I am planning to buy a new SUV. Should I choose the BMW X3, Audi Q5, or the Mercedes-Benz GLC? I am only considering petrol options.

Autocar India

•34m

You should opt for the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300. It is the most complete choice for everyday use and long trips among these three right now. The GLC rides very comfortably on bad roads, and the petrol engine is smooth and quiet. The steering is light in the city, the view out is clear, and the automatic gearbox shifts cleanly on its own, so it is easy to drive even in heavy traffic. Inside, it feels the newest and most upmarket, and Mercedes has a wide service network across big and small cities.

Pick the BMW X3 petrol only if driving fun matters most to you and you often enjoy fast highway runs yourself. It feels keener to drive than the other two, especially in the recently introduced xDrive30 variant. Choose the Audi Q5 if you want a solid, comfortable SUV that's nice to drive and excellent value for money. Do bear in mind that it's quite old now and doesn't feel as modern as the other two.

Overall, for a balanced, luxurious, and easy-to-own petrol SUV, the GLC 300 is the one to buy.

Explore cars mentioned

Mercedes-Benz

GLC

from ₹91.40 Lakh

BMW

from ₹86.07 Lakh

Audi

from ₹77.83 Lakh

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More questions on similar cars

Dinesh Kanojia

•5d

Hello, I’m in the market for my first, and likely only, luxury car. I’m currently considering SUVs. I’ve test-driven the GLC, the new X3 30, Q5, and the XC60. At this point, I’m leaning strongly toward the X3, although I was quite impressed with the Volvo as well. For some context, I currently drive a 2016 Creta, which is now in its 11th year. My usage is primarily city commuting, averaging around 500 km per month. My main question is whether the X3 is a good daily driver, given its size. I’m planning to make the purchase later this year or early next year, ideally with minimal financing. From a timing perspective, what level of discounts could I expect if I target early next year?

Autocar India

•19h

Go for the BMW X3 30i. For your mostly city usage and as a one-time luxury buy, it fits best and will keep you happy. Coming from the Hyundai Creta, the X3 will not feel unwieldy in town. The steering is light at low speeds, the view out is clear, and the 360-degree cameras and parking sensors make navigating tight spots easy. The petrol engine and smooth automatic respond keenly in traffic, and the size feels manageable once you get used to it. Ride comfort is on the firmer side at low speeds, but it stays very steady at higher speeds.One thing to be aware of: the X3’s ride can feel a bit busy on broken city roads at crawl speeds, and the rear seat is not the widest in this class.If you want a calmer SUV, with great seats and more active safety features, the Volvo XC60 is a fine alternative, though Volvo’s dealer network is smaller. If rear-seat comfort matters most, the Mercedes GLC is the one to go for.On timing, the best deals typically come at calendar year-end and around March. A fresh, in-demand X3 usually gets small cash benefits or freebies, while the XC60 and Q5 see bigger cuts more often. Since you’ll use minimal finance, ask dealers to convert low-interest schemes into a straight cash discount or add a long service pack and extended warranty.

Dr Sheshadri R

I have Kia seltos GTX+ Diesel, i20 Nline N8 MT and Jimny Alpha MT presently and planning to buy BMW X3 20d. Which car should i dispose among the three cars i own already considering as second car to commute for myself and my wife.

Autocar India

•2d

Sell the Kia Seltos GTX+ Diesel and keep the Hyundai i20 N Line N8 MT as your second car alongside the BMW X3 20d, with the Maruti Suzuki Jimny for occasional use. Once the X3 comes in, it covers your big-car and highway needs, so the Seltos overlaps the most. Also, a diesel used mainly for short city trips can be a hassle, because modern diesels have a filter in the exhaust that requires regular high-speed runs to keep clean. For daily commutes, the i20 is the easiest to live with: it is smaller, easier to park, light to steer, and feels quick enough in gaps. The Jimny is charming and tough, but for pure city use it rides a bit bouncy, leans in turns, and needs more effort with the manual in traffic. It shines only if you often drive on broken roads or go on trails and remains a good recreational SUV for the weekends.

BMW X3

Jigar Vaidya

•1d

I am planning to buy a car within a budget of ₹12 lakh and am currently considering the Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXI and the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5. However, I am confused between the 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine and the 1.2-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol engine. My driving usage will be approximately 60% on highways and 40% in the city, with a monthly travel of around 1,000 km. I would like to know which engine option would be better suited for my usage in terms of performance, fuel efficiency (mileage), and overall value for money.

Autocar India

•18h

With your 60% highway use and Rs 12 lakh budget, the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 turbo petrol gives you stronger performance and better value. The 1.2 turbo pulls harder from low speeds, so overtakes feel easy even with family and luggage, and you won’t need to change gears as often. It also feels steady at speed, which suits your frequent highway runs.A few things to know about this engine: being a 3‑cylinder, you may feel a bit more vibration at idle, and the engine sounds a touch louder than the Maruti's. If you drive fast and press the accelerator hard, the turbo will use more fuel. If you cruise calmly, highway mileage will be similar to the Maruti Brezza.Pick the Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXI if you value a smoother, quieter engine and slightly better real‑world mileage more than outright punch. Its 1.5 petrol is very easy in the city and feels relaxed, but on the highway, you will need to downshift for quick overtakes with a full load. Maruti’s service reach is also wider, which helps long‑term peace of mind.Given your usage, the XUV 3XO AX5 fits better.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

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