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•6d

I have pre-booked the electric Mercedes-Benz GLC, but the India-spec version does not get air suspension or rear-axle steering, despite being advertised as the fully loaded, top-spec AMG 400 4Matic. This is disappointing, especially since EVs need to manage their added weight. However, the extra weight could also help the car handle undulations and potholes on Indian roads, much like how the Kia Syros EV reportedly rides better than the ICE Syros. Is this reasoning sound? Also, what do you think of Mercedes-Benz leaving out these features despite the high price? I understand that a final verdict should wait until a test drive, but could Autocar India question Mercedes-Benz India CEO Santosh Iyer about this at the launch? The two features reportedly cost only Rs 2.5 lakh together, and it seems disappointing that they might have been omitted to compete with the upcoming BMW iX3.

•7m

Your logic is partially sound, but it doesn't tell the whole story. The extra weight of an electric car does help the suspension settle over small undulations and broken patches, which is why cars like the Kia Syros EV can feel more planted than their ICE counterparts. However, that same weight also puts more strain on the suspension over larger bumps and potholes, which is where a more sophisticated setup like air suspension and rear axle steering really makes a difference. Air suspension can better manage the weight and provide a more consistent ride, while rear axle steering improves agility and stability, especially in a heavy EV.

As for Mercedes-Benz not offering these features on the India-spec car, it is disappointing, especially at this price point. The decision is likely driven by cost and positioning relative to the BMW iX3, but it does feel like a compromise on what should be a flagship product. We will certainly raise this with Mercedes-Benz India at the launch.

Ultimately, the best way to judge the car will be to drive it on Indian roads. If the suspension tuning is well sorted, the absence of air suspension may not be a deal-breaker, but it is something to be aware of given the price.

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Kia

Syros EV

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iX3

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•5d

Hello Autocar Team, I’m planning to buy an EV in November 2026. Please suggest one between the following options: Hyundai Creta Electric 51.2kWh Smart (O) and Tata Nexon EV Empowered Plus

•3d

There's a substantial price difference between the top-end variants of the Hyundai Creta Electric and Tata Nexon EV. But since you're comfortable with spending more for the Hyundai, we'd certainly recommend it over this Tata car. The Creta Electric is the more mature product, with a larger battery, a more spacious cabin and a more premium overall feel. Also, you're likely to get an additional 100km (or more) real-world range with the Creta Electric, and its DC fast charging capability is also better than the Tata's. Additionally, it also benefits from Hyundai's strong service network which is important for long-term ownership.We would also recommend you to consider a Kia Syros EV, that is a compact offering with a large battery, excellent cabin space, a posh interior, and is priced a bit more affordable than the Creta Electric.

Hyundai Creta Electric

Tata Nexon EV

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•5d

I have a 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E250 CDI Avantgarde with 80,000 km driven. I am thinking of getting a new car. I don’t drive much, except for some long highway drives once every six months. I have hybrid cars like the Sorento in mind. Is it worth changing?

•12h

If your Mercedes-Benz E250 CDI is running well and you only do occasional long highway drives, there is no strong financial or practical reason to change it right now. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a superb long-distance car with excellent comfort, refinement and a proven diesel engine that is well suited to highway cruising. At 80,000km, there is still life left in it as a well-maintained Mercedes diesel, and the cost of upgrading to a new car is unlikely to be justified by your current usage pattern.The Kia Sorento Hybrid is a very different proposition. It is a large, comfortable and well-equipped SUV, but the hybrid system is designed to deliver its biggest benefits in mixed city and highway driving. On long highway runs, the fuel economy advantage over a diesel is less pronounced, and this Kia car does not offer the same driving experience as the E-Class.If you are looking for a change, the Sorento Hybrid is a sensible and practical family SUV, but it is not a direct replacement for an E-Class in terms of driving experience or long-distance comfort. If your usage remains occasional long highway drives, it makes more sense to keep the E-Class and enjoy it for a few more years. If you want a change for the sake of something new, the Sorento Hybrid is a great option.

Kia Sorento

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

•4d

Hi, I booked a Thar Roxx AX7L diesel automatic 4WD, and I hope to get the car this month. But recently I have seen posts about an upgrade coming for the Thar Roxx. A new upgraded model is reportedly under testing and is expected to launch soon. Kindly advise whether I should wait for the upgrade or continue with the purchase of the current model. Also, when will the new updated model be launched? Please advise.

•13h

Go ahead with your Mahindra Thar Roxx AX7L DAT 4WD booking. The Thar Roxx is a recent addition to the Thar line-up, and there is no confirmed information about a major update or facelift coming in the immediate future. The posts you have seen are likely referring to Mahindra's ongoing testing of various Thar prototypes, including the upcoming Mahindra Thar e (electric version) and other variants. These are not direct replacements for the current Thar Roxx.The Thar Roxx itself is a well-specced, feature-rich variant that already benefits from Mahindra's recent updates to the Thar range. Waiting indefinitely for an unconfirmed update does not make sense, especially when you have a car allocated and ready for delivery. If Mahindra does introduce a minor update in the future, it is unlikely to be a major overhaul that would fundamentally change the ownership experience.In short, take delivery of your Thar Roxx and enjoy it. There is no compelling reason to delay your purchase based on speculation.

Mahindra Thar Roxx

Mahindra Thar e

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•5d

I am a 6 ft driver who loves driving. I've driven the Swift 2013 petrol, Creta 1.6 Diesel Auto and the XUV500 the most on long trips. Now that I am planning to buy a car with a strict budget, do you think the 3XO AX5 TCMPFI petrol variant will be a wise decision to make, as I will be travelling once a month for short trips from Bangalore to Coorg, Pondicherry, GOA, and Mangalore? Which other car can be a perfect match for me, keeping a budget of 12 lakhs max? Also, the 3XO AX5 I'm getting from a friend who has hardly driven 6k km for 10 lakhs.

•3d

Go for the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 TCMPFI petrol from your friend for Rs 10 lakh. At that price, it is a very good deal and a sensible upgrade from your Creta 1.6 diesel automatic. The 3XO is one of the most spacious compact SUVs in the segment, with a wide cabin and good rear seat comfort, which will make your long drives to Coorg, Pondicherry, Goa and Mangalore more comfortable. The turbo petrol engine is smooth and is well suited to both city driving and highway cruising. At Rs 10 lakh for a car with only 6,000 km on the clock, you are getting a nearly new car at a significant discount, which makes it a far better value proposition than buying new.If you are looking for alternatives under Rs 12 lakh, the Skoda Kylaq 1.0 TSI manual is the best option for an enthusiast driver. The new Brezza turbo-petrol could also be a good choice. Overall, the 3XO from your friend is the most sensible choice. It offers a good balance of comfort, reliability and value, and will serve you well on your monthly road trips.

Hi, I have been happily driving a Polo for the last 4 years and I think that it is the right time to upgrade it to a bigger vehicle because of my mom's back pain. Please suggest a car under 12 lakhs. Thanks a lot.

•6d

Given your requirements, the priority should be a car with a comfortable ride, easy ingress and egress, and supportive seats. The Mahindra XUV 3XO is the best fit here. It offers a noticeably more comfortable ride than the Polo, a higher seating position that makes getting in and out easier, and a wide rear seat that is genuinely comfortable for long journeys. It is also one of the most spacious compact SUVs in the segment, which will make a big difference on family trips. The only real drawback is the boot, which is on the smaller side, but for your budget and requirements, the 3XO strikes the best balance between comfort, space and value. If boot space is a major priority, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza is a good alternative with a larger boot and a similarly comfortable ride, but overall the 3XO is the more complete and spacious package.

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•3d

I currently own a Jeep Compass and want to get an additional car for my father, with good reliability, unlike the Jeep. My father still drives a 2008 Honda City, and I am torn between a few choices: the Honda City, Skoda Slavia, Nissan Tekton and Toyota Hyryder. Or should I wait for the Virtus facelift or the new-generation Creta? His usage is low, at almost 500 km per month. Please suggest.

•14h

With just 500km a month, petrol is the clear choice, and reliability and ease of ownership become the most important factors. The Honda City is the safest recommendation here. It is a proven product with a strong reliability record, a comfortable ride and a familiar ownership experience that your father will appreciate, especially coming from a 2008 City. The Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus are both excellent to drive, but the 1.0 TSI engine can feel a bit laggy at low speeds, and the 1.5 TSI is overkill for this kind of usage. The Nissan Tekton is a good value proposition, but engines are not responsive at low speeds and Nissan's service network is not as strong as Honda's, which matters more for a low-running, long-term ownership scenario. The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder is a solid option if you specifically want an SUV, but the hybrid premium does not make financial sense at this running, and the naturally aspirated petrol is not as refined as the City's engine. The new-generation Hyundai Creta is worth waiting for only if your father specifically wants an SUV; otherwise, the City remains the more sensible choice. Overall, the Honda City is the most reliable, comfortable and hassle-free option for your father's usage.

Honda City

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Volkswagen Virtus

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