Hi, I am currently driving a Tiguan 2.0 diesel and a Ford EcoSport Automatic. The Tiguan is almost 10 years old now, so I am looking to buy a new car in the ₹45 lakh range. My monthly running is around 500 km, along with two highway trips every year. I have shortlisted the Skoda Kodiaq and the Mahindra XEV 9e. We are a family of three. Should I stick with a petrol car or move to an electric vehicle? Kindly advise.

autocar.india

•1d

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

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

autocar.india

•57m

Go for the Innova HyCross ZX. For a chauffeur-driven 500 km Delhi-Haridwar run every week, the strong-hybrid keeps fuel costs low and cruises quietly, which matters when you are in the back seat for hours. The second row is spacious with captain seats, and Toyota’s service reach on that corridor is unmatched, so long-distance peace of mind is high.Skoda Kodiaq Lounge feels more premium and is nicer to sit in, but its petrol thirst will sting with your weekly highway use, and upkeep outside big cities can be fussier. A used Kia Carnival gives the most lounge-like comfort and space, and its diesel suits highways, but you take used-car risks and NCR’s 10-year diesel rule can chop remaining life if the car is a few years old.One caveat on the HyCross ZX: the 18-inch wheels make low-speed bumps a bit firm, and the engine can sound busy if pushed. No clear, confirmed HyCross facelift is around the corner in India, so it is not worth waiting just for that.

Toyota Innova HyCross

Skoda Kodiaq

Kia Carnival