Porsche Cayenne GTS 4.0 V8 Petrol

Autocar India

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The Rs 1.3 crore-1.4 crore segment is interesting because it offers up two very different kinds of SUVs. On one hand, the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7, which are larger and more spacious, and on the other, the Porsche Cayenne and Range Rover Sport, which, though not as practical, have more emotional appeal and arguably stronger badge value. Both have their place, and the larger X7 and GLS are not short on luxury and tech. They both offer petrol and diesel engine options, and a lot of features, and there's the advantage of both brands' wider service network around the country. Between the two, the BMW has a slight edge on space, comfort and driver enjoyment, whereas the Mercedes feels a bit more luxurious and tech-laden. If practicality is the primary focus, one of these should be your choice.However, as you're considering a Porsche Cayenne, it suggests you're okay with five seats. The Cayenne is perhaps the best driving SUV of this size, and even with the entry-level 3.0 V6 engine, it is incredibly engaging, and of course, the Porsche badge carries a lot of value. Quality is similar to what you'll find in the others, with a far greater focus on sportiness in design. Some things to note are that many of the features standard on the other cars are optional on the Cayenne and will drive up the price, and a consequence of its sporty setup is a firmer ride quality and heavier steering, which might become tiresome in everyday use. Also consider the Range Rover Sport, which delivers the best of both worlds. It's engaging to drive while being comfortable, it's got a more luxurious edge than all the rest, and it's loaded up with features too.

Mercedes-Benz GLS

BMW X7

Porsche Cayenne

Land Rover Range Rover

Autocar India

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As you've rightly said, the Porsche Cayenne is probably your best option. No other large SUV handles as well as it does, and you get the option of two powerful turbo petrol engines - a 340hp V6 and a 500hp V8. However, if you're not concerned with having the Porsche badge, you should consider the Audi Q8, which is mechanically similar to the Cayenne, but comes in three performance levels, is set up to be more comfortable and usable, and is far more affordable too.At one end, there is the base V6 version, with the same 340hp engine, and at the other extreme is the 650hp, V8-powered RS Q8 Performance. However, Audi is about to launch the SQ8 - with the 500hp V8 - in India, and this could be the sweet spot between price and performance for you.

Porsche Cayenne

Audi Q8

Autocar India

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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.

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

BMW X7

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Porsche Cayenne

Autocar India

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The Land Rover Defender hasn't undergone any mechanical changes since its launch, so it is unlikely its ride comfort will be any different from what you experienced. With large SUVs like these, as I'm sure you know from your X5, wheel size and suspension choice also have a huge bearing. Air-suspended Defenders ride significantly better than steel-sprung ones in our experience, so make sure you have tried both before making your decision. It isn't particularly sporty, though, and if that is what you're after, you might want to consider moving a bit higher up and checking out the Audi Q8, Porsche Cayenne or Range Rover Sport.

Audi Q8

Land Rover Defender

Porsche Cayenne

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Autocar India

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While you can get a used Porsche Cayenne diesel in your budget of Rs 30 lakh, you will get a much older model, likely with many kilometres on the odometer and perhaps not in the best condition. Also, while the car's price might be low, you would still be paying Porsche prices for parts and servicing, which is at a premium compared to the other German brands, and requires specialised service centres. Hence, while tempting, a used diesel Porsche could be a costly affair in the long run.Definitely stick with either a Mercedes-Benz GLC or BMW X3, where you will find newer, lower-mileage examples within your budget. Both are easy enough to service, and choosing which is a matter of preference, car condition, and which one you can find a good local mechanic to service better. If you like to drive, we recommend the BMW X3 for its sharp handling and free-revving diesel engine.

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Porsche Cayenne