I want to buy a new SUV for daily driving under ₹1.5 crore. My driving is around 3,000 km per month, including both city and highway use. I own a GLS Maybach and a Volvo XC90.

autocar.india

•2d

Go for the Range Rover Sport petrol in 2027 - it will make your city days enjoyable and your long trips with kids and the dog easier. The air suspension glides over broken roads and can lower the car, so the dog hops in without drama, and the cabin stays very quiet, which matters with children on board. It also feels like a true upgrade from your 5 Series - far more special to sit in and arrive in, not just a taller BMW.The BMW X5 will likely be sharper to drive and lighter on its feet, and BMW’s service reach is wider. If you love the 5 Series’ tight, sporty feel, the X5 will feel familiar. But for family comfort first, the Range Rover Sport’s ride and seat comfort win.One honest catch: JLR ownership can be fussier than BMW - higher running costs and occasionally patchy service. Also expect the petrol to be thirsty in town. If that worries you, keep an eye on the X5 reveal in 2027, but if you want the most soothing daily drive and the best road-trip experience for kids and dog, the Range Rover Sport edges it.

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

BMW X5

autocar.india

•7h

It isn't clear from your question whether your 4,000-5,000 km highway usage is per year or per month, and whether you have a home charging provision. If your monthly usage is high, and you have a charging provision, the Clavis EV is a no-brainer. You can expect a real-world range of around 350km (on the highway), and with 60kW DC fast charging along the way, you can easily add 100km of additional range in 30 minutes. However, with a home charging, your running costs will be much lower than public charging.On the other hand, if your 4,000-5,000 km is annual usage, pick the Kia Carens Clavis petrol - the fuel bill difference won’t recover the EV’s higher price premium for a long time, so you’re paying more up front for savings you may not fully use. For long highway runs, the simple truth is petrol gives you certainty - five-minute refuels anywhere and no planning around chargers, especially while travelling with family on board.

Kia Carens Clavis EV

Kia Carens Clavis

autocar.india

•8h

Pick the Tata Nexon EV 45. It fits your Rs. 18 lakh on-road target, is super easy to drive and park, and its high seating and ground clearance take bad roads and speed breakers in stride. For your moderate use, the larger 45kWh battery is enough for a week of city runs, and those occasional roadtrips with just one planned charge stop, and Tata’s charging and service network is the widest right now, which makes EV life simpler outside big cities. It is light on upkeep, too - no oil changes, fewer wear parts, and Tata’s EV service costs have been reasonable.

Tata Nexon EV