2024 Suzuki XL7 Hybrid Black Upgrade – Good made better with added aesthetics
The arrival of the XL7 Hybrid was waited on by many Suzuki fans in the Philippines. And so it came, but soon after and in its new variant, with its updated garb, AKA external aesthetic bits and pieces, was shown off at last year’s PIMS. Yes, the first peek at the Black Upgrade version of the electrified XL7 (which you see here) came before last year’s end and we’ve gotten our hands on it just to share with you a look at what’s new and what’s been added to the already famous go-to in Suzuki’s 7-seater stable.
Suzuki gave the XL7 Hybrid Black Upgrade new exterior bits but didn’t mess with the winning formula within
Before we proceed, we would like to make it clear that the Black Upgrade is an aesthetic update to the (previous) XL7 Hybrid. That said, you can expect to see a new glossy and blacked-out front grill on this variant. Previously it had a grill framed top and bottom by chrome pieces and those along with the entire center bar flanking the S badge made for a rather shiny front end.
Compared to the Ertiga Hybrid (the Review of which you can read here), the XL7 Hybrid retains its more muscular, rugged looks by way of its existing black trim pieces. Given the updated grill of the Black Upgrade, the black lower half of the bumper and its silver faux skid plate/chin now look to belong in a more cohesive theme.
On the side, we can also see a new addition to the XL7 Hybrid Black Upgrade, and that’s its murdered 16″ alloy wheels. Yes, that’s a new color and design, mind you. Based on the GLX, the Black Upgrade keeps up with its name with the two-tone exterior color scheme. We can also see that the black pieces continue along the side by way of fender flares and skirts, as with the silver piece(s) that span the length of the skirts. Should one look at the XL7’s rear, that motif is carried to that side as well. Not a bad way to keep up with a color theme, yes?
Inside, the XL7 Hybrid Black Upgrade does have a difference from its “normal” variant, and that’s the replacement of the brown faux wood dashboard and door accent pieces to – you guessed it – black. If we were to say so, black always gave off a more elegant vibe compared to any shade of brown, and this is a very thoughtful piece to update. The XL7 is aimed towards the sportier Suzuki 7-seater MPV crowd, so not having to deal with the brown pieces inside is more of a better selling point.
Aside from that, much of the interior has been retained, though. From the upholstery material and color to the actual interior pieces (dashboard, center and shifter consoles, door cards, etc.), they all remain the same as the non-Black XL7. All, except the gauge cluster. The XL7 Hybrid Black Upgrade does come with a new gauge cluster in that its colors are now accentuated by blue rings. But other than that, yes, it’s all that we’ve already gotten used to. But in no way is that a bad thing.
The seat and their materials are comfortable enough. This author remembers how, during a long drive south of the metro, he and three others were assigned an XL7 Hybrid. How comfortable? It’s not perfect. As the driver, it took some adjustments to find the proper seating position and angle, but it’s something that can be found. The padding was soft and supported us enough to not give any aches and creaks in the back or knees, though. So yes, that’s a very good thing!
As for the “ultimate” test, that comes by way of our earlier experience and not with this specific lendout. How so? So we’ve mentioned that there were three of us, yes? The two of us in the front had no problems despite sitting down for an extended period. Our third companion, however, showed us that with a little ingenuity, one can find a comfortable to “lie down” in the second row. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, he was fast asleep with the second row’s backrests folded and the 3rd row seats stowed.
Mind you, the roads we took weren’t perfectly paved; there were potholes everywhere matched with uneven and undulating patches, but our Sleeping Beauty seemed to have been in such good a slumber that he was even snoring! If someone more fit and taller than me can find a proper way to sleep and rest in the XL7 Hybrid, I’d like to assume many can.
As for the cargo space, there was definitely more than enough. Again, I use the basis of three individuals using the same vehicle for a road trip, complete with small-sized carry-on luggage plus some backpacks and laptop bags in tow. Yes, the horizontal space – that is from left to right – of the XL7 Hybrid could be wider, but what it lacks in this orientation, it more than makes up for in forward space (that is, the space from the tailgate towards the middle row when the 3rd row is folded).
It is a 7-seater, primarily built to carry people, but should it be cargo space that you need, a 7-seater MPV should have space enough for bags and other cargo, too, right? The XL7 Hybrid Black Upgrade does not disappoint at all.
The familiar K15B engine – the same one found in the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid – is the same mill that powers the XL7 Hybrid Black Upgrade. This 1.5-liter gasoline engine puts out about 104 HP and is mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission that delivers 138 Nm of torque. Being a mild hybrid – a conventional internal combustion engine paired with an integrated starter generator that keeps necessary functions and features running during the automatic on-off cycle (EASS or Engine Auto Stop-Start System) – the XL7 Hybrid makes us of a 0.72 kWh lithium-ion battery that works along with a 1.768 kW electric motor.
Now, that said, this mild hybrid had enough pull for straights but had some noted difficulty going uphill with more people and more cargo in tow (or in-cabin, if you want to be proper about it). In the worst conditions, it averages about 8.8 kilometers per liter but at best, we were able to get it to about 9.9 kilometers per liter with no hypermiling and just letting the engine and batteries do their thing. Quite impressive!
Couple that with a ride quality that though not stellar is supple enough to not bounce you off the pillars or wallow you into a dreaded “biyahilo” situation, and you have yourself a 7-seater MPV that can hold its own in a very contested segment in the Philippines.
The Suzuki XL7 Hybrid Black Upgrade starts at PHP 1,252,000USD 21,622INR 1,885,387EUR 20,570CNY 156,876 for the monotone-colored units. Should one opt for the two-toned variety which is the one you see here, that will cost you PHP 1,262,000USD 21,795INR 1,900,446EUR 20,735CNY 158,129. Basing it on Suzuki PH’s website, the Black Upgrade is the lone XL7 model in the lineup. That said, you have one option, and that option already has all the bells, whistles, and every top-of-the-line accessory and feature (plus a few more modern additions) that you can also find in the Ertiga Hybrid slapped into it.
Granted it’s about PHP 376,000USD 6,494INR 566,218EUR 6,178CNY 47,113 more expensive than its GLX Ertiga Hybrid forebear, but the XL7 Hybrid Black Upgrade does come in a more attractive and more youthful package with a side of toughness and as generous a splash of practicality for a 7-seater MPV. Is it worth the coin? Yes, we do believe so.
What can possibly unseat it as our 7-seater Suzuki choice? Let’s wait for the new Ertiga Hybrid. Maybe Suzuki can and will package it in a more modern and interesting way in the future. Until that time, the XL7 Hybrid Black Upgrade gets our vote and recommendation.
