Mercedes-Benz GLC 2.0 Diesel 220d 4Matic

autocar.india

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For a mostly chauffeur-driven owner in Bangalore, the sedans you've shortlisted make the most sense. Between the two, while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is undoubtedly the most popular car in its class, and for good reason, in your case, we think the Lexus ES 350h might be a better bet. The ES 350h is a hybrid, which makes it particularly well-suited to Bangalore's traffic conditions, offering excellent fuel efficiency and a very refined, quiet driving experience. The rear seat is spacious and comfortable, and Lexus' reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs adds to the long-term ownership appeal. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class 200 is also a strong contender, offering a slightly more luxurious and spacious cabin and, crucially, superb back seats that recline quite far, but it does not offer the same efficiency or refinement in stop-and-go traffic, and this will add up in the long run. The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, while a good SUV, is not the best fit for a chauffeur-driven owner as the rear seat is not as comfortable as the ES or E-Class, and the ride is firmer. The ES 350h strikes the best balance of comfort, efficiency and long-term peace of mind.

Lexus ES

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

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We were very impressed with the Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 when we drove it in Germany, and you can read our review here. It is clearly a cut above the current GLC 43, largely because of its updated 3.0-litre inline-six M256 EVO engine with mild-hybrid assistance. This replaces the GLC 43’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit, which makes 421hp but lacks the character expected of an AMG at this price point.The GLC 53 produces 449hp, a healthy 28hp increase, but the difference is about more than outright numbers. The straight-six sounds far more special, revs with greater enthusiasm and delivers its performance in a smoother, more effortless manner. It also feels properly rapid for an SUV of this size, while bringing back some of the sense of occasion that buyers expect from an AMG.So, if you can wait and are comfortable with the likely jump in price, the GLC 53 is worth waiting for. The GLC 43 remains a very quick and capable performance SUV, but the GLC 53’s six-cylinder engine gives it a more complete, more emotive AMG experience.

Mercedes-Benz GLC

autocar.india

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Audi is offering some very tempting deals on the A6 and Q5, and for obvious reasons. Both models are now well into their lifecycles and feel dated next to newer rivals, so the only way Audi can move them out of showrooms is with substantial discounts. That said, if you're getting a good deal, both are well worth considering.Yes, the cabins have aged and the tech is no longer cutting edge. The infotainment systems are a couple of generations behind what you'll find in the latest BMWs and Mercedes, and the overall cabin ambience doesn't feel as fresh or as richly appointed. But if you can live with that, these Audis remain superbly engineered cars. The 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engines are smooth, refined and genuinely fantastic, and both cars drive beautifully. Ride quality, in particular, is excellent, and better than what the Mercedes-Benz GLC and BMW 3 Series offer.Within your Rs 65 lakh budget, our pick would be the A6. It's a segment above the 3 Series, and with current discounts it slips comfortably into your price range, which makes it exceptional value. It rides with a suppleness the Germans rarely match at this price, is impressively quiet and relaxed, and drives very well indeed. The GLC and 3 Series are better equipped and have plusher, more modern cabins, but they don't drive with the same polish or offer the same space and comfort. As a first luxury car, the A6 at a discount is hard to beat.

Audi A6

Audi Q5

BMW 3 Series

Mercedes-Benz GLC