Renault has just pulled the wraps off its all-new 7-seater C-segment SUV – the Renault Boreal. Developed specifically for global markets like Latin America, Turkey, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean, this bold new SUV could be the brand’s most premium offering yet.
But here’s the million-rupee question: Could it come to India and challenge the mighty Mahindra XUV700?
Let’s take a deep dive into what the Boreal offers and whether it has the firepower to shake up India’s ultra-competitive SUV market.
What is the Renault Boreal?
The Renault Boreal is a brand-new, three-row C-segment SUV based on Renault Group’s international modular platform (AmpR Medium). While it’s not officially confirmed for India just yet, industry insiders expect it to arrive around 2027 – possibly as the 7-seater iteration of the next-gen Duster.
Despite sharing some DNA with the upcoming Duster, the Renault Boreal features a bold new identity that sets it apart entirely. From its Niagara concept-inspired front fascia to its sculpted bodywork and urban SUV stance, the Boreal screams modern sophistication.
Key Features & Highlights
Exterior Design That Turns Heads
The front grille stretches wide across the fascia, flanked by sleek LED headlamps that flow into the wings. Cladding on the wheel arches, 19-inch alloys, roof rails, a contrasting roof, and aluminium skid plates complete its rugged-yet-premium look.
A Cabin That Feels Like a Tech Lounge
Inside, the Boreal uses Renault’s OpenR twin-screen setup with a 10-inch digital driver’s display and a 10-inch touchscreen for infotainment. The dashboard design borrows cues from the futuristic Renault 5 E-Tech and 4 E-Tech EVs, adding an electric flavour to this ICE SUV.
You’ll also find:
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Soft-touch materials
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48-color ambient lighting
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Backlit metallic controls
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Laser-engraved trim
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Country-specific upholstery (Blue for Latin America, Cool Grey for Turkey)
First-Class Comfort
Front seats are power-adjustable with memory, massage function, and dual-zone climate control. Rear seats split 40:60 and feature the Easy Break system for effortless boot access.
Powertrain and Performance
The Boreal debuts with a next-gen 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine (TCe), already seen in the Renault Kardian.
Performance By Region:
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Latin America: Up to 163 hp (Flex Fuel) and 270 Nm
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Turkey: 138 hp and 240 Nm
A 6-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT) handles gear shifts, and a 0–100 km/h sprint time of 9.26 seconds puts the Boreal right up there with the quickest in the segment.
To top it off, Renault’s engine stop-start and Multi-Sense driving modes (Eco, Comfort, Sport, MySense, Smart) help deliver both performance and fuel efficiency.
Renault Boreal vs Mahindra XUV700 – The Face-Off
| Feature | Renault Boreal | Mahindra XUV700 |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 7 Seats | 5 & 7 Seats |
| Engine (Top Variant) | 1.3L TCe Turbo (163 hp) | 2.0L Turbo Petrol (200 hp) |
| Infotainment | 10” OpenR + 10” Driver Display | 10.25” Dual HD Display |
| ADAS Level | Level 2 Autonomous Driving | ADAS Level 2 |
| Premium Sound | Harman Kardon + Jean-Michel Jarre tuning | Sony 3D Immersive Audio |
| Launch Timeline | Expected 2027 | On sale now |
While the Mahindra XUV700 leads with raw power and aggressive pricing, the Renaul Boreal brings a premium global touch with more curated tech, infotainment and design, making it an attractive premium alternative if priced right.
Will Renault Launch the Boreal in India?
There’s no official word yet from Renault India, but based on the SUV’s platform (AmpR Medium), and Renault’s Indian roadmap, an India-specific version of the Boreal is highly likely.
Given that the next-gen 5-seater Duster is already under testing and planned for a 2025-26 debut, a 7-seater version (aka Boreal) could logically follow by late 2027 or early 2028.
However, localization, pricing strategy, and Renault’s aftersales network in India will play a crucial role.
Expected Price & Launch Timeline (If It Comes)
If Renault decides to bring the Boreal to India, here’s what we can expect:
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Expected Launch: Mid-to-late 2027
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Estimated Price Range: ₹17 lakh – ₹24 lakh (ex-showroom)
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Will rival XUV700, Tata Safari, Hyundai Alcazar, and the upcoming Skoda-Kushaq 7-seater.
Should You Wait for the Renault Boreal?
If you’re planning to buy a 7-seater family SUV in the next few months, the Boreal is too far out to hold your decision. But if you’re someone who values premium interiors, rich tech, and global design, the Boreal might just be worth waiting for.
It combines:
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Futuristic dashboard
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Google-integrated infotainment
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Massage seats
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Harman Kardon sound system
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Level 2 ADAS
That’s a luxury car experience in a mainstream badge.
Final Thoughts
The Renault Boreal has all the makings of a game-changer – bold looks, premium tech, practical layout, and a smart engine-transmission combo. While it’s developed for international markets, India’s growing appetite for premium 7-seater SUVs could very well convince Renault to bring it here.
Will it take on the Mahindra XUV700 and come out on top? Too early to tell. But one thing is certain – the Renault Boreal will bring global flair and futuristic features that could rewrite the rules of India’s SUV game in the coming years.