Lexus RX

autocar.india

•1d

Given your experience with the E250 CDI and your clear priority for reliability and lower servicing costs, the Lexus RX is the recommendation. The RX has a strong reputation for long-term reliability, lower maintenance costs and a very refined ownership experience. Lexus’ hybrid powertrain is proven, efficient and well-suited to Indian conditions, and the brand’s focus on durability and customer service is a key advantage over the German rivals.The Mercedes-Benz GLE and BMW X5 are both excellent SUVs, but they are more complex vehicles with higher long-term maintenance costs and a greater reliance on electronics and software. The Lexus car may not have the same outright performance or brand cachet as the German options, but it is the most sensible choice for an owner looking for a premium SUV that will deliver a hassle-free ownership experience over the long term.

Lexus RX

Mercedes-Benz GLE

BMW X5

autocar.india

•2d

Given your usage pattern of mainly city driving with occasional long runs, the Lexus RX 350h would be our recommendation. The hybrid powertrain is particularly well-suited to your needs, offering excellent refinement and efficiency in urban conditions while still being capable and comfortable on longer journeys. Lexus cars also have a strong reputation for reliability and lower long-term maintenance costs, which addresses your concerns with the E 250 CDI.The Mercedes GLE and BMW X5 are both excellent SUVs, but they are more performance-oriented and can be more expensive to maintain over time. The GLE 300d is a strong diesel option, but with your limited usage, the benefits of a diesel are less compelling. The X5 xDrive30d is similarly impressive, but again, the Lexus hybrid makes more sense for your driving pattern. There are also these cars' respective petrol versions, but coming from a diesel, you might find their respective running costs much higher.The RX 350h strikes the right balance between luxury, efficiency and long-term ownership peace of mind. The only downsides are that it's not that exciting to drive, and that Lexus' network isn't anywhere near as big as Mercedes or BMW cars. But if you have a dealer close to you, and don't mind a more relaxed drive, it is a genuinely premium SUV that should prove to be a more satisfying ownership experience over the long term.

Lexus RX

Mercedes-Benz GLE

BMW X5

autocar.india

•19w

The Jaguar F-Pace, unfortunately, is discontinued globally, and if you're still able to get hold of one, it will likely be stock that the dealer is still trying to clear. If so, negotiate hard for a lower price. The F-Pace is an excellent driver's SUV with smooth, reasonably punchy engines and a superb chassis. However, though the 2021 facelift brought in some key modernities, it now feels dated by modern standards. It shares components with Land Rover products; future support could be uncertain as Jaguar is moving entirely to EVs from next year. As such, you should go for the Lexus RX. It's a bit more spacious and far more luxurious with a thoroughly modern interior. Plus, being a strong hybrid, the fuel efficiency is incredible, and Lexus is also synonymous with reliability and reasonable maintenance by luxury car standards. Plus, having only been introduced in 2023, the Lexus RX has plenty of life left in it yet.

Lexus RX

autocar.india

•10w

For your needs, we'd recommend the Mercedes-Benz GLC from your shortlist. The GLC’s front seats have good lumbar support and wide adjustment, so it is easy to set up a posture that is kind to a weak back, and the cabin is quiet which reduces fatigue on longer days. Between the petrol and diesel, it's a trade-off between mileage and maintenance - the diesel's fuel economy is no doubt better, but it also requires AdBlue topups and DPF regeneration every so often, so keep that in mind.You'll have to stretch well beyond ₹1 crore on-road for the GLE, but then it does ride and drive better, especially if you choose a six-cylinder model with air suspension. As for the BMW iX3, it is still a while away, with a launch not expected before 2027. If you can wait that long, however, it is coming here in long-wheelbase guise, so space and comfort should be plenty. Another offbeat alternative you should consider is the Lexus RX 350h. It fits in your budget, is spacious and comfortable, and offers a unique take on luxury with all the features you might want. Its biggest strength is its hybrid powertrain that is incredibly efficient and reliable too. Lexus' network in India, however, is smaller than Mercedes' or BMW's.

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Lexus RX

autocar.india

•10w

If you are mostly sitting in the back seat and your use is primarily in the city, the Lexus RX 350h fits that role well. It scores high on refinement, space and luxury, with exceptional attention to detail and a uniquely Japanese take on cabin design. Being a strong hybrid, the RX 350h moves mostly on electric power in traffic, and the switchover is near imperceptible; as you can imagine, fuel consumption is incredibly low by luxury SUV standards. Noise levels are low, so calls or resting in the back seat are easy. Lexus also has a strong record for trouble-free ownership, which matters when you plan to keep the car for a long.There are a few things to note for a back-seat user. The rear seat is comfortable and reclines, but the floor is a bit high, so tall people may sit a little knee-up. It is a wide five-seater, but it does not feel as airy as the biggest rivals. If you want a roomier back seat and a more stretched-leg feel, the Volvo XC90 will feel bigger, and it also gives you seven seats if that ever helps. If you sometimes drive yourself and enjoy a sportier feel, the BMW X5 is the one that feels more lively from the front seat, though its ride can feel firmer in the back.However, both those cars are more expensive than the Lexus, which today spells exceptional value in the segment.

Lexus RX

Volvo XC90

BMW X5

autocar.india

•15w

While there are a few interesting options in this price range, we feel you should pick the BMW X5 xDrive30d M Sport. Apart from being excellent to drive and very luxurious, it will feel like a nice departure from your GLS and Volvo XC90. BMW's straight-six engines are superb when it comes to refinement, smoothness and performance, and given your intended heavy usage, some of which is on the highway, we'd recommend the diesel, which is strong and efficient. You can easily get more than 700km out of a tank of diesel in your mixed driving cycle.An alternative is the Mercedes-Benz GLE, which offers more rear-seat space and a slightly more comfortable ride, though we feel it will be too similar to your GLS, or the Lexus RX 500h, whose smooth and efficient hybrid powertrain is an excellent alternative to the established order.

BMW X5

Volvo XC90

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Lexus RX

autocar.india

•19w

Yes, considering your driving is in the city, the Lexus RX 350h is a good option. Its strong hybrid powertrain is incredibly efficient, which will bring down your running costs considerably compared to the BMW. Also, service and maintenance costs will be lower, too. It's also very luxuriously appointed and well equipped, with a uniquely Japanese take on exterior and interior design. Do note, however, that it is slightly less spacious than the BMW X5. Especially if you intend to carry three passengers in the rear seat frequently. Though the chassis is able enough, the four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol-hybrid powertrain is nowhere near as strong or exciting as the 6-cylinder petrol and diesel engines that power the BMW X5.

Lexus RX

BMW X5

autocar.india

•19w

Since the car is for your elderly parents, the car should not be either too low or too high off the ground, for better ingress and egress. There are some incredibly comfortable sedans that might not be suitable for this reason, while there are some SUVs that are too high off the ground.Among the SUVs, a suitable option would be the Lexus RX, which is incredibly luxurious, comfortable, refined and rather unique, and crucially quite easy to get in and out of.If you want a more left-field option and don't mind a larger vehicle, the Toyota Vellfire is a superb option, combining the space and practicality of an SUV with the comfort and ease of use of a sedan. Your parents will enjoy the luxurious business-class chairs, comfy ride quality and lounge-like interior. Plus, its relatively low ride height and sliding doors make getting in and out a breeze.

Toyota Vellfire

Lexus RX