I own a Mercedes-Benz E250 CDI (May 2014) that has covered only 63,000 km. I am thinking of replacing it. Which brand and model would you recommend among the Mercedes-Benz GLE, BMW X5, and Lexus RX, and why? My priorities are high reliability and low servicing costs, as the Mercedes-Benz E250 CDI has been disappointing.

autocar.india

•11h

Given your usage pattern of mainly city driving with occasional long runs, the Lexus RX 350h would be our recommendation. The hybrid powertrain is particularly well-suited to your needs, offering excellent refinement and efficiency in urban conditions while still being capable and comfortable on longer journeys. Lexus cars also have a strong reputation for reliability and lower long-term maintenance costs, which addresses your concerns with the E 250 CDI.The Mercedes GLE and BMW X5 are both excellent SUVs, but they are more performance-oriented and can be more expensive to maintain over time. The GLE 300d is a strong diesel option, but with your limited usage, the benefits of a diesel are less compelling. The X5 xDrive30d is similarly impressive, but again, the Lexus hybrid makes more sense for your driving pattern. There are also these cars' respective petrol versions, but coming from a diesel, you might find their respective running costs much higher.The RX 350h strikes the right balance between luxury, efficiency and long-term ownership peace of mind. The only downsides are that it's not that exciting to drive, and that Lexus' network isn't anywhere near as big as Mercedes or BMW cars. But if you have a dealer close to you, and don't mind a more relaxed drive, it is a genuinely premium SUV that should prove to be a more satisfying ownership experience over the long term.

Lexus RX

Mercedes-Benz GLE

BMW X5

autocar.india

•1h

The MG Comet would be our first recommendation. It is genuinely compact, extremely easy to manoeuvre in tight city spaces and has a very low running cost. The only drawback is its limited range, but since your usage is city-focused and you have the Crysta for longer trips, this should not be a major concern.If you want something with a bit more range and a more conventional car feel, the recently updated Tata Tiago EV is a good alternative. The Tata car is still compact and easy to drive, but offers a more traditional hatchback experience and a longer range.Overall, the MG Comet is the better fit for your brief, but the Tiago EV is worth considering if you want a bit more versatility. If your budget is under Rs. 5 lakh, you won't get a brand new EV. However, if you avail of MG's or Tata's BaaS (Battery as a service) subscription system, the upfront cost of both cars' base models does fall under Rs. 5 lakh.

MG Comet

Tata Tiago EV

Toyota Innova Crysta

autocar.india

•2h

The MG Windsor Pro is the best EV to buy under Rs. 20 lakh if you want a genuinely usable family car. It is the only EV in this price range that offers a proper five-seat cabin with good rear-seat space, a large boot and a comfortable ride. That makes it far more practical than smaller EVs like the Tata Nexon EV or Mahindra XUV 3XO EV, which are good cars but do not offer the same level of space or comfort. The Windsor also has a proven track record in India, and MG’s service network is now well established, so reliability and ownership experience are not concerns. The MG car also comes loaded with features like a large touchscreen, leatherette upholstery, panoramic sunroof and much more. As for safety, the Windsor Pro also gets Level 2 ADAS features like autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and much more. The only real drawback is that the Windsor is not the most exciting car to drive, but as a family EV it is the most complete package in this price bracket. If you are looking for something more compact and city-friendly, the Nexon EV is still a strong alternative, but for overall practicality the Windsor is the clear recommendation.

MG Windsor

Tata Nexon EV

Mahindra XUV 3XO EV