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

autocar.india

•2d

The BMW iX1, Volvos and Mahindra XEV 9S are all quite different propositions, so the ‘best’ one really depends on what you value beyond interiors.The BMW iX1 is actually one of the more practical luxury EVs, with a spacious cabin. a genuinely premium feel and strong performance, which makes it very good value in the luxury EV space. If your only concern is that the interior doesn’t wow you visually, it’s still worth a serious look because the perceived quality, ergonomics and driving experience are all very strong.Assuming you’re referring to the Volvo EC40 and EX30, both offer very classy, minimalist cabins with high-quality materials and that typical Scandinavian design feel, but with almost everything controlled via the touchscreen. However, they are not very spacious; the EX30 in particular is tight at the rear, with limited legroom and a cramped benchThe Mahindra XEV 9S cannot match the Europeans for material richness or finesse of fit and finish, but it is fantastic value and absolutely nails space, comfort and features, especially if you need a proper family EV and possibly seven seats. If interior design “feel” matters more than outright luxury, the 9S may actually make you happiest in daily use, while the BMW is the better pick if you want a true luxury EV with strong dynamics.

BMW iX1 LWB

Volvo EC40

Mahindra XEV 9S

Volvo EX30

autocar.india

•1d

Try out the Tesla Model Y L. It is a three-row SUV with a fairly large 420-litre boot with all seats up, which expands to a massive 1,076 litres with the third row folded. There is also a sizeable frunk for extra storage.The claimed range is 681km, so in the real world, a Mumbai-to-Goa trip is doable with one or two top-up stops. Ground clearance is about 169mm, which is on par with your Superb. It is tall, yet the seat isn’t as high as some SUVs, so sliding across from a wheelchair should be easier. It won't be as easy as your sedans, so make sure you try getting in and out at least a couple of times.It also fits comfortably within your budget and comes very well equipped. It's worth noting that a lot of functions are baked into the large central touchscreen, and that might take some getting used to.

Tesla Model Y

autocar.india

•3h

Honda City SV manual suits your 50 km daily run best. Its 1.5 petrol is the smoothest here and the clutch and steering are light, so long city commutes will feel easier. In real traffic you will usually see better economy than the other two, and the rear seat space and ride comfort are still the class benchmark for family use.Volkswagen Virtus 1.5 TSI is no longer available with a manual so your choices are either the 1.5 TSI DSG or the 1.0 TSI manual. They are the fun pick if you love strong mid‑range and highway performance. For daily stop‑go, though, the turbo’s appetite will make it a bit costlier to run.Hyundai Verna 1.5 manual is very smooth and well equipped, but the Honda City still remains the better car to drive and be driven in.

Honda City

Volkswagen Virtus

Hyundai Verna