
- What the Mahindra XUV700 GST rate was earlier vs now
- Variant-wise ex-showroom savings after GST reform
- Why the government changed the tax slab for SUVs
- Competitor comparison: XUV700 vs Fortuner vs Safari
- How the cut affects on-road pricing and EMI
- Buying tips and FAQs for Indian car shoppers
Background: GST and the Automobile Industry in India
Since July 2017, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has been the unified tax structure in India. Cars are taxed under a base GST rate of 28%, plus an additional compensation cess depending on category, length and engine capacity. For large SUVs like the Mahindra XUV700 (over 4m in length and engine capacity above 1500cc), the total tax burden came close to 48% of ex-factory price.
The high tax rate made premium SUVs costly. Industry bodies repeatedly lobbied for rationalization, arguing that SUVs were no longer niche luxury vehicles but mainstream family cars.
The 2025 GST Reform: What Changed
In September 2025, the GST Council announced a new simplified slab for passenger vehicles. Large SUVs now attract a flat 40% total tax (28% GST + 12% cess), down from roughly 48%. This effectively removes or reduces the cess component that had been raised in earlier years.
For the Mahindra XUV700, this translates into immediate price drops at the ex-showroom level — and that cascades into lower RTO charges, insurance, and loan EMIs.
Variant-Wise Price Reduction for Mahindra XUV700
Below is the estimated saving per variant post-GST change:
Variant | Old Effective Tax Rate | New GST Rate | Approx. Savings (Ex-Showroom) |
---|---|---|---|
MX | ~48% | 40% | ₹88,900 |
AX3 | ~48% | 40% | ₹1,06,500 |
AX5 S | ~48% | 40% | ₹1,10,200 |
AX5 | ~48% | 40% | ₹1,18,300 |
AX7 | ~48% | 40% | ₹1,31,900 |
AX7 L | ~48% | 40% | ₹1,43,000 |
The higher the trim, the bigger the absolute saving. Buyers of the AX7 L variant benefit the most.
When Does the New Price Apply?
Mahindra has already begun billing dealers at the reduced rate starting 6 September 2025. For buyers, the full benefit reflects in invoices dated on or after 22 September 2025, when the new GST slab officially kicks in nationwide. Always confirm with your local dealership for the latest ex-showroom price.
How On-Road Pricing Changes
While the GST cut directly affects the ex-showroom price, on-road costs also come down because RTO fees, registration charges and insurance premiums are calculated as a percentage of ex-showroom value.
- Lower EMI: Financing a lower principal amount leads to slightly reduced monthly installments.
- Lower Insurance Premium: Since insured declared value (IDV) is tied to ex-showroom, premiums dip too.
- State Variations: Some states levy fixed or slab-based road tax — check local RTO for exact amounts.
Why the Government Cut GST on SUVs
Several reasons explain the policy shift:
- Mainstream adoption: SUVs now form over 50% of passenger vehicle sales in India.
- Boost domestic manufacturing: Mahindra, Tata, Hyundai, Toyota and others manufacture SUVs locally, adding jobs.
- Consumer relief: The government wants to stimulate demand post-inflation and high interest rates.
- Electric & Hybrid push: Incentivizing buyers to consider SUVs also in hybrid/electric form, boosting adoption of cleaner tech.
Competitor Comparison After GST Cut
How does the Mahindra XUV700 stack up against other SUVs after the tax cut? Here’s a snapshot:
Model | Approx. Price Before GST Cut | Approx. Price After GST Cut | Price Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Mahindra XUV700 AX7 L | ₹27.5 lakh | ₹26.1 lakh | ₹1.43 lakh |
Toyota Fortuner 2.8 | ₹50.0 lakh | ₹48.0 lakh | ₹2.0 lakh |
Tata Safari Accomplished+ | ₹25.0 lakh | ₹23.9 lakh | ₹1.1 lakh |
Hyundai Alcazar Signature | ₹21.5 lakh | ₹20.7 lakh | ₹0.8 lakh |
This shows the XUV700 remains aggressively priced versus its closest rivals, now even more attractive.
Financing & Buying Tips
- Pre-Approved Loans: Secure financing before booking to lock in better interest rates.
- Dealer Negotiation: Dealers may still have pre-GST stock. Ask for additional discounts or freebies.
- Insurance Shopping: Since premiums drop, compare multiple insurers for best rates.
- Extended Warranty: Use part of your savings to purchase extended warranty or service packages.
- Consider Timing: Demand may spike post-announcement, leading to waiting periods. Book early if you’re serious.
GST Impact on Used Car Prices
Lower new-car prices sometimes exert downward pressure on the used market. Owners of recently purchased XUV700s may see slightly weaker resale values in the short term, while buyers benefit from lower entry cost. Over time, normal depreciation patterns resume.
Extended FAQs
Q1: Does this GST cut apply to petrol and diesel variants alike?
A: Yes. The classification is based on length and engine capacity, not fuel type.
Q2: How long will this GST rate last?
A: It’s part of the current GST reform effective September 2025 onward. Future changes depend on government decisions.
Q3: What about electric SUVs or hybrids?
A: EVs and strong hybrids enjoy separate, often lower GST rates (5–12%). This reform primarily affects conventional ICE SUVs.
Q4: How does the GST cut influence EMIs?
A: A lower ex-showroom price reduces the principal loan amount, thereby lowering EMIs proportionately.
Q5: Will Mahindra increase production due to higher demand?
A: Likely yes. Mahindra has already expanded production capacity for the XUV700 and related models to handle demand surges.
Q6: Can I still get dealer discounts on top of the GST cut?
A: Yes, negotiate with your dealer. Seasonal offers and exchange bonuses often run concurrently.
Practical Checklist Before You Buy
- Confirm variant and color availability under new pricing.
- Get a written ex-showroom quote including GST details.
- Ask about waiting period and delivery date.
- Compare with at least two rival models to ensure best fit.
- Evaluate total cost of ownership: fuel, service, insurance, resale.
Bottom Line
The 2025 GST reform is a genuine win for SUV buyers. For the Mahindra XUV700, it translates to up to ₹1.43 lakh off the ex-showroom price, making an already strong product even more compelling. If you’re planning to purchase, act soon — demand is likely to surge, and waiting periods could lengthen.
Key Takeaways
- Old tax burden on XUV700: ~48%
- New GST rate: 40%
- Maximum savings: ₹1.43 lakh (AX7 L trim)
- On-road and EMI benefits as a result of lower ex-showroom price
- More competitive versus rivals like Fortuner, Safari, Alcazar
Disclaimer: All prices are indicative and may vary by state, dealer, and variant. Please check official Mahindra pricing and GST notifications for the most accurate figures.