Mercedes-Benz GLC

Autocar India

•34m

You should opt for the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300. It is the most complete choice for everyday use and long trips among these three right now. The GLC rides very comfortably on bad roads, and the petrol engine is smooth and quiet. The steering is light in the city, the view out is clear, and the automatic gearbox shifts cleanly on its own, so it is easy to drive even in heavy traffic. Inside, it feels the newest and most upmarket, and Mercedes has a wide service network across big and small cities.Pick the BMW X3 petrol only if driving fun matters most to you and you often enjoy fast highway runs yourself. It feels keener to drive than the other two, especially in the recently introduced xDrive30 variant. Choose the Audi Q5 if you want a solid, comfortable SUV that's nice to drive and excellent value for money. Do bear in mind that it's quite old now and doesn't feel as modern as the other two.Overall, for a balanced, luxurious, and easy-to-own petrol SUV, the GLC 300 is the one to buy.

BMW X3

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Audi Q5

Autocar India

•19h

Go for the BMW X3 30i. For your mostly city usage and as a one-time luxury buy, it fits best and will keep you happy. Coming from the Hyundai Creta, the X3 will not feel unwieldy in town. The steering is light at low speeds, the view out is clear, and the 360-degree cameras and parking sensors make navigating tight spots easy. The petrol engine and smooth automatic respond keenly in traffic, and the size feels manageable once you get used to it. Ride comfort is on the firmer side at low speeds, but it stays very steady at higher speeds.One thing to be aware of: the X3’s ride can feel a bit busy on broken city roads at crawl speeds, and the rear seat is not the widest in this class.If you want a calmer SUV, with great seats and more active safety features, the Volvo XC60 is a fine alternative, though Volvo’s dealer network is smaller. If rear-seat comfort matters most, the Mercedes GLC is the one to go for.On timing, the best deals typically come at calendar year-end and around March. A fresh, in-demand X3 usually gets small cash benefits or freebies, while the XC60 and Q5 see bigger cuts more often. Since you’ll use minimal finance, ask dealers to convert low-interest schemes into a straight cash discount or add a long service pack and extended warranty.

Volvo XC60

BMW X3

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Audi Q5

Autocar India

•4w

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.

Lexus NX

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Autocar India

•5w

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.

BMW X3

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Autocar India

•6w

The Mercedes-Benz GLC EV is expected to be launched in India in the second half of 2026. The GLC EV is the electric version of the next-gen GLC, which is also expected to be launched in India around the same time.The GLC EV will be powered by a 100kWh battery pack and will have a range of around 500km. It will also be equipped with a dual-motor setup, with the front and rear axles getting their own electric motors. It boasts the latest EV technology from Mercedes-Benz, and the all-new infotainment system has a far better UI than before. A lot of the on-board tech coming in the GLC EV will first be seen on the CLA EV sedan that will be launched next month. This will give you some idea of what to expect in the GLC EV.If you can wait, the GLC EV will be worth considering, as it will be a more modern and efficient alternative to the current Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Autocar India

•4w

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.

Mercedes-Benz GLC

BMW X3

Toyota Fortuner

MG Majestor

Autocar India

•9w

Happy birthday! And if you like the Volvo XC60, we recommend you go for it. It is, as you said, the most understated of the lot, and a less common sight on our roads, which makes it a little bit more special. Both the interior and exterior design aren't too over the top, and with the recent update in August 2025, its tech is now on par with the rest too. An underrated feature is the 1,410W Bowers & Wilkins audio system, which is possibly the best you'll find in this segment. It's an excellent highway cruiser with superb refinement at speed, and though not the most exciting to drive, it is very relaxing. Cost of ownership is on par with Mercedes GLC 300 and the Audi Q5, the only caveat being a slightly smaller service network, although Volvo is present in most big cities. For a heart patient, more so than the body style, its a safe, smooth, comfortable and predictable driving experience that is beneficial, and with its refined and relaxed demeanour, the Volvo XC60 should be ideal for you.

Volvo XC60

Audi Q5

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Autocar India

•14w

Since your daily commute is as much as 70km, you should consider a diesel luxury SUV, and there are two good options in this price range. The BMW X3 is more engaging to drive, and since you have already owned a BMW car, you will likely be familiar with the brand's aftersales and service ecosystem, and could even talk to your dealership about a loyalty benefit.However, overall, the better SUV is the Mercedes-Benz GLC. It offers a more luxurious cabin, rear seat space, and a comfortable ride. Plus, while not quite as engaging to drive as the BMW, it's still a lot of fun from behind the wheel.

BMW X3

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Autocar India

•15w

While you are advised to personally test the vehicles to judge comfort, a higher-riding SUV usually is more comfortable to get into and out of than a sedan. There are a fair few options within your budget (do remember to haggle hard!), among which we'd suggest you check out the BMW iX1, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5, Volvo XC60 and Land Rover Discovery Sport.You could also look at the Kia Carnival if you are open to the MPV body style.

Land Rover Discovery Sport

BMW X3

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Audi Q5

Volvo XC60

Autocar India

•8w

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 is a very good car to drive, thanks to a punchy petrol engine and good dynamics. Within the city, it is easy to use and comes with a host of features and technology to make driving effortless. The interior is high quality, the seats are comfy, and it has a good ride too.For long drives, you will enjoy the performance and drivability, but being a sedan comes with limitations like ground clearance. Mercedes has also addressed the ground clearance issue with revisions to the underbody, which have made belly scrapes on speed breakers a rarity. However, you need to be wary once off the tarmac. If you are going to go off the tarmac often, the Mercedes-Benz GLC would be a better choice.

Mercedes-Benz GLC