Khora

•20w

Hi, I'm planning to buy my first luxury car, preferably an SUV. We are a family of 4 adults and 1 child. My daily run is approx 30 kms, mainly within the city and then occasionally, once a month, a highway run. Total monthly running is around 1000 kms. My budget is between 50-60 lacs. I'm currently confused between BMW iX1 LWB, BYD sealion, Toyota Fortuner and newly launched Tesla model Y L (least likely due to concerns of resale value of Tesla 5 years down the line and uncertainty regarding import duties). I can also consider waiting for the upcoming BMW iX3 and Mercedes GLC EV. Will it be worth the wait of almost another 10-12 months, yes I'm aware of the fact that I'll have to stretch my budget a little bit for these two. Kindly advise. Thanks a lot

•19w

The BMW iX1 LWB is the strongest value-for-money package here, priced at Rs. 53-54 lakh. It gives you a solid luxury badge, a spacious and practical cabin, good tech and features, and an enjoyable driving experience at a very competitive price for what this BMW car offers.

The BYD Sealion 7 also delivers a very premium experience and, if anything, feels a touch more luxurious inside than the iX1, with strong performance and range. However, the BYD car still cannot match BMW for badge pull, dealer reach and long-term service ecosystem, which matters for a first luxury purchase.

We actually quite like the Tesla Model Y L: it’s very aggressively priced for a three-row imported EV, gives you all-wheel drive, excellent range and that useful third row where your child can sit comfortably and safely. Your concern about resale is valid, but most EVs take a bigger depreciation hit anyway, and because the Model Y L is priced keenly for a CBU, the percentage drop in value may not be disproportionately worse than rivals if demand holds up. Also, there is unlikely to be any import duty reduction that may impact the resale value of the Tesla car in the near future since the Model Y is made in China.

The upcoming BMW iX3 and Mercedes GLC EV will likely feel the most premium and high-tech of all, with plenty of wow factor, especially in their cabins and brand perception. They will definitely be more expensive and, realistically, you’re looking at at least another 6-10 months before they’re easily available, so you have to weigh that wait and budget stretch against how soon you want to start enjoying the car.

Explore cars mentioned

BMW

iX1 LWB

from ₹55.81 Lakh

BYD

Sealion 7

from ₹44.63 Lakh

Tesla

Model Y

from ₹54.20 Lakh

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•19w•

The most sensible buy would be Glc electric,its the first electric car which dosent look like one,it actually looks like a more handsome sibling of the usual Glc.But for that u would have to exceed ur budget by around 20 lakh,the price is going to be in the 80-85 lakh bracket.

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•1d

Hello guys, I’m a 30 year old working professional and am looking to buy an EV mainly for city commute and occasional highway driving (20%). I appreciate build and ride quality, refinement and reliability. The EVs that I’m mainly looking at are the Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, BYD Sealion 7 and BMW iX1. Which do you think will be the right fit for my use case? I’m actually leaning towards the Korean cars and am not willing to spend for the iX1 just for its badge value. Thank you for the answer in advance. You guys are a great source of reliable and measured Automative content in this country. Really appreciate it!

•18h

The Kia EV6 is the most driver-focused option from the list with a sportier character and sharper handling, but it comes at a premium which might not make it justify the stretch. However, Kia dealers are offering significant discounts which could bring its price at par with the others, and only then is it a compelling buy.After its recent update, the new Hyundai Ioniq 5 no longer feels value for money, but it remains a comfortable, feature-loaded and practical option, now with more range and better DC fast charging capability. Hyundai’s service network and ownership experience are also strong, which matters for long-term peace of mind.The BYD Sealion 7 feels like a flagship offering, with a luxurious interior and a laundry list of features. Surprisingly, the two-wheel drive version is the most value-for-money option here, which makes it very compelling. However, it doesn't drive as well as the BMW, nor is its after-sales support as widespread as the others. The BMW iX1 is a fundamentally sorted car, and is relatively more compact for city usage. Its ride-handling balance are excellent and it also comes with the snob value of the BMW badge. As a 30-year old, the iX1 will speak of your success and achievements like no other. But it lacks several features, hence it might not seem value for money.In summary, get the Kia EV6 for the best drive experience provided you get a substantial discount that brings its price close to others. But if you're looking for the best bang for your buck, opt for the rear-wheel drive BYD Sealion 7.

I’m looking for a spacious, comfortable 5-seater that I can keep for 8-10 years. My priorities include excellent fuel efficiency, low maintenance, reliable ownership, good safety, comfort, strong resale value and essential features only. I’m happy to skip gimmicky features. My monthly running will be around 600-1,000 km that includes daily office commute and one long trip every 1-2 months. I’m confused between petrol, diesel, CNG and hybrids, especially considering the E20/E30 discussion going on. My budget is Rs. 8-15 lakh on-road, with Rs. 12 lakh being the sweet spot. I’m also open to spending less if a lower-priced car offers the right combination of mileage, safety and space. Based on my usage, budget and priorities, which car, variant, engine and fuel type would you recommend? Also, when would be the best time to buy it?

•1h

Based on your usage, budget and priorities, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris mild hybrid petrol is the best fit. Your running of 600-1,000 km a month is not high enough to justify the premium you pay for a strong hybrid, and diesel does not make sense at this usage level. The Victoris mild hybrid petrol offers excellent fuel efficiency, low maintenance costs and Maruti’s strong reliability and service reach, which aligns perfectly with your ownership plan of 8-10 years. It is also a spacious and comfortable 5-seater with good safety credentials and a strong resale value. The mild hybrid system provides a useful efficiency boost without the complexity or cost of a full hybrid system, making it the most sensible choice for your usage pattern. The Victoris also offers a good balance of essential features, and the overall ownership experience is likely to be hassle-free over the long term. In terms of timing, there is no need to wait as the Victoris is a new product with no major updates expected in the near future, so you can buy with confidence now. Go for the VXi trim as it gets all the necessary features and can be had either with a manual or an automatic gearbox option. If you want something more affordable and are willing to compromise on space, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza is a good alternative, but the Victoris is the more complete package for your requirements.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

•2d

Should I go with KIA Sonet automatic under a budget of Rs. 10 to 12 lakh?

•3h

The Kia Sonet HTE O variant with a diesel engine and 6-speed automatic transmission, and HTK O variant with a turbo-petrol engine and 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission are available under Rs 12 lakh (on-road). Based on your usage, you could opt for either. The Sonet is a polished, smooth and refined compact SUV. Go for it, if you're immediately planning to buy a car. But do keep in mind, the next-gen Sonet will be launched in 2027, which is likely to have more features, a newer design, and better cabin space.

Kia Sonet

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•6d

I am confused between the Elevate and the Creta. I understand that the Creta is the more established one, but with Honda, the value it brings is amazing, while the price of the Creta is a bit higher than the value it offers. I am mostly a city driver, with around 95% of my driving in the city and occasional highway trips, covering around 10,000km per year. Can you help me get some perspective?

•5d

The Hyundai Creta is the more premium product with a richer feature list. Since your usage is mainly in the city, you are likely to appreciate the Creta's smoothness and refinement, as well as the additional features it offers. Sure, this Hyundai car might cost a bit more, but it is a proven product that commands strong brand equity, which is likely to translate to higher resale value. The Honda Elevate gives you most of what you need at a significantly lower cost, and Honda’s service network is strong enough to make ownership hassle-free. Go for the Elevate if you value its stronger engine performance, else for a refined drive experience, pick the Creta.

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•6d

Help me choose the right car for my usage. Please be practical and challenge my assumptions. My situation: I am 31 and work as a software developer. I currently work from home in Balsane, Dhule, but I am moving to Mumbai around March. My wife and I are expecting a baby in February. My parents live in a village where local transport is poor. My Mumbai office is near Powai, but parking is difficult. I prefer a manual car. Usage: My current running is around 10,000 km per year, but it may increase. I travel between Mumbai and Balsane, which is around 400 km one way, around 5-7 times a year, along with Dhule/Sakri and local trips. I also drive around Mumbai on weekends. The AC is usually on, and on long trips, the car will have my wife, baby, and luggage. Budget: Rs. 6-9 lakh on-road. I am willing to spend more only if it is genuinely worth it. Shortlist: - Tiago XE Petrol - Punch Pure+/Smart Petrol - Punch Pure+/Smart CNG - Brezza LXi turbo-petrol Please tell me: 1. Which one should I buy and why? 2. Petrol vs CNG for my usage? The CNG premium is around Rs. 1 lakh, and the nearby village pump may open around Diwali, but this is not guaranteed. 3. What real-world mileage can I expect with the AC on? 4. Please consider loan interest, fuel costs, maintenance, depreciation, and resale value. 5. Is the Brezza worth the extra money? 6. Give me one final choice and tell me what I should avoid.

•5d

The Brezza LXI Turbo is far superior to the Punch and Tiago as far as smoothness, performance, and cabin space are concerned. It is also backed by Maruti's widespread support network, and the ownership experience is likely to be fuss-free. The on-road cost of the Brezza LXI will fall within your Rs 9 lakh budget, and even though you might miss a few features, it still feels worth opting for. Alternatively, you could also consider the Maruti Dzire VXI MT for its large boot, comfy ride and strong fuel efficiency.

I am planning to buy a new SUV under Rs 30 lakh and am open to both five- and seven-seater options. I have tried the Toyota Innova HyCross non-hybrid, Mahindra XUV 7XO, Hyundai Alcazar, Kia Seltos and Renault Duster, but I am confused about which one to choose. My main priorities are space, comfort and a good engine. My running is not very high, at just under 1,000km a month. Please advise.

•6d

Go for the Toyota Innova HyCross non-hybrid. Your priorities are space, comfort and a good engine, and the HyCross delivers on all three. It is one of the most spacious cars in the segment, with a genuinely usable third row and a comfortable ride that makes it an excellent family car. The petrol engine is smooth, refined and well suited to your running of under 1,000 km a month, where the hybrid premium is harder to justify.The Mahindra XUV 7XO is a strong alternative with a more powerful engine and a more feature-rich cabin, but the HyCross has the edge on space, comfort and long-term ownership experience.The Hyundai Alcazar and Kia Seltos are good cars, but they do not offer the same level of space or comfort, and the Renault Duster is more of a driver's car than a family car. The Toyota car mentioned above is the car you will be happiest with after five years of ownership.

Toyota Innova HyCross

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