Autocar India
•27w

Which car should I purchase with a budget of ₹1 crore? My usage is mostly city driving (around 30 km daily and approximately 10,000 km annually). Should I choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE or GLC, or wait for the BMW iX3? My priorities are a reliable engine and gearbox, good seat comfort (as I have a back problem), and reasonable mileage. Please suggest.

Verified
•27w

For your needs, we'd recommend the Mercedes-Benz GLC from your shortlist. The GLC’s front seats have good lumbar support and wide adjustment, so it is easy to set up a posture that is kind to a weak back, and the cabin is quiet which reduces fatigue on longer days. Between the petrol and diesel, it's a trade-off between mileage and maintenance - the diesel's fuel economy is no doubt better, but this Mercedes-Benz car also requires AdBlue top-ups and DPF regeneration every so often, so keep that in mind.

You'll have to stretch well beyond ₹1 crore on-road for the GLE, but then it does ride and drive better, especially if you choose a six-cylinder model with air suspension. As for the BMW iX3, it is still a while away, with a launch not expected before 2027. If you can wait that long, however, it is coming here in long-wheelbase guise, so space and comfort should be plenty. Another offbeat alternative you should consider is the Lexus RX 350h. It fits in your budget, is spacious and comfortable, and offers a unique take on luxury with all the features you might want. Its biggest strength is its hybrid powertrain that is incredibly efficient and reliable too. Lexus' network in India, however, is smaller than Mercedes' or BMW's.

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Mercedes-Benz GLC

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•3h

Hello, I am 51 years old. My wife, two teenagers, and my mother are a part of my family. Till now, I have only bought functional and not so expensive cars. I am at a stage where I can splurge on something more comfortable that comes with premium features. I can go upto 35 Lakhs and would be fine with a 5-seater or a 6-seater with captain seats. I mostly drive within the Mumbai city which includes long drive once in a month. I was thinking of a petrol or hybrid automatic car as it will deliver decent mileage while being environment friendly. I have shortlisted Kia Sorento Hybrid, Innova Hycross, Hyundai Alcazar, Kia Carens Clavis Turbo Petrol, MG Hector Tomohawk PHEV and Mahindra XUV 7XO Diesel. All cars are automatic. For me, driving as well as back seat comfort are important. The car should have a good music system, features and should be comfortable to drive. I am not considering an EV because I do not have a home charger. What do you recommend?

Verified
•2h

The Kia Sorento best fits your requirements. It falls within your budget of Rs. 35 lakhs, comes with 6 or 7-seater options and has a premium, feature-packed cabin. The Sorento also has a comfortable ride quality and a smooth and responsive strong hybrid powertrain, featuring a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine, an electric motor and a DCT gearbox. Since your running is mostly within the city with occasional long drives, the strong hybrid makes sense for you and gives you the benefit of greater fuel efficiency and lower emissions. While the middle row is spacious and comfy, the third row is best for children, so that's worth keeping in mind. Also, with your budget you might be restricted to the entry-level HTE variant and will miss out on certain feel-good features like a branded Bose audio system, ventilated seats, ambient lighting and more. But overall, it is the one that we would recommend for you.

VehicleKia Sorento

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Posted on: 6 May 2026