Delhi

•13w

Hi Autocar Team, I wanted your guidance on whether I should buy the new Lexus ES 350h Hybrid or wait for the upcoming BMW i5 LWB. My concern with the BMW i5 LWB is that it is likely to be one of the last models based on BMW's current platform, with the Neue Klasse-based i5 expected to arrive in the near future. Given how quickly EV technology is evolving, I am worried that it could become outdated relatively soon. On the other hand, the Lexus ES 350h is based on Toyota's sixth-generation hybrid technology, which makes me feel it may remain relevant for longer within its segment. That said, the idea of switching to an EV is also very exciting, so I am finding it difficult to decide. Which one would you recommend?

•12w

The new i5 LWB is expected to be a thorough revision of the current model based on the CLAR platform, with Neue Klasse-inspired styling and perhaps battery and motor updates, rather than an outright shift to the Neue Klasse platform of the i3. This is similar to what was done with the BMW i7, which also shares the CLAR platform, as both are only halfway through their life cycles. Besides, that is still some time away, and the only i5 you can buy now is the sporty (and low-slung) M60. You're right about rapidly advancing EV tech, but whether you choose today's i5 or the incoming LCI or LWB, you'll still have a luxurious, comfortable, refined and powerful EV.

As for the Lexus, if you're choosing the hybrid, know that it is about half the price of what the i5 LWB will likely cost. There is also the ES Electric, which is closer in price and concept to the i5. Either way, the ES seems like the better choice for you if you plan to purchase today, since as you mentioned, it is presently the more contemporary option. That said, depending on which camp you fall into, a hybrid may already be behind in terms of relevance compared to any EV, so it really comes down to the nature of your usage. For now, in India, pound for pound, a hybrid makes more sense than an EV, so if you're keen on the new ES hybrid, you should go for it.

Explore cars mentioned

BMW

i5 LWB

from ₹84.78 Lakh

BMW

from ₹2.08 Crore

Lexus

ES Electric

from ₹97.13 Lakh

•7w•

@krishna.50

Go with BMW i5 LWB 👍

More posts on similar cars

•1w

MG Tomahawk EV or Mahindra XEV 9S Pack Two Above: which one should I choose? I’ve booked both, and I’m confused. My priorities are range, long-term ownership and driving experience. Please give me a clear recommendation.

•3h

Given that range and driving experience are your two biggest priorities, we would pick the Mahindra XEV 9S Pack Two Above 70kWh over the MG Hector Tomahawk EV.The Mahindra has a more powerful Rear Wheel Drive motor, delivering stronger performance and a more engaging driving experience. It also supports faster DC charging. In our real-world test, the larger 79kWh XEV 9S delivered an average range of 477.5km, against 446km for the MG. The MG did better in city driving, but the Mahindra had a significant advantage on the highway. The 70kWh XEV 9S has a claimed range of 600km, but its real-world range has not been established through the same test. Based on available estimates, expect around 430 - 450km.The MG is the more affordable option and offers a comfortable, spacious cabin, but the Mahindra is quicker and more engaging to drive

Mahindra XEV 9S

MG Hector Tomahawk EV

•23h

Hello. We currently own a Renault Fluence 1.5 dCi and a Hyundai i10 Automatic. We are now looking to replace the i10 with another compact car, and I am confused between the Skoda Kylaq, Citroen C3 and Hyundai i20 IVT. Before the Fluence, we owned a Fiat Palio Diesel 1.9. The new car will primarily be used for city driving.

•5h

For primarily city use, the Hyundai i20 IVT is the best fit. Its 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine is smooth and refined, offering good drivability in the city. The IVT automatic is also seamless and makes everyday city driving very convenient.It will also be more fuel-efficient than the turbo-petrol Skoda Kylaq and Citroen C3. The Kylaq is worth considering if you do more highway driving or need the added ground clearance.Overall, the i20 is a good upgrade over your i10 and makes for a great city runabout.

improve the grammar and write it in a paragraph - Hi Autocar, Iam looking to book a car this week. I have narrowed it down to one of 3 cars. Petrol Automatic IVTs. My running is mostly going to be 95% city (office to work in Mumbai traffic). Daily commute is around 15km, so I don't want a turbo in traffic. That's roughly 5k annual running. I am 6ft tall so wouldn't want something that is cramped 1. New Seltos HTK(O) 2. New elevate VX 3. Bayon HX 8 All of these are close to the 16L ex showroom price. I've driven the Seltos and Elevate. I really liked both of them. The Seltos feels more premium from the inside and I feel like that is something worth having in a daily car. The elevate is brilliant, but it seems cheap on the inside. No pani sunroof too, although I would maybe use it 1 day in year, it's priced the same as the Seltos, so that felt a miss. I know Honda engines are top, but at my running and limited enthusiast journey, I'm not sure if that does justice to need. Now comes the bayon. I have not done a test drive yet as its not available, but the bayon pricing at Hx6 and hx8 seems very close to the Creta currently.. I am tempted to go for the hx8 as it as a 360 camera,( I think that might be usefull for parking etc as I am coming from a hatchback ) but I am getting a "lesser car" vs the Seltos here I wonder.. Which one would you recommend? I am keen on booking before diwali, will see if there are any discounts on the Seltos (unlikey though)

•6h

All things considered, the Kia Seltos is the better fit for your needs. Since you are on the taller side, you will appreciate the extra room it has to offer compared to the Hyundai Bayon. Opting for the Bayon does get you a higher variant with a 360-degree camera, which can be helpful in tight spots. However, once you get used to the size of the vehicle, you might find yourself using the camera less often.As for the Honda Elevate, as you rightly mentioned, the Seltos feels more premium inside and costs about the same. The Elevate does offer a bit more performance from its 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, but since 95% of your driving is in slow-moving Mumbai traffic, the added performance won't really make much of a difference.Overall, the Seltos is the right fit for your needs.

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Bayon

Honda Elevate

View all Posts

Has E20 fuel affected your mileage?

Expert reviews worth reading

BMWi7

Read expert review

Is ADAS worth paying extra for in a car?

Popular discussions right now

•6d

I am planning to buy the top-end Hyundai Creta Turbo Petrol DCT variant. My daily running is around 50–100km, which adds up to approximately 25,000–30,000km annually. I am looking for a car that offers strong performance and quick acceleration, along with a comprehensive set of comfort and convenience features. Should I buy the current Creta Turbo Petrol DCT top variant or wait for the 2027 Creta? For context, I currently own a 2024 Maruti Suzuki Dzire Hybrid and a Volkswagen Virtus GT 1.5 TSI.

•5d

The 2027 Hyundai New Creta will be thoroughly updated inside-out, and it'll have more tech and features. If you don't mind waiting, it makes sense to get the 2027 new-gen model. Do note, its powertrain options are likely to be carried forward from the current version. If you can't wait, but still want the performance as well as the latest in terms of tech and features, consider the Kia Seltos turbo-dct instead, which packs in more or less everything the next-gen Creta is likely to offer.

Kia Seltos

•6d

Which SUV would you pick for a family of 5?

•5d

I’m planning to buy a new car, and my annual running is around 40,000km, primarily involving highway drives and ghat sections. I have shortlisted the Kia Seltos Diesel HTX and the upcoming facelifted Toyota Innova Hycross ZX. I’m considering two approaches: either buy the Innova Hycross and keep it for the next 10 years, given its reputation for longevity and the expectation that its engine can last at least 4 lakh kilometres, or buy the Seltos, drive it for around 2 lakh kilometres over 4–5 years, sell it and upgrade to a brand-new Seltos or another car of a similar price and size. On paper, the Innova Hycross Hybrid seems like the better choice, considering its long-term reliability and features such as the Ottoman reclining seats. However, I’m concerned that I might get bored of it after four years or that it may start feeling outdated as newer technologies and features enter the market. This makes the second option appealing, as it would allow me to upgrade to a brand-new car every 4–5 years. Which approach would make more sense in the long run, considering my high annual running and ownership costs?

•5d

It seems like you're leaning towards the Kia Seltos Diesel HTX, and we think it is a good choice. The diesel engine feels adequately powered for highway usage and ghat driving, and it is likely to return respectable efficiency too. Moreover, despite being modern with all the latest tech and features, the Seltos will be substantially more affordable than the Toyota Innova Hycross hybrid. So unless you need the Innova's extra space, or you frequently travel with six or seven passengers, the Kia Seltos diesel is your best bet.

Kia Seltos

Toyota Innova HyCross

View all Posts

Upcoming launch buzz

Community discussions on upcoming launches