New Mahindra Scorpio-N vs Mahindra XUV700: Key differences explained

After testing it for months, Mahindra & Mahindra finally revealed the new-gen Scorpio to the world a few days back in a set of exterior images. Internally codenamed 'Z101', the new 7-seat SUV will be named Scorpio-N, and will be sold alongside the current-gen Scorpio - which will be renamed to Scorpio Classic.
This means that the new Scorpio-N will be positioned above the Scorpio Classic in Mahindra's portfolio, right under the XUV700. So should you wait for the upcoming Scorpio-N to launch, or go ahead and book yourself a XUV700 instead? This list of key differences between the two Mahindra 7-seat SUVs might help you make a decision -
Styling

The Scorpio-N will be the second Mahindra SUV after the XUV700 to feature the company's new twin-peaks logo intended for its new SUVs. However, the design language of both the SUVs is quite distinct. While the XUV700 features a rather curvy design that makes it look more urban, the Scorpio-N has a more boxy appearance with flatter body panels, which gives it a muscular appeal.
Apart from the new Mahindra SUV emblem, no element is shared between the Scorpio-N and XUV700's front-end. Moving to the sides, the boxy styling is evident here as well, with the XUV700 featuring a slightly tapering roofline, while the Scorpio-N's roof is flatter in comparison. The rear-end of the upcoming Scorpio-N hasn't been completely revealed so far, but leaked spy shots have helped us get an idea of its appearance.

While the XUV700 gets a regular hatch-style bootlid, the new Scorpio-N is expected to be equipped with a side-opening door at the back to access the boot. Unlike the wraparound tail lights seen on the XUV700, the Scorpio-N will feature vertically stacked d-shaped LED tail lamps.
Powertrains
Powering the Mahindra XUV700 is a 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine that is available in two states of tune - 155 PS/360 Nm, 185 PS/420 Nm (450 Nm with AT), along with a 2.0-litre mStallion turbo petrol engine that puts out 200 PS power and 380 Nm torque. Transmission options include a 6-speed MT as well as an optional 6-speed AT.
The Mahindra Scorpio is expected to carry over these two engines, but they could be offered in a slightly lower state of tune. Both manual and automatic transmissions will be offered with the SUV, while the top-end variants will also be offered with an optional 4x4 configuration. While the XUV700 is based on a monocoque chassis, the Scorpio-N will be a ladder frame SUV.
Interior layout

While Mahindra hasn't revealed the cabin of the Scorpio-N yet, multiple spy shots of the interior layout of the SUV are already doing the rounds of the internet. As compared to the XUV700's large fully-digital display layout that integrates both the infotainment system as well as the instrument cluster, the Scorpio-N will feature a rather conventional infotainment screen and a semi-digital instrument cluster.
The steering wheel design of the two SUVs will be similar. While the XUV700 can be had with either a 5- or a 7-seat setup, the Scorpio-N will most likely be offered with a standard 7-seat layout, along with an optional 6-seat configuration with captain seats in the middle row.
Features
The equipment on offer with the XUV700 includes a panoramic sunroof, a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, a similarly sized digital driver's display, dual-zone climate control, 7 airbags, electronic parking brake, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) including Emergency autonomous braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and so on.

However, the Scorpio-N's feature list will be slightly toned down as compared to its elder sibling. The SUV will likely be offered with a smaller sunroof, an 8-inch infotainment unit, automatic climate control, a wireless charger, connected-car tech, cruise control, and much more.
Price
The XUV700 is currently priced from Rs 13.18 lakh onwards, going all the way up to Rs 24.58 lakh (both prices, ex-showroom). However, the Scorpio-N will undercut its sibling, with an expected starting price of somewhere around Rs 11-12 lakh.