Chery E5 vs Mahindra XUV700
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Chery E5 starts from $37,990 before on-road costs, while the Mahindra XUV700 opens at $37,490. That makes the Mahindra XUV700 the more affordable entry point by $500.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $41,789 and $41,239 respectively.
The Chery E5 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mahindra XUV700, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
The Chery E5 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Mahindra XUV700.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 5 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Chery E5 and 7 in the Mahindra XUV700.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Chery E5 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, heated front seats, power tailgate and Sony audio that you will not find on the Mahindra XUV700. The Mahindra XUV700 counters with Apple CarPlay and wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Chery E5 runs a pure electric powertrain producing 155kW and 288Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.9 seconds.
The Mahindra XUV700 lines up making 149kW and 380Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels.
The Chery E5 has the clear power advantage at 155kW vs 149kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
Boot space is 400L in the Chery E5 and 450L in the Mahindra XUV700, giving the Mahindra XUV700 a 50L advantage.
0True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 7 years (Chery E5) vs 7 years / 150,000km (Mahindra XUV700). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Chery E5 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Chery's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mahindra XUV700 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Mahindra's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Chery E5 and Mahindra XUV700 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the Mahindra XUV700 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (18 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 18 April 2026
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