Mercedes-Benz GLS 3.0 Petrol 450 4Matic

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. 

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.

While the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7 are spacious, practical and big on road presence, since you will just be driving yourself on weekends, their added size holds no value and simply makes them more cumbersome. As such, we'd recommend the Range Rover Sport, which has the added benefit of greater snob value than the Merc or BMW. Both its straight-six engines - petrol and diesel - are powerful and refined; in fact, they sound really nice.

And though this is a big car for a five-seater, it's reasonably fun to drive. Additionally, consider the Porsche Cayenne, which, though not quite as big and imposing as the Range Rover, is even more fun to drive.

Budget will determine your options:

• Sub-₹20 lakh: Kia Carens Clavis
• ₹25-30 lakh: Mahindra XUV700
• ₹30-35 lakh: Toyota Innova HyCross
• ₹50-55 lakh: MG Gloster
• ₹60-65 lakh: Land Rover Discovery Sport
• Around ₹1 crore: Audi Q7
• ₹1 crore plus: Mercedes-Benz GLS