BMW Cars in India (24)

All the cars you have shortlisted, being sedans, have similar ground clearance, and for all practical purposes, the Audi A4 is no worse off than the other two. In fact, in our testing, it was the Mercedes-Benz A-Class limousine that required the most care over speed breakers. If ground clearance is a high priority, consider an SUV like the Mercedes GLA, Audi Q3 or BMW X1. 

However, if you want to stick with a sedan, the Audi A4 is the most value for money. Not only is it larger and more spacious than the others, it also has the most comfortable suspension. 

What's more, its 190hp, 2.0-litre turbo petrol is larger and more powerful than the engines on offer in the 2 Series and A-Class, and the most refined among them too. 

Given your budget, however, you could even consider an Audi A6; check if your local Audi dealer is offering any discounts, and it could fit within the outer limits of your budget.

Since you are looking for a bigger SUV than the Hyundai Creta, you can consider the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC. Since you mentioned you do not often get a chance to drive, we would recommend the Mercedes-Benz GLC over the BMW X3. 

It has a more comfortable back seat, the interior feels more plush, and it has a better ride quality than the others. That said, whenever you do get a chance to take the wheel, it is very enjoyable to drive, with strong performance from both the petrol and diesel engines.

Under Rs 50 lakh, there isn’t a huge amount of choice if you’re looking for something genuinely nippy and fun in the city. But if you can stretch your budget a little, the Mini Cooper S is just about perfect for what you want. Its go-kart-like handling, peppy turbo-petrol engine and funky, high-quality interiors tick all your boxes. It feels compact, alert and eager, which makes it ideal for darting through traffic and enjoying short urban drives.

Do keep in mind it’s a two-door, so rear-seat access isn’t the most convenient. If you need four doors and a bit more practicality, the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, especially in 218 M Sport guise, is a sensible alternative. It offers good creature comforts and a premium feel, but it isn’t as sharp or as playful as the Mini, and it does cost a bit more, too.

You should check out a luxury SUV such as the Mercedes-Benz GLC or BMW X3, which will feel like a good upgrade to your Toyota Fortuner. They might not be as large, but given that your driving is in the city, this shouldn't be too much of a problem. They have sophisticated and refined petrol and diesel engine options, high-quality cabins and lots of features. 

Plus, they will be considerably more comfortable and easier to drive than the Fortuner. If you simply must have more space and size than the Fortuner, then consider the MG Majestor, which will be launching very soon. 

It's unclear how much you will get in exchange for your Fortuner, but assuming it is not too old, big Toyotas tend to hold their value well, so these SUVs should fit in your budget.

Converting a petrol car to an electric one is a complex process that requires a lot of engineering and expertise, and it will be very expensive to do so. It is not as simple as just swapping out the engine for an electric motor.

The process involves removing the engine, fuel tank, exhaust system, and other components and replacing them with an electric motor, batteries, and other components. Even after all this, the car's wiring, suspension, and other systems need to be modified to work with and accommodate the new powertrain.

Basically its as good as re-engineering the entire car, and frankly, no one can do this reliably at this point. Thus, we would not recommend a conversion, especially so on a car that is complex and advanced like the BMW X1. Plus, there is also the legality of the car to consider, as the registration details would not match. You should trade in your X1 for the new iX1, as BMW will certainly have some exchange offers to make.  

Firstly, there is no Mercedes GLE 450d variant. There is a diesel 400d, but the variant you must be meaning is the Mercedes GLE 450 4MATIC petrol, which compares with the BMW X5 xDrive40i petrol.  

Both the Mercedes-Benz GLE450  and the BMW X5 are very closely matched in power, using 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engines with 48V mild-hybrid systems. The GLE 450 4MATIC produces 375-380hp whilst the BMW X5 xDrive40i produces a near identical 375-380hp. Top of Form

The BMW X5 has slightly higher torque at 520Nm to the GLE 450’s 500Nm, which contributes to a more sporty feel. 

In fact, the BMW X5 is known for a more sporty, engaging driving character, with quicker acceleration. Whilst the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 delivers power in a very linear, smooth manner, prioritising comfort and luxury.