I currently own a 2016 Hyundai Elantra SX MT, along with a 2018 Toyota Fortuner and a 2023 Tata Nexon EV. I am planning to upgrade my Elantra to a luxury sedan within a budget of ₹90 lakh. My usage is primarily in the city, but I also frequently travel to rural Maharashtra, where road conditions can be quite poor. Due to chronic back pain, I need a car with exceptional ride comfort and suspension. I have considered the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but since I enjoy driving myself, I have also looked at BMW options. However, I am concerned that BMW may not offer the same level of comfort. Could you please advise which luxury sedan would be the best choice for my needs?

Autocar India

•5w

Both the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series are large, long-wheelbase sedans that are best enjoyed from the back seat. That being said, both are quite enjoyable from the driver's seat too and come with powerful engines, well-tuned chassis and nicely calibrated steering setups. There are subtle differences - the BMW is more powerful and has a comfier ride, while the Mercedes has sharper steering and gives you the option of a diesel engine.

However, both cars are pushing Rs 90 lakh with their on-road prices, but another thing to keep in mind is their large size and long wheelbase, which need to be handled with care over speed bumps or over bad roads, such as the ones you will encounter. The E-Class is the better car of these two overall, but you should also check out the Audi A6, which not only has a more manageable wheelbase with better ground clearance, but it's also more affordable. Plus, it's incredibly comfortable as well as enjoyable to drive.

Explore cars mentioned

Mercedes-Benz

E-Class

from ₹92.56 Lakh

BMW

5 Series LWB

from ₹87.71 Lakh

Audi

from ₹75.01 Lakh

More questions on similar cars

Dushyant Sikri

•6d

Hello, I own a Tata Nexon petrol (P) XM+(S) BS6 (January 2023), which comes with stock size of 195/60 R16 tyres. I have driven around 54,000 km. A few months ago, one tyre got punctured, and unknowingly my father drove 27–30 km on a flat tyre, causing multiple sidewall punctures. It was repaired at the time. Later, during alignment and balancing in February 2026, I decided to replace the replaced tyre with my unused stepney (from 2023) and bought one new tyre, placing the new tyre at the front and old one at the back. The very next day, the car started showing unusual vibrations from the pedal side along with noise that remained consistent even after one week of driving. Despite trying multiple tyre rotations at different shops, the issue persisted. I was advised that changing only one tyre could have caused this, and I should replace all tyres. On further advice and after watching multiple YouTube videos, I upgraded to 215/60 R16 tyres (as seen in higher Nexon variants), replacing two tyres due to budget constraints. The noise reduced, but pedal vibration remained. A mechanic then diagnosed worn front wheel bearings and disc rotors, which I replaced. However, after 3–4 days, a new “kat-kat” noise started coming while braking, along with a whistling sound during light braking. This noise appears after driving 7–8 km in the city but became constant during a hill trip to Bhimtal, even without braking. The suspension has been checked and is fine. Please advise whether this issue is tyre-related or if I should visit Tata service for a detailed diagnosis.

Autocar India

•14m

From what you’ve described, this is not a simple tyre issue. You now have two different tyre sizes at the front and rear, you have replaced a wheel bearing and a brake disc, and the noise comes in with heat and under braking. You should go to Tata service first and get the brakes and hubs checked properly, because this is a safety item.Two things stand out for your case. First, the kat-kat noise under braking after a few kilometres points to a brake fitment or disc issue on the front. If the hub face was not cleaned before fitting the new disc, or if the disc is a little bent, you get a knock and a whistle once things heat up. If the pad clips or guide pins were not fitted or greased correctly, the pads can rattle and squeal. Also, discs and pads should be replaced on both front wheels at the same time. If only one side is done, it can cause an uneven feel and noise. Second, you now have 195/60 R16 in front and 215/60 R16 at the back. The rear tyres are about 3 to 4 per cent larger in rolling size. The ABS, which prevents wheel lock, reads wheel speeds. A big front-rear difference can confuse it, and you can feel a buzz or kick through the pedal, more so on hills.What I’d do next: ask Tata to check both front discs and pads as a pair, clean the hub surfaces, check wheel nut torque, and check front wheel bearing play again. Ask them to scan the ABS for errors and inspect the wheel speed sensors and rings. Also have them check all four wheels for bends from the long flat-tyre drive earlier.About the spare: a 2023 spare used now is fine if the rubber has no cracks and the date code is 2023. The tyre-burst story, just because it was unused, is overblown.For long term, run the same size and brand on all four wheels. Either go all 195/60 R16 or all 215/60 R16, but don’t mix. Overall, get the brake and hub diagnosis at Tata first. Once that is right, align all four tyres to same specifications and your Nexon should feel normal again.

Tata Nexon

Anirban Banerjee

•4d

I am a little confused. Given that my budget is around ₹70 lakh, is a Mini Cooper Convertible a wise choice? It has been on my wishlist for years, but I am still in a dilemma and unable to make a decision.

Autocar India

•1h

With a ₹70 lakh cap and a long-time wish to own one, the Mini Cooper S Convertible makes sense if your main use is city driving and short weekend runs for two. Why it fits your brief: it turns every simple drive into something special, which matters when you’ve wanted it for years. It is small and easy to park, so daily city driving is not a headache. With the roof down on early mornings or late nights, the entire experience is amplified.Know the trade-offs before you say yes. Space is tight. The rear seats are best for kids or short hops, and the boot is small, even smaller with the roof folded. The ride can feel firm on broken roads. Also, our hot sun and long monsoon mean you will drive roof-up more often than you think. If you already have a main family car, go for this Mini car with your heart. If this will be your only car, and you do many long trips with luggage or more than two people, it will feel limiting. Otherwise, it delivers exactly the joy you have waited for.

Mini Cooper Convertible

Anil Gupta

•3d

Hi Autocar team, I own a 2015 Hyundai i20 Elite petrol manual. My average running is around 500 km per month. I am looking for a practical SUV that can accommodate a family of 5–7 members occasionally. This will be my last car, as I am 58 years old, and it will mostly be driven alone or with a co-passenger. I have looked at the Tata Sierra and Mahindra XUV 7XO. I am confused between electric and petrol, and also between manual and automatic. Please suggest.

Autocar India

•2h

With 500 km a month with at most you and one passenger (but sometimes 5-7 members), the Mahindra XUV 7XO petrol automatic in the 7-seat version is the better fit for you. It gives you a proper third row for those rare family trips, yet the rest of the time it works well as a calm, easy daily car.For your low running, petrol makes more sense than electric. Try to avoid the higher upfront price of an EV as you will not drive enough each month to recover that extra cost. The XUV’s petrol with the automatic gearbox that changes gears on its own will feel far easier than your i20 manual in stop-go traffic.A couple of trade-offs to note. The Mahindra car that you are considering, is big, so parking in tight spots needs some care. Also, the third row is best for kids or short adults on short trips but not during long highway stretches.Overall, for your usage and this being your last car, the XUV 7XO petrol automatic 7-seater lines up best.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Tata Sierra

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