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

•1d

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

Autocar India

•28m

As a long-time XUV700 owner, you’re right that the Mahindra XEV 9S is the most natural upgrade. It will feel familiar, but also a clear step up. The basic body shape and seating layout are similar, but the 9S’s dedicated EV platform, triple-screen dashboard, far richer feature list (ventilated seats, boss mode, middle-seat adjustability) and quieter, smoother powertrain make it feel like a more premium, next-generation version of what you already like. The sliding middle row also gives you the flexibility you don’t get in the XUV700, especially if you often travel with family.However, at 1,200 km a month, the fuel saving versus your existing petrol AT won’t fully compensate for the immediate depreciation hit of selling a 52,000 km XUV700 and buying a new EV. At least not in the short term. So switching purely for financial sense is difficult to justify.We would look at it like this: if you want the refinement, tech, and driving experience of an electric car now and are okay with the depreciation as the price of that upgrade, the XEV 9S is a very logical move. If you’re on the fence and primarily worried about money, it’s perfectly sensible to hold on to the XUV700 a bit longer and revisit an EV when the next wave of models arrives.

Mahindra XEV 9S

Autocar India

•53m

We would recommend the Renault Duster 1.3 Turbo in the Techno trim. Engine refinement is very good, with no vibrations at idle, and it remains smooth even while driving. Power figures are class-leading at 163hp and 280Nm of torque, offering strong performance. Since you have some off-road driving to your farm, the Duster's generous ground clearance of 212mm will come in handy, and the boot space is also very large at 518 litres. So you should be able to carry some of your farm produce. The only downside is rear space, which is a bit tight, but since you are a family of four, it should not be too much of an issue.We are yet to put the Duster through our full instrumented test cycle, but efficiency should be at par with others in the segment, but certainly not class leading. However, given its other traits that suit your requirements, this is the car we would recommend.If you can stretch your budget to about Rs 20 lakh, you could consider the Mahindra XUV 7XO. While you may not need its seven-seat capacity, folding the third row gives you a very large boot, which is useful for carrying farm produce. The ground clearance is also good, and if your roads are difficult, you could even consider the AWD version, though this would come at a higher price still.

Renault Duster

Mahindra XUV 7XO