Autocar India
LM

LMK

•1d

I own a Maruti Ignis-Zeta AMT Petrol (9-year-old) and a Hyundai Tucson-Diesel (5-year-old). I am considering the BMW X3 30i and Volvo XC60 (not considering GLC due to poor rear seat comfort) for a new car purchase later this year. Which other car(s) should I explore? (Not considering EV unless there is something exceptionally good; not considering sedans due to poor ground clearance, but if there is any worth considering, do recommend. We prefer travelling by road and require good boot space. The rear seat comfort is equally important as is on the driver seat. We are driving enthusiasts and enjoy well-built cars.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•32m
The BMW X3 is the better driver's car, while the Volvo XC60 is the better all-rounder. The recently introduced X3 xDrive30 gives the SUV the performance its chassis has always yearned for, and some crucial interior updates like more leatherette trim for a premium feel. It handles exceptionally well and rides comfortably too, plus it meets your other requirements of ground clearance and boot space. However, it still doesn't feel quite luxurious enough, and that's despite costing nearly Rs 10 lakh more than the Volvo.
We think you should go for the Volvo XC60, which, though far more relaxed on the performance and handling front, still feels capable and predictable, with more than enough power. Moreover, though, it works much better as a luxury car, with more comfortable seats, front and rear, and a much better-appointed interior. In fact, though it is much older than the X3, the fact that it feels more contemporary on the inside is a testament to this. Its infotainment system is also more logically laid out and easier to use, and it's better equipped than the BMW, including an exquisite Bowers & Wilkins audio system. Its boot isn't quite as large as the X3's, however, though it should be more than large enough for most of your needs. And it's worth bearing in mind that Volvo's dealer and service network isn't as big as BMW's.
If you consider a sedan, it should be the BMW 530Li - it's even better to drive than the X3 and has a more spacious and comfy back seat, as well as plenty of boot space. More than ground clearance, it's the car's long wheelbase you have to be careful of over bumps. And if you're considering an electric car, look at the BYD Sealion 7, which is an excellent all-rounder with a luxurious interior and good range. However, if you do long drives regularly, any EV might not be worth the hassle of depending on the public charging infrastructure.
BMW X3

BMW X3

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BMW X3

BMW

X3

from ₹86.07 Lakh

Volvo XC60

Volvo

XC60

from ₹81.80 Lakh

BYD Sealion 7

BYD

Sealion 7

from ₹52.27 Lakh

More questions on similar cars

DK

Dinesh Kanojia

•5d

Hello, I’m in the market for my first, and likely only, luxury car. I’m currently considering SUVs. I’ve test-driven the GLC, the new X3 30, Q5, and the XC60. At this point, I’m leaning strongly toward the X3, although I was quite impressed with the Volvo as well. For some context, I currently drive a 2016 Creta, which is now in its 11th year. My usage is primarily city commuting, averaging around 500 km per month. My main question is whether the X3 is a good daily driver, given its size. I’m planning to make the purchase later this year or early next year, ideally with minimal financing. From a timing perspective, what level of discounts could I expect if I target early next year?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•20h

Go for the BMW X3 30i. For your mostly city usage and as a one-time luxury buy, it fits best and will keep you happy. Coming from the Hyundai Creta, the X3 will not feel unwieldy in town. The steering is light at low speeds, the view out is clear, and the 360-degree cameras and parking sensors make navigating tight spots easy. The petrol engine and smooth automatic respond keenly in traffic, and the size feels manageable once you get used to it. Ride comfort is on the firmer side at low speeds, but it stays very steady at higher speeds.One thing to be aware of: the X3’s ride can feel a bit busy on broken city roads at crawl speeds, and the rear seat is not the widest in this class.If you want a calmer SUV, with great seats and more active safety features, the Volvo XC60 is a fine alternative, though Volvo’s dealer network is smaller. If rear-seat comfort matters most, the Mercedes GLC is the one to go for.On timing, the best deals typically come at calendar year-end and around March. A fresh, in-demand X3 usually gets small cash benefits or freebies, while the XC60 and Q5 see bigger cuts more often. Since you’ll use minimal finance, ask dealers to convert low-interest schemes into a straight cash discount or add a long service pack and extended warranty.

VehicleVolvo XC60
VehicleBMW X3
VehicleMercedes-Benz GLC
VehicleAudi Q5
JP

John P Thomas

•22h

I am planning to buy a new SUV. Should I choose the BMW X3, Audi Q5, or the Mercedes-Benz GLC? I am only considering petrol options.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•1h

You should opt for the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300. It is the most complete choice for everyday use and long trips among these three right now. The GLC rides very comfortably on bad roads, and the petrol engine is smooth and quiet. The steering is light in the city, the view out is clear, and the automatic gearbox shifts cleanly on its own, so it is easy to drive even in heavy traffic. Inside, it feels the newest and most upmarket, and Mercedes has a wide service network across big and small cities.Pick the BMW X3 petrol only if driving fun matters most to you and you often enjoy fast highway runs yourself. It feels keener to drive than the other two, especially in the recently introduced xDrive30 variant. Choose the Audi Q5 if you want a solid, comfortable SUV that's nice to drive and excellent value for money. Do bear in mind that it's quite old now and doesn't feel as modern as the other two.Overall, for a balanced, luxurious, and easy-to-own petrol SUV, the GLC 300 is the one to buy.

VehicleMercedes-Benz GLC
VehicleBMW X3
VehicleAudi Q5
DS

Dr Sheshadri R

•5d

I have Kia seltos GTX+ Diesel, i20 Nline N8 MT and Jimny Alpha MT presently and planning to buy BMW X3 20d. Which car should i dispose among the three cars i own already considering as second car to commute for myself and my wife.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
•2d

Sell the Kia Seltos GTX+ Diesel and keep the Hyundai i20 N Line N8 MT as your second car alongside the BMW X3 20d, with the Maruti Suzuki Jimny for occasional use. Once the X3 comes in, it covers your big-car and highway needs, so the Seltos overlaps the most. Also, a diesel used mainly for short city trips can be a hassle, because modern diesels have a filter in the exhaust that requires regular high-speed runs to keep clean. For daily commutes, the i20 is the easiest to live with: it is smaller, easier to park, light to steer, and feels quick enough in gaps. The Jimny is charming and tough, but for pure city use it rides a bit bouncy, leans in turns, and needs more effort with the manual in traffic. It shines only if you often drive on broken roads or go on trails and remains a good recreational SUV for the weekends.

VehicleBMW X3

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Posted on: 14 Apr 2026