I want to purchase a new car with a budget of around ₹40 lakh to upgrade from my 2020 S-Cross petrol. It should be an EV with AWD. I am interested in the E Vitara AWD if it launches this year. Otherwise, among the Sierra EV AWD, VF7 AWD and Harrier EV AWD, which would you recommend?

autocar.india

•2d

Pick the BMW iX1 LWB. The extra spend gets you what you already liked on the drive - a tighter, more confidence‑inspiring feel than the Mahindra XEV 9e/9s, and a premium, normal‑to‑use cabin your family will prefer over Tesla’s sparse setup. You also sidestep your BYD worries with stronger brand pull and a wider service network.On our roads, the iX1’s steering and body control make everyday driving feel calmer and cleaner, whether in Hyderabad traffic or on the ORR. Fit and finish, seats, and infotainment feel a class up, so it will still feel special three years in, not just on day one.Be aware that rear space and boot are not as generous as the XEVs or Model Y L; the ride is on the firmer side on rough patches, and range and fast‑charge speeds are not class‑leading. If you carry tall adults in the back often or do frequent very long highway runs, you will notice those.If your deal lands close to Rs. 55‑57 lakh on road, the premium isn’t just badge tax, it’s daily satisfaction. If not, the XEV 9e/9s are a strong value, but for your priorities, the BMW is the right call.

BMW iX1 LWB

Mahindra XEV 9e

Mahindra XEV 9S

autocar.india

•2d

The Maruti Suzuki E Vitara only makes sense if you have a dependable home charger. Daily 100 km is easy for an EV, and running costs will be significantly lower than those of ICE vehicles.But we'd suggest you pick the Grand Vitara Zeta+ strong hybrid. With 100 km a day on highway and rural roads, it will cut fuel bills the most without charging worries, and the SUV's height and suspension handle broken patches well. Performance is quite zippy thanks to the electric motor's instant torque, and you will still see 20-plus kpl if you drive at steady speeds.The Dzire ZXi+ AMT is significantly cheaper to buy and quite efficient. Performance on the highway will seem quite dull, especially since you're coming from an Ecosport diesel.

Maruti Suzuki e Vitara

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

autocar.india

•3d

Pick the XUV 7XO diesel automatic for the better ride-handling balance. Over broken roads and big speed breakers, it stays calmer, and with five on board, it keeps its composure without that side-to-side bob you often feel in heavier SUVs. At highway speeds, it tracks straight, the steering has a natural weight, and body control feels more reassuring when you need to change lanes or brake hard.The XEV 9e does feel flatter through bends thanks to the battery’s low position, so quick direction changes are tidy, but its extra weight makes sharp edges and patchy city tarmac come through more firmly, and the braking feel is less consistent. On a long drive with family and bags, the Mahindra diesel’s suspension tuning feels more relaxed and confident.One caveat. In city traffic, the XEV 9e is quieter and smoother, so if most of your 10-15k km each year are short urban runs, you might enjoy that. But for mixed use as a five-seater, the XUV 7XO rides better and feels more secure.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra XEV 9e