Mercedes-Benz cars in India (27)

Given your extremely heavy usage, your decision to choose between diesel or strong hybrid powertrains is correct, as running costs would be through the roof on a petrol vehicle. 

Strong hybrids still have the edge on fuel economy, and the Lexus NX is a superb SUV with a luxurious and well-equipped interior. It's comfortable too, and quite a unique proposition. 

However, when it comes to resale value, sadly, it isn't quite as good as the more established German brands. Thus, we would recommend the Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d. Its diesel engine is strong yet efficient, its 9-speed AT gearbox is smooth, and it has a comfortable ride too. 

Plus, it has a high-quality and high-tech cabin that feels classy and plush, and will likely hold its value better than the other options you've listed here.

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.

Both the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 and GLS 450 are very comfortable and stable at high speeds. However, if you do not need the extra row of seats, the GLE would be a better bet. The GLE is a five-seater and hence is lighter by around 210kg. 

The GLE is also shorter in length, and the wheelbase makes it a bit more stable on the highways, especially over expansion joints. Both SUVs get air suspension and feature an inherently soft ride. But between the two, the GLE would be a bit more comfortable on the highway. 

Both SUVs have similar and excellent NVH performance and feature impressive cabin insulation. So with either one, you won't be disappointed. 

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.

The Mercedes Benz V Class has been reintroduced to India with several improvements that make it a better luxury vehicle than the previous version. For one, Mercedes has now brought in the extra-long wheelbase version of the MPV. At 3.4 metres, it now has the longest wheelbase of any Mercedes in India. 

This gives it immense cabin space and, as before, you get a flexible seating layout. Only this time the second row gets more luxurious lounge-style seats, with power adjustment, heating, ventilation and massage functions. It also gets air suspension for better ride comfort. Moreover, uses more powerful engines than before - the 331hp V300 mild-hybrid petrol and 337hp V300d diesel. 

Considering you have a 2022 GLS, buying the facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLS version will not feel significantly different. It amounts mainly to design changes and a few feature updates. In many scenarios, the GLS is the superior vehicle to the V Class as it uses 6-cylinder petrol and diesel engines rather than 4 cylinders. It also has features that include a panoramic sunroof and rear entertainment screens. Also, offers greater ability to traverse rough roads, with AWD, better ground clearance, and larger wheels and tyres. 

Plus, there is arguably the greater road presence that an SUV offers. So if you like your existing GLS and don't mind using a slightly updated version of the same, it is the better choice.

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.