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 Given how quickly EV technology is evolving, I am worried that it could become outdated relatively soon.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?

autocar.india

•7h

Go for the Toyota Innova Hycross strong hybrid. With your daily running of 15-20 km and occasional 60-70 km trips, a diesel does not make financial sense, and the hybrid will give you significantly better fuel efficiency in city driving than petrol. The Hycross is also the more comfortable and spacious 7-seater, with a proven Toyota ownership experience and lower long-term maintenance costs. The XUV 7XO is the better driver's car, offers more features and has a more premium cabin, but for your usage pattern, the Hycross strong hybrid is the more sensible and hassle-free choice.

Toyota Innova HyCross

Mahindra XUV 7XO

autocar.india

•9h

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Zeta mild hybrid AT. For your priorities of mileage, reliability, low maintenance and long-term ownership, it is the safer and more sensible choice. The mild hybrid system helps with efficiency in stop-start city traffic, and Maruti’s service network and ownership costs are among the best in the business. The Kia Seltos HTK (O) is a good car, but the Grand Vitara’s mild hybrid system gives it a clear advantage in city efficiency, and Maruti’s ownership experience is hard to beat. This Kia car does feel more premium inside, but for your requirements, that is less important than reliability and running costs.In heavy city traffic, owners typically see around 11-13 km/l in the Grand Vitara mild hybrid AT, with highway figures in the 16-18 km/l range. Maintenance costs are reasonable, and Maruti’s service reach is a big advantage over a long ownership period. The Seltos petrol automatic is also reliable, but real-world city mileage is usually a bit lower, and Kia’s service network is not as extensive.Overall, the Grand Vitara is the better fit for your requirements.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Kia Seltos

autocar.india

•10h

First, a quick clarification: diesels are unlikely to be phased out anytime soon. There are tighter emissions norms and some city-specific restrictions to keep an eye on, but there is no immediate reason to avoid a modern BS6 diesel purely on the assumption that it will soon become unusable. Mahindra, in particular, is likely to continue offering diesel SUVs for as long as there is meaningful demand. The XUV 7XO AX7T’s 2.2-litre diesel remains a strong fit for frequent highway use, long-distance touring, heavy loads and buyers who value effortless torque and quick refuelling.Your EV reliability concern is understandable, but it should not be a deciding negative by itself. An electric car has fewer mechanical moving parts than an ICE vehicle, which can reduce routine powertrain maintenance requirements. The more relevant question is whether your charging situation and typical driving pattern suit one. If you have dependable home or workplace charging, the Harrier EV makes a compelling case with its quieter, smoother driving experience and substantially lower running costs. The Fearless+ gets a 65kWh battery with a claimed 538km range, while 75kWh versions claim up to 627km, though real-world range will naturally be lower and depend on speed, weather and driving style.If you do regular intercity runs, especially in areas where charging stops may be inconvenient, the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel is still the easier all-round ownership proposition. It is also likely to be the better choice if you plan to keep the car for a long time without changing your travel routine.If a hybrid is what you are after, there are now two relevant options. The MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV offers a useful EV-only range of around 100km, backed by a 1.5-litre petrol engine. However, a plug-in hybrid only makes sense if you can charge it regularly. The Kia Sorento is a conventional strong hybrid, so it does not need external charging and should offer better refinement and economy than a regular petrol SUV. It is, however, considerably more expensive than the XUV 7XOOur advice: Choose the Harrier EV if you have home charging and most of your running is urban or predictable. Choose the XUV 7XO diesel if long highway trips and maximum convenience matter more.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Kia Sorento

MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV

Tata Harrier EV