Byd Cars Under 25 Lakh in India (2)

autocar.india

•1d

The BYD Atto 3 is a well-built and reliable EV with a proven track record, but it is a 5-seater and does not offer the same level of practicality, feature set or even the performance as the XEV 9S. The VinFast VF7 is an interesting option, but you can only get the entry-level variant in your budget, and while it has strong performance, as a package, it still trails behind the XEV 9S. Since you want a 7-seater, the Tata Sierra EV is ruled out considering its 5-seater layout. The Mahindra XEV 9S is the best choice in your budget and given your requirements. It offers a large battery, good range and a practical 7-seat layout, making it a sensible family EV. However, it is worth noting that the third row is best suited for children or occasional use, and the boot space is limited with all seats up. Within Rs 25 lakh, you can get the Pack One Above variant with the bigger 79kWh battery pack and a decent feature set. Given your priorities of value for money, reliability and hassle-free ownership, the Mahindra XEV 9S is the best fit if you need a 7-seater.

BYD Atto 3

Mahindra XEV 9S

Vinfast VF7

autocar.india

•14w

If you're looking to spend around Rs 53-57 lakh (on-road, Mumbai) for an EV, you have a lot of options - BYD Seal, BYD Sealion 7, Hyundai Ioniq 5, BMW iX1, Kia EV6, Mini Countryman, Mercedes CLA, Volvo C40 Recharge and Tesla Model Y.The BYD Sealion 7 is among the more affordable options here - it feels like a flagship product, with a richly appointed interior, and a solid, satisfying drive experience. The BMW iX1 gets its fundamentals right and will come closest to the BMW 523i's experience, as far as interior quality, sound insulation, and refinement go, although performance isn't its strong suit. For strong performance, a laundry list of features, and a larger and more spacious interior, consider the Kia EV6. Sure, on paper it is much more expensive; however, Kia dealers are offering mouth-watering discounts. Also, the AWD version's price is lower than the recently launched RWD Hyundai Ioniq 5.As far as resale value goes, EVs across the board don't hold strong residual values compared to their ICE counterparts, irrespective of the badge they wear or the segment they belong.

BYD Sealion 7

BYD Seal

Hyundai Ioniq 5

Kia EV6

BMW iX1 LWB

autocar.india

•35w

Given your high usage of 1,500km per month, an electric car is not advisable, and thus we would rule out the BYD Atto 3. While this BYD car is an excellent vehicle, it is also priced considerably higher than the others you have listed.Of the remaining cars, we would recommend a diesel, given your usage. That would also rule out the Volkswagen Taigun facelift, which will continue with petrol engines only.The Tata Sierra has a strong enough diesel engine, which comes with a smooth 6-speed torque converter automatic, but it's quite loud and lacks a strong punch.While not enough is known about the new-generation Seltos yet, between the Kia car and the Hyundai Creta, the former is probably the better bet. It will likely use the same smooth, refined 1.5-litre diesel and 6-speed automatic gearbox, but on the whole, the Kia Seltos is expected to be larger and packed with even more tech. We think it is the one you should hold out for.

Kia Seltos

Tata Sierra

Hyundai Creta

Volkswagen Taigun

BYD Atto 3

autocar.india

•5w

Buy the Innova HyCross Hybrid ZX (O). For weekend highways with family and a 10-15 year plan, nothing in this price range gives you the same mix of space, comfort and hassle-free ownership. It is genuinely easy to live with, seats are comfortable for long stints, the third row is usable, and with it folded, you get a huge boot for bags. Toyota’s hybrid system is smooth and proven, and among hybrid cars, Toyota’s long-term support and resale value are about as worry-free as it gets.One point to remember is that at highway speeds, the hybrid doesn’t save as much fuel as in the city, and when you floor it, the engine can sound a bit strained. Ride on the ZX(O)’s 18-inch wheels is a touch firmer too - if you value plushness over kit, the ZX on 17s rides nicer and costs less.If you want a richer drive, the Skoda Kodiaq is lovely, but it will likely stretch Rs. 40-42 lakh on-road and long-term costs are higher. Electric cars like the BYD Seal are soothing and quick, but they are 5-seat only, and highway charging still needs planning; with 4-6k km a year, you won’t save much anyway.Overall, the Toyota car remains the smart pick.

Toyota Innova HyCross

Skoda Kodiaq

BYD Seal

autocar.india

•5w

Go for the BYD Sealion 7. For a family of four stepping out of a Superb, it’s the comfier daily - softer ride, quieter cabin and a roomier rear bench than the Model Y, so city runs and school-office duty feel easy. Your 350-400 km trips should not be an issue with the big battery and fast-charging capabilities. It also gives similar range and kit for less money, so it’s the stronger value. The design is sleek enough and performance is properly quick for India, and though both are limited, BYD car has the edge on dealer network and reach at the moment.The Model Y is more playful to drive and its software and driver aids are slicker. It is the more tech forward choice, and if that's what you're after, it might be worth considering. The Model Y L definitely has the edge on space, although its real-world range and comfort is yet to be proven. It is a much larger vehicle, however, so driving in the city could be cumbersome compared to the others. The Y L is also quite a bit more expensive than the Sealion 7. Test drive both and see if you have a preference, as both the Tesla and BYD are good options, but we would pick the Sealion 7 for your requirement.

BYD Sealion 7

Tesla Model Y

Skoda Superb