Volvo cars in India (4)

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The BMW iX1, Volvos and Mahindra XEV 9S are all quite different propositions, so the ‘best’ one really depends on what you value beyond interiors.The BMW iX1 is actually one of the more practical luxury EVs, with a spacious cabin. a genuinely premium feel and strong performance, which makes it very good value in the luxury EV space. If your only concern is that the interior doesn’t wow you visually, it’s still worth a serious look because the perceived quality, ergonomics and driving experience are all very strong.Assuming you’re referring to the Volvo EC40 and EX30, both offer very classy, minimalist cabins with high-quality materials and that typical Scandinavian design feel, but with almost everything controlled via the touchscreen. However, they are not very spacious; the EX30 in particular is tight at the rear, with limited legroom and a cramped benchThe Mahindra XEV 9S cannot match the Europeans for material richness or finesse of fit and finish, but it is fantastic value and absolutely nails space, comfort and features, especially if you need a proper family EV and possibly seven seats. If interior design “feel” matters more than outright luxury, the 9S may actually make you happiest in daily use, while the BMW is the better pick if you want a true luxury EV with strong dynamics.

BMW iX1 LWB

Volvo EC40

Mahindra XEV 9S

Volvo EX30

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With 20-25 km a day and mostly city use, the Mercedes-Benz GLC petrol (badged GLC 300) fits your brief best. It feels smooth and easy at low speeds, the steering is light in traffic, and the ride handles broken roads well, so your daily run will feel calmer. On weekend runs, it stays steady and quiet, and the cabin feels properly upmarket. Mercedes has the widest dealer and service reach of these three.If you value a very calm cabin and strong safety tech, the Volvo XC60 petrol is a lovely daily driver. Volvo’s service reach is smaller, so check how close your nearest workshop is. If you enjoy a sportier feel, the BMW X3 suits keen drivers, though the interior doesn't wow like the Merc or Volvo's.Overall, for city-heavy use and peace of mind ownership, go for the GLC petrol.

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Volvo XC60

BMW X3

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As a second car alongside your Toyota Fortuner, the Volvo EX30 Single Motor Long Range is the stronger fit because it is small on the outside and easy to park, yet feels very upmarket inside. It is also quick, refined, and very quiet in city traffic.Three reasons it suits your brief. One, the compact size makes daily driving and tight parking far less stressful than a bigger EV, which is what you want when the Fortuner already handles the long trips. Two, Volvo’s safety focus and the helpful driver add peace of mind. Three, the cabin, though cramped at the back, feels special, which keeps the “premium” feel you’re after every time you get in.A couple of trade-offs to note. The back seat and boot are not very big, so it is not the best choice if you often carry five people or a lot of luggage. Also, most controls sit on the centre screen, which takes a few days to get used to.If you expect more family use or frequent highway drives in the EV, pick the BYD Sealion 7 instead. It is larger, offers more rear seat space and a bigger boot. Plus, its battery is likely to give you a longer real-world range. The flip side is that it is bulkier in the city, and BYD’s service reach is still building up.Overall, as a premium, easy-to-live-with city EV to pair with your Fortuner, the Volvo EX30 fits best. Choose the Sealion 7 only if space and range matter more than compact size.

Volvo EX30

Toyota Fortuner

BYD Sealion 7

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If you are mostly sitting in the back seat and your use is primarily in the city, the Lexus RX 350h fits that role well. It scores high on refinement, space and luxury, with exceptional attention to detail and a uniquely Japanese take on cabin design. Being a strong hybrid, the RX 350h moves mostly on electric power in traffic, and the switchover is near imperceptible; as you can imagine, fuel consumption is incredibly low by luxury SUV standards. Noise levels are low, so calls or resting in the back seat are easy. Lexus also has a strong record for trouble-free ownership, which matters when you plan to keep the car for a long.There are a few things to note for a back-seat user. The rear seat is comfortable and reclines, but the floor is a bit high, so tall people may sit a little knee-up. It is a wide five-seater, but it does not feel as airy as the biggest rivals. If you want a roomier back seat and a more stretched-leg feel, the Volvo XC90 will feel bigger, and it also gives you seven seats if that ever helps. If you sometimes drive yourself and enjoy a sportier feel, the BMW X5 is the one that feels more lively from the front seat, though its ride can feel firmer in the back.However, both those cars are more expensive than the Lexus, which today spells exceptional value in the segment.

Lexus RX

Volvo XC90

BMW X5

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The BMW X3 is the better driver's car, while the Volvo XC60 is the better all-rounder. The recently introduced X3 xDrive30 gives the SUV the performance its chassis has always yearned for, and some crucial interior updates like more leatherette trim for a premium feel. It handles exceptionally well and rides comfortably too, plus it meets your other requirements of ground clearance and boot space. However, it still doesn't feel quite luxurious enough, and that's despite costing nearly Rs 10 lakh more than the Volvo.We think you should go for the Volvo XC60, which, though far more relaxed on the performance and handling front, still feels capable and predictable, with more than enough power. Moreover, though, it works much better as a luxury car, with more comfortable seats, front and rear, and a much better-appointed interior. In fact, though it is much older than the X3, the fact that it feels more contemporary on the inside is a testament to this. Its infotainment system is also more logically laid out and easier to use, and it's better equipped than the BMW, including an exquisite Bowers & Wilkins audio system. Its boot isn't quite as large as the X3's, however, though it should be more than large enough for most of your needs. And it's worth bearing in mind that Volvo's dealer and service network isn't as big as BMW's.If you consider a sedan, it should be the BMW 530Li - it's even better to drive than the X3 and has a more spacious and comfy back seat, as well as plenty of boot space. More than ground clearance, it's the car's long wheelbase you have to be careful of over bumps. And if you're considering an electric car, look at the BYD Sealion 7, which is an excellent all-rounder with a luxurious interior and good range. However, if you do long drives regularly, any EV might not be worth the hassle of depending on the public charging infrastructure.

BMW X3

Volvo XC60

BYD Sealion 7