My previous vehicle was a Lexus ES350, and I started driving on a WWII Willys Jeep. My ideal budget is around Rs. 30 lakh, although I can stretch it slightly if required. My monthly running will be approximately 250 km, primarily in Bangalore city, along with one 500 km trip every four months. The car will usually be used by three to four people and will be chauffeur-driven most of the time. My priorities are safety, ride comfort, air-conditioning performance, and low NVH levels. However, my primary requirement is legroom. Please advise on the best option for my needs.

Autocar India

•2d

You're right, the BMW 5 Series LWB is probably your best bet. For a self-driven upgrade, it delivers the best mix of performance, driving feel, luxury and long-distance comfort. The hip point is noticeably higher, and the doors open wider than your 330Li, so getting in and out is easier, and the ride is comfy over broken Delhi roads while still feeling stable out on the highway. It also has the features you're looking for, including ventilated seats.Downsides are that it is a significantly larger car and not as exciting to drive as your 330Li, and since you enjoy driving, that might feel like a step backwards. Also, while ingress and egress are better than the 3 Series, it's still a low-slung sedan, so try it out, and if it's a bother, the BMW X3 30 might suit you better. Same engine, even more features, and almost as much fun to drive. The Sealion 7 is an excellent EV alternative, but it won't be as nice to drive as the BMWs, and though a 400km trip is manageable on a single charge, range anxiety will always hang over the journey.If you're happy with the Jeep, hold on to it for a while. Diesel cars are becoming rarer these days, and you've already taken the depreciation hit, so you might as well enjoy it as long as you can.

BMW 5 Series LWB

BMW X3

BYD Sealion 7

Autocar India

•30m

With your low usage, most of which is in the city, an EV actually makes a lot of sense. With solar panels installed, your daily running costs will literally be zero, and we assume you'll be able to set up a home charger that makes use of this. With fuel prices the way they are at the moment, this will go a long way in offsetting the added upfront cost of an EV. Plus, there are the inherent benefits of an EV like refinement, smoothness and instantaneous response, which is great for traffic. While there are downsides to EVs, hidden maintenance problems aren't one of them. In fact, maintenance is much lower compared to an ICE vehicle, as there are fewer components to repair or replace, and the same goes for fluids and consumables. Things you will need to note: Range will always be on your mind and longer journeys will need planning, should you take them in your EV. In the long run, as the battery deteriorates, you may notice minor losses in power and range; and finally, when the battery reaches the end of its life, which is usually expected to be at least 10 years, the replacement cost is very high, and thus resale value of EVs tends to be quite low. Yes, there's uncertainty about petrol blending at the moment, but at the current standard of E20, all new cars are compatible and safe. The Kia Syros is an excellent car with loads of space and features, and good engines. So if you're getting a good deal and are happy with the car, consider going for it. An EV for the same money will not get you the same amount of space or features.

Kia Syros

Autocar India

•4d

Given your situation, we wouldn't wait for a Toyota Corolla or Corolla Cross Hybrid. While Toyota is evaluating additional hybrid models for India, neither appears likely to arrive anytime soon.Among the cars available today, the Honda City e:HEV is a very compelling option. Its hybrid system is proven, fuel efficiency is excellent, and the driving experience is more refined than most strong hybrids in its price range. If you enjoy sedans and don't specifically need SUV-like ground clearance, it remains one of the best hybrid packages on sale today.If you want an SUV, the decision comes down to the Urban Cruiser Hyryder Hybrid and stretching your budget for the Innova Hycross Hybrid. The Hyryder is efficient, reliable and easy to recommend, but if your hesitation is that it feels too closely related to a Maruti product, that perception is unlikely to change after purchase. The Hycross, on the other hand, feels like a more substantial upgrade and offers significantly more space, comfort and road presence.

Honda City

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Toyota Innova HyCross