The Mahindra XUV300 was officially launched in India yesterday. With prices starting from Rs 7.9 lakh and going all the way up to Rs 11.99 lakh (ex-showroom India), it has become Mahindra’s latest attempt to land a meaningful punch in the sub-4 metre SUV segment. The XUV300 is available in a total of four trims, covering two engine options and a single transmission. Before we get to what the SUV offers in each of its trim, let’s get some vitals out of the way. Here’s the complete price list:

Mahindra XUV300 Price List (Ex-showroom India)

To put those prices in perspective, given below are the prices of the XUV300’s direct rivals:

Mahindra XUV300 Rivals Price List (ex-showroom Delhi)

The only reason we’ve included the Renault Duster in the above list is because of its attractive price list. Otherwise, it is a size bigger than all the others in that list and the Mahindra XUV300. Speaking of which, the new entrant can be had with either a 1.2-litre petrol engine or a 1.5-litre diesel. Both engines come with a turbocharger but where the petrol mill puts out 110PS/200Nm, the diesel motor is good for 115PS/300Nm. The only transmission option available at present is a 6-speed manual unit.

The newest sub-4 metre SUV from Mahindra has the torquiest engines in the class. The diesel engine also takes home the crown for being the most powerful of the lot. The Mahindra XUV300 is available in six single colours and two dual-tone shades. They are – Pearl White, Dsat Silver, Red Rage, Aquamarine, Sunburst Orange, Napoli Black, Red Rage with White roof and Aquamarine with White roof.

With those vitals out of the way, let’s get cracking with the trim-wise features list. As before, we’ll only be focussing on gizmos which can potentially make or break a deal.

Trim – W4

Here’s what the Mahindra XUV300 gets in its entry-level trim:

• 16-inch steel rims
• LED taillamps
• Sill and wheel arch cladding
• Dual airbags with passenger airbags deactivation switch
• ABS with EBD
• Corner Braking Control
• Disc brakes on all wheels
• ISOFIX anchorages
• Speed/Impact sensing auto door lock/unlock
• Seatbelt reminder for front seats
• 60:40 split rear seat
• Height adjustable front seatbelts
• Electric tailgate release
• Monochrome infotainment with Bluetooth/USB/AUX and 4 speakers (Diesel only)
• Smart steering system
• Smartwatch connectivity (Diesel only)
• All four power windows
• Electrically adjustable ORVMs

Even in its basic form, the Mahindra XUV300 comes with a decent package. This one is ideal for someone who believes in doing his/her car up with aftermarket stuff. For others, let’s see what the next trim gets.

Trim – W6

Given below are the features that this trim gets over and above the base one:

• Key with remote
• 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with built-in GPS
• Wheel covers
• Black roof rails
• Door cladding
• Rear spoiler
• Multifunction steering wheel
• Adjustable boot floor
• Follow-me-home/lead-to-vehicle headlamps

Compared to the W4, the petrol- and diesel-fed W6 trim is Rs 85,000 and Rs 81,000 dearer respectively. Is that added equipment worth the extra money? In our books, no. If it were up to us, we’d carry on to see what the next-in-trim brings to the party.

Trim – W8

This is where the asking price of the Mahindra XUV300 goes beyond the Rs 10 lakh mark. Here’s what it gets over and above the W6 trim:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• LED DRLs
• Electrically foldable ORVMs with integrated LED turn indicators
• ESP with rollover mitigation
• Hill hold assist
• Front and rear fog lamps
• Rear defogger, wiper and washer
• Warning lamps on front doors
• Anti-theft alarm
• Cruise control
• Leather steering wheel and gear lever knob
• 2 tweeters
• Illuminated glovebox, sun visors and boot space
• Rear armrest
• Dual-zone climate control
• Push button start/stop
• Passive keyless entry
• Smartphone integration support via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera with adaptive guidelines
• Auto headlamps and wipers
• Micro Hybrid Tech
• Two USB ports
• Voice command and SMS readout functionality

For all that added kit, you will have to spend an additional Rs 1.5 lakh. But you know what, it is worth it. We wish Mahindra offered more stuff in the lower trims. If that would have been the case, we would have possibly recommended a lower trim of the SUV. But that is not the case here. If money isn’t a constraint, you must consider the Mahindra XUV300 from this trim onwards.

Trim – W8 with Optional Pack

What does the sub-4 metre offer in its most expensive trim? Here’s the list:

• 17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels
• Dual-tone roof rails
• 7 airbags
• Front parking sensors
• Heated ORVMs
• Three-point seatbelt for the rear middle seat
• Seatbelt reminder for rear seats
• Grey leatherette seat upholstery
• Electric sunroof
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Auto-dimming IRVM

There is no denying that this range-topping trim brings in added safety. And the electric sunroof also adds a dash of drama to the package. But is all that worth pay an extra Rs 1.19 lakh? If you want the safest package in this segment, then yes. But if you are restricted by a tight budget, the standard W8 trim should do the job quite well for you.