Latest questions
Asked by: Rahul Hello, Autocar. I am currently in the market to buy a new car and am thoroughly confused between the M340i and the new 5 Series. I will be upgrading from a Mercedes-Benz C 300d AMG Line diesel. While the M340i has the beastly B58, the thing holding me back is that it doesn't feel like a segment upgrade compared to my current C-Class. With the 5 Series, the size and opulence make it feel like a solid upgrade, but it has pretty much the same power as my C and lesser torque. Thanks. Your decision on which BMW car to buy depends on what you value more. The BMW 5 Series, as you rightly identified, is the larger and more opulent car. It is roomier inside, too, but it is essentially a model that prioritises comfort over driving thrills. The engine feels strong when pushed, but the overarching experience is that of a car designed to deliver a calming experience. The BMW M340i is the performance choice. The B58 engine is one of the modern-day greats and will thrill you for years to come. Slick handling and an improved ride with the facelift make the M340i hard to fault as an everyday fun car. Sure, it's no larger than the Mercedes-Benz C 300d you are switching from, but if driving pleasure is high up on your priority list, the M340i is easily the BMW for you. Asked by: Omi I want to buy an SUV with a budget of Rs 20 to 25 lakh and want a strong road presence. I shortlisted the Scorpio N, but I'm concerned about its low mileage. I also heard about the Tata Sierra. Should I wait? Yes, definitely check out the Tata Sierra, which will be launched on November 25. Its standout styling and tall, boxy proportions give it excellent road presence, especially if you choose a bold colour.Yes, Mahindra's engines are geared more towards power and performance than efficiency, and therefore their mileage is very low, whether petrol or diesel.The heavyweight, owing to its ladder-frame construction, doesn't help matters either. The Tata Sierra, on the other hand, is a monocoque, front-wheel-drive SUV, which will likely use smaller, more efficient 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines. Asked by: Nakul Raheja I want to buy a new car in Mumbai. My priority is ride quality on Mumbai roads, including comfort in the rear seat, along with driving pleasure for occasional long trips. I’ve shortlisted the Citroen C5 Aircross, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Range Rover Evoque, Tata Harrier and Tata Sierra, but I’m open to other options. Please suggest. Your shortlisted cars vary widely in price and category, ranging from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 75 lakh, including ICE as well as electric cars, so it's hard to pinpoint exactly what you are shopping for. If you plan to do long trips, avoid an EV, as it is just not worth the hassle, given the current state of charging infrastructure.The Citroen C5 Aircross has astonishing ride quality, since that is your primary requirement, but bear in mind that dealerships are few and far between, and the model itself is now dated and due for a replacement.If you move to the upper end of your budget, consider the Audi Q5, which, though also a bit long in the tooth, has excellent ride quality and is an excellent value for money.Similarly, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a full-size SUV with excellent ride quality, with prices from a segment below, and is also definitely worth check out. Asked by: Gajanan I’m Gajanan from Goa. I drive a Dzire LDi (diesel) that has done 2.47 lakh km and still gives 20 kmpl. I drive 80 km a day, 5 days a week, with five people on board. I want to upgrade to an EV for lower running costs and keep it for at least 10+ years. My budget is 20 lakh. I shortlisted Nexon 45, Curvv 55, and Windsor Pro. Should I wait for the e-Vitara or Sierra EV? Of your choices, we would recommend the MG Windsor Pro. It's got great interior space, good features, and a decent amount of range. Plus, MG's EVs have thus far proven reliable over the last few years, with numerous satisfied customers.You could wait for the Maruti Suzuki E Vitara and the Tata Sierra EV, but a good-spec version of either of these two electric SUVs will likely be outside of your budget of Rs 20 lakh.Two things to bear in mind. Electric cars’ resale values tend to plummet far quicker than ICE cars, so it's unlikely you'll get much after you sell it in 10+ years. And secondly, with your usage of 80km per day, five days a week, you will be charging the vehicle at least once or twice per week.While this is fine in the short term, frequent charging will shorten the overall battery life of the vehicle. Given your usage, perhaps a diesel car or a strong hybrid is a better bet. Can’t decide which car to buy? Ask our experts and get answers to all your car related queries. Ask experts