launch assist (only in Automatic Version)
If the car does come to India, Maruti could provide connected car tech and a few more features in top-spec trims.
Pros of Maruti Suzuki XL7
Bold SUV-inspired design
Step 7-seat (compared to XL6’s 6-seater)
Nice ride and interior comfort
Tried and tested 1.5L hybrid assisted petrol engine
Good service network of Maruti along with resale value
It is economical on the fuel side for any car of its size
Cons of Maruti Suzuki XL7
No diesel engine option
4-speed Automatic Could Seem A Bit Long In The Tooth
Not a real SUV—Front-wheel drive only
Build quality is average
May feel under powered with full load on highways
Maruti Suzuki XL7: Verdict
The Maruti Suzuki XL7 is an intelligent combination of SUV design, MPV convenience and Maruti’s ever-great fuel efficiency.
It’s for folks who need more than mere function — the class of vehicle shopper who wants the road presence and comfort and convenience of a full-size SUV without buying back into that size class.
If it ever comes to us in India, the XL7 would make for a good alternative to the Ertiga especially for customers who are looking for a far more stylish and flexible 7-seater.