Autocar India
•20w

I want to buy a car in the Rs. 60 lakh to Rs. 70 lakh range. An SUV seems like the more practical choice, but there aren't many exciting options from BMW or Mercedes-Benz in this budget. Sedans like the BMW 3 Series are available, but I am concerned about their low ground clearance, especially since the roads in my area are not in great condition and waterlogging is a common issue. Toyota appeals because of its reliability, but I don't find the interiors very appealing. As for Skoda and Volkswagen, I am not very confident about their after-sales service. Would the BMW 3 Series still be comfortable and practical to own on bad roads and during waterlogged conditions? Above all, I want complete peace of mind after the purchase.

Verified
•12w

Within a budget of Rs. 70 lakh, the BMW 3 Series is one of the best choices. However, if ground clearance is a concern, an SUV would be the more practical option. Equivalent SUVs such as the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC will require stretching the budget by another Rs. 10-15 lakh. Otherwise, the alternatives will have to come from a segment below.

Since comfort is a priority, it would be worth waiting for the upcoming BMW X1 Long Wheelbase, which is set to launch on 21 August. As it will be assembled in India, pricing is expected to remain competitive and within your budget.

The Audi Q3 and Q3 Sportback are also worth considering. They offer a refined petrol engine, smooth performance, and a high-quality cabin. Their only drawback is that they are not the most modern in terms of features. With the new-generation Q3 expected to arrive soon, attractive discounts on the current models are also likely.

BMW 3 Series

BMW 3 Series

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Popular discussions right now

•5d

I’m planning to buy a new car, and my annual running is around 40,000km, primarily involving highway drives and ghat sections. I have shortlisted the Kia Seltos Diesel HTX and the upcoming facelifted Toyota Innova Hycross ZX. I’m considering two approaches: either buy the Innova Hycross and keep it for the next 10 years, given its reputation for longevity and the expectation that its engine can last at least 4 lakh kilometres, or buy the Seltos, drive it for around 2 lakh kilometres over 4–5 years, sell it and upgrade to a brand-new Seltos or another car of a similar price and size. On paper, the Innova Hycross Hybrid seems like the better choice, considering its long-term reliability and features such as the Ottoman reclining seats. However, I’m concerned that I might get bored of it after four years or that it may start feeling outdated as newer technologies and features enter the market. This makes the second option appealing, as it would allow me to upgrade to a brand-new car every 4–5 years. Which approach would make more sense in the long run, considering my high annual running and ownership costs?

Verified
•5d

It seems like you're leaning towards the Kia Seltos Diesel HTX, and we think it is a good choice. The diesel engine feels adequately powered for highway usage and ghat driving, and it is likely to return respectable efficiency too. Moreover, despite being modern with all the latest tech and features, the Seltos will be substantially more affordable than the Toyota Innova Hycross hybrid. So unless you need the Innova's extra space, or you frequently travel with six or seven passengers, the Kia Seltos diesel is your best bet.

VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleToyota Innova HyCross

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Posted on: 9 Aug 2026