Mercedes-Benz GLE 3.0 Petrol 450 4Matic

autocar.india

•1w

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

•1w

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

•9w

If you want the car in the next few months, buy the current Mercedes-Benz GLE. The India launch date for the new version hasn’t been announced, and going by how Mercedes usually staggers its new launches, you could be waiting around half a year to a year. We don't expect it to be launched before early to mid-2027. Part of the reason is that the GLE is locally assembled in India, so Mercedes-Benz’s Chakan plant in Maharashtra will first need to prepare for right-hand-drive kits of the updated version.Wait only if you specifically want the fresh look and updated tech, and you are fine holding off at least 6-9 months. The biggest update is the new dashboard with the three-screen 'Superscreen' setup. This includes the new MB.OS software with many new AI-based features packed in, and a generally slicker interface.The updated GLE will, however, likely be mechanically unchanged from the GLE currently on sale. Expect the same engines and suspension setups, which are well-sorted for our roads, and you’re likely to get faster delivery of the current model. Also, expect the new version to be priced higher and come with an initial waiting period.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

autocar.india

•13w

After living with a Fortuner for so many years, you’re clearly used to a tough, dependable SUV and likely prefer diesel power. The best upgrade that fits your brief is the Mercedes-Benz GLE. It retains that solid SUV character you’re familiar with, offers generous space, and comes with a strong, refined diesel engine paired with a part-time all-wheel-drive system.While the GLE isn’t built to take quite the same rough-and-tumble punishment as the Fortuner, it delivers far higher levels of comfort, sophistication, and ease of driving, whether in city traffic or on long highway runs. The cabin feels genuinely premium, packed with features and excellent noise insulation, making every journey relaxing.In short, the GLE 300d combines the ruggedness you value with the luxury and refinement you now deserve. Compared to the Fortuner’s utilitarian nature, it feels like a quantum leap forward into the luxury SUV world.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

autocar.india

•16w

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