First, the styling: Unlike most subcompact 7-seater MPV-based SUVs, the exterior of the new Suzuki XL7 Hybrid Black Upgrade looks substantially different from its bestselling MPV sibling, the Ertiga. It starts with a completely different front end, which sports a bold new black grille, stylish new black alloy wheels, upscale LED headlamps, and LED DRLs, and an SUV-inspired front bumper with a silver scuff plate underneath for that off-road-ready look.
The side view shows off the XL7 Hybrid Black Upgrade’s adventurous aspirations. A sharply slanted character line and window beltline and the bold triangular D-pillar give it a dynamic profile. A high ground clearance of almost eight inches give the XL7 that 4×4 vibe while also endowing the XL7 with real-world ability to traverse big bumps and knee-deep floods. Functional roof rails, protective black moldings on the fenders and rocker panels (the latter accented with silver), and the aforementioned new black alloy wheels round out the distinctive side view of the XL7.
The rear end continues the off-road theme with a high departure angle and black moldings with silver accents under the rear bumper. A blacked-out tailgate panel continues the black surrounds of the rear windshield. The standout styling touch are the eye-catching three-dimensional taillights that sweep to the side of the car and up the D-pillar.
Suzuki Hybrid Technology 101
The XL7 Hybrid Black Upgrade is powered by a fuel-efficient 1.5-liter VVT gasoline engine, which produces impressive torque for responsive acceleration. The hybrid powertrain is mated to a 5-speed manual or a smooth-shifting 4-speed automatic. An Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) replaces the traditional alternator for charging the battery while providing additional oomph for stronger acceleration. The XL7’s hybrid system enables it to not just achieve superb fuel economy figures, but enhanced engine braking as well from the XL7’s regenerative braking system.
It also has Engine Auto Stop Start System (EASS) that shuts off the engine when the car is idling to prevent unnecessary fuel consumption, while limiting exhaust emissions and engine noise for a quiet ride. When the engine is off due to EASS, the lithium-ion battery supplies power to the electronics and audio system, while the lead-acid battery powers the headlamps, AC, and other accessories. When the car is moving, the lithium-ion battery powers all electrical accessories, allowing the gasoline engine to power the car exclusively for maximum fuel efficiency and performance.
The XL7 Black Upgrade shares the hybrid drivetrain as its Ertiga sibling, which posted a stunning 23.54 km/l on the highway, as observed by the Automotive Association of the Philippines (AAP).
The XL7 Hybrid Black Upgrade uses Suzuki’s always-on mild hybrid system, which has a simpler design to reduce the likelihood of breakdowns. In the unlikely case of hybrid system failure, the XL7 can still run like a normal gasoline engine car (although the EASS will no longer function).
The system’s 12V lithium-ion battery, located under the driver’s seat, is compact, allowing the XL7 to retain its spacious interior layout. There is no special maintenance required. Driving the vehicle regularly is enough to fully charge the battery. For those worried about the reportedly high cost of lithium-ion batteries, the XL7 Hybrid Black Upgrade’s battery pack costs just P140, 109—a mere 30 percent of the cost of the vehicle (compared to other hybrid vehicles whose batteries cost half the price of the car).
An interior with high levels of comfort and functionality
Inside the pollen filter-equipped cabin, the XL7 Hybrid Black Upgrade boasts flexible 7-passenger seating with a 199-liter luggage capacity, which can be almost tripled to 550 liters with the third-row seatbacks folded, all the way to a maximum 800 liters with the second-row seats folded as well. The center armrest-equipped middle-row seat slides to accommodate various heights and folds and tumbles forward with a quick pull of a lever to ease entry to the third-row seats. The 50:50-split-folding rear seats allow various passenger/cargo-carrying combinations. It has two ISOFIX child seat anchors and another child seat tether on the side, allowing parents to position their infant or toddler in multiple safe places within the car.
Legroom for all occupants — even for the third-row passengers — is generous, thanks to the XL7 Hybrid Black Upgrade’s lengthy 2,740mm wheelbase. The seats are upholstered in stylish black fabric with a patterned design while the dashboard and doors feature sporty carbon-fiber trim. The driver’s seat is height-adjustable and there are aircon vents and controls for the rear passengers.
The sporty flat-bottom three-spoke leather steering wheel boasts audio controls and hands-free phone control. A novel feature—and something you’d find only in a sports car—is the digital information display that shows g forces when cornering as well as acceleration and braking performance (and even power and torque outputs).
Convenience features include rear parking sensor and camera, advanced multi-information LCD, automatic A/C controls, and keyless engine-push-start function. The XL7 has a huge 10-inch infotainment system with six speakers and Bluetooth, Apple Carplay, and Android Auto connectivity. It has 12V outlets for all three rows (plus a USB port on the center console) and even has ventilated cup holders at the front to keep your drinks cool. The cabin of the XL7 has a total of eight cup and bottle holders.
Riding comfort is paramount in a vehicle designed to bring families and friends on long trips. Far from the jarring ride of pickup-based 7-seat SUV, the XL7 fairly glides on both smooth and broken pavement, thanks to the supple tuning of the front MacPherson struts and rear torsion beam with coil springs all around. Riding comfort is also the result of a stiff and rigid HEARTECT platform.
World-class safety
Suzuki’s new-generation light-yet-strong HEARTECT platform results in a quiet drive due to lowered NVH levels as well as enhanced riding comfort from the stiff vibration-free chassis. With this platform, cabin and luggage area are maximized with the increased available space. HEARTECT, which uses ultra-high-tensile steel, also effectively disperses energy during collision for better safety and gives the XL7 Hybrid Black Upgrade responsive maneuverability.
The XL7 is also big on pedestrian protection with its pedestrian injury-mitigating features. The front bumper, hood, hood hinges, wipers, and even the angle of the windshield are all designed to protect the human body by reducing injuries as much as possible in case of impact with the car.
The XL7 Hybrid Black Upgrade comes with dual airbags backed by ABS with Electric Brake force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill Hold Control (HHC), and reverse parking sensors with rear-view camera.
With its long list of standard features and technologies, perhaps the biggest surprise about the XL7 Hybrid Black Upgrade is its reasonable starting price of PHP1,252,000. That’s a lot of car and a lot of goodies for the money, making the XL7 one of the biggest bangs for the buck, regardless of price point.
Ruggedly handsome styling, smooth and fuel-efficient drivetrain, a spacious and versatile cabin, generous convenience features, high riding comfort, lots of safety features, and great value for money — this car truly lives up to its name—a 7-seater that excels.
