Byd Suv Cars in India (4)

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•12w

The BMW iX1 LWB is the strongest value-for-money package here, priced at Rs. 53-54 lakh. It gives you a solid luxury badge, a spacious and practical cabin, good tech and features, and an enjoyable driving experience at a very competitive price for what this BMW car offers.The BYD Sealion 7 also delivers a very premium experience and, if anything, feels a touch more luxurious inside than the iX1, with strong performance and range. However, the BYD car still cannot match BMW for badge pull, dealer reach and long-term service ecosystem, which matters for a first luxury purchase.We actually quite like the Tesla Model Y L: it’s very aggressively priced for a three-row imported EV, gives you all-wheel drive, excellent range and that useful third row where your child can sit comfortably and safely. Your concern about resale is valid, but most EVs take a bigger depreciation hit anyway, and because the Model Y L is priced keenly for a CBU, the percentage drop in value may not be disproportionately worse than rivals if demand holds up. Also, there is unlikely to be any import duty reduction that may impact the resale value of the Tesla car in the near future since the Model Y is made in China. The upcoming BMW iX3 and Mercedes GLC EV will likely feel the most premium and high-tech of all, with plenty of wow factor, especially in their cabins and brand perception. They will definitely be more expensive and, realistically, you’re looking at at least another 6-10 months before they’re easily available, so you have to weigh that wait and budget stretch against how soon you want to start enjoying the car.

BMW iX1 LWB

BYD Sealion 7

Tesla Model Y

autocar.india

•14w

Your usage and requirements point to a tough yet comfortable diesel SUV with lots of space. In that use, the Tata Safari 6-seat diesel automatic Accomplished X+ fits you best. It rides comfortably on broken surfaces, feels steady at highway speeds, and the captain seats in the middle row are wide and easy to get in and out of, which matters when you are in the car for hours every day. They're also widely adjustable and even ventilated, which is a bonus. The diesel with an automatic gearbox means less effort in slow stretches and relaxed cruising between towns, and diesel makes sense for your monthly distance.Know the trade-offs. With all three rows up, boot space is tight, so plan for a roof carrier if you carry a lot of luggage, and Tata's aftersales and service network isn't quite as good as some other brands. If you are fine with a manual, the Toyota Innova Crysta 7-seat diesel remains a great long-term workhorse and is very reliable too. However, it's not as comfortable or well equipped as the Tata Safari.As for EVs, your two MPV options are the Vinfast VF MP7 and the BYD eMax7. However, due to their long wheelbases, slightly lower ground clearances and underbody battery packs, we'd recommend sticking to an ICE MPV for your usage on rough roads and quarries. Additionally, their dealership and after-sales networks are still limited compared to Tata and Toyota.

Tata Safari

Toyota Innova Crysta

Vinfast VF MPV 7

BYD eMax 7

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•16w

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

Volvo XC60

BYD Sealion 7

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•4w

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

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•4w

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