I want to buy an EV as my last car, but can't make up my mind from existing and upcoming models despite testing a few. The Ioniq 5 was too wide to park comfortably between stilts. Being 74, I want to maximise comfort, have full ADAS and preferably captain seats in the second row for long driver-assisted trips. At the same time, it should be suitable for daily runabouts, being the only car since my driving is not much.

autocar.india

•47m

The BMW iX1, Volvos and Mahindra XEV 9S are all quite different propositions, so the ‘best’ one really depends on what you value beyond interiors.The BMW iX1 is actually one of the more practical luxury EVs, with a spacious cabin. a genuinely premium feel and strong performance, which makes it very good value in the luxury EV space. If your only concern is that the interior doesn’t wow you visually, it’s still worth a serious look because the perceived quality, ergonomics and driving experience are all very strong.Assuming you’re referring to the Volvo EC40 and EX30, both offer very classy, minimalist cabins with high-quality materials and that typical Scandinavian design feel, but with almost everything controlled via the touchscreen. However, they are not very spacious; the EX30 in particular is tight at the rear, with limited legroom and a cramped benchThe Mahindra XEV 9S cannot match the Europeans for material richness or finesse of fit and finish, but it is fantastic value and absolutely nails space, comfort and features, especially if you need a proper family EV and possibly seven seats. If interior design “feel” matters more than outright luxury, the 9S may actually make you happiest in daily use, while the BMW is the better pick if you want a true luxury EV with strong dynamics.

BMW iX1 LWB

Volvo EC40

Mahindra XEV 9S

Volvo EX30

autocar.india

•3h

The Tata Tiago EV is a solid choice for your needs. Your 2,000 km a month will slash running costs if you charge at home, and the Tiago EV is a simple, normal 5‑door hatch that fits city life better than anything else electric at this price. It has proper rear seats and a usable boot for family errands, so it works well as a second car without feeling like a compromise. Resale should be decent too, since Tata EVs are in high demand.For daily 60-70 km, the Tiago EV 24kWh will handle a full day with AC on and still have a buffer. Overnight top‑ups on a regular 15A socket are easy, so you rarely need public charging.If you want a larger car and a bit more range, it is worth considering the Punch EV 30kWh.The only real catch with the Tiago EV is highway use. You’ll need to plan stops and keep speeds sensible to protect range, but you have your primary car for that.

Tata Tiago EV

Tata Punch EV

autocar.india

•4h

The new Kia Seltos will feel like a proper step-up over your outgoing car on account of its space, feature set, and tech. And if your monthly running is significantly higher than before, it does make sense to opt for the diesel. Sure, a diesel-automatic will be more expensive to buy than a corresponding petrol-automatic; however, it will be much more fuel-efficient, so you will make up for the price difference if your usage is significant. The diesel engine is quite smooth, and its strong low‑end pull makes overtaking and cruising at full load easier. The 6‑speed automatic is smooth and suits long drives well.Ensure you regularly drive the diesel Seltos on the highway to maintain engine health, as the DPF tends to clog in frequent slow-moving traffic conditions. But if your usage is primarily in the city, with infrequent highway running, we'd recommend opting for the petrol version instead. Or you could consider a Hyundai Creta Electric instead.

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Creta Electric