Volvo XC90 Ultra B5

autocar.india

•3w

Firstly, our deepest condolences to the family involved. This is a tragic incident and understandably raises serious concerns.The Volvo XC90 is one of the safest cars on the road, with a strong safety record and a five-star Euro NCAP rating. However, no car is immune to fire in the event of a severe accident. Modern vehicles, regardless of price, carry significant amounts of fuel and electrical systems, and under certain conditions, such as a high-energy impact, ruptured fuel lines, electrical shorts, or a fire starting in the engine bay, a fire can develop rapidly.The key point is that fire risk is not directly linked to the cost of the car. Even the most expensive and safest vehicles can catch fire if the conditions are met. Safety systems are designed to protect occupants in a crash, but they cannot always prevent a fire from starting, especially if the impact is severe or the fire source is difficult to contain.It is also important to note that details of this specific incident are still emerging, and without a full investigation, it is impossible to say exactly what caused the fire. Factors such as the nature of the impact, the location of the fire, the speed of emergency response and the ability to exit the vehicle all play a role.The takeaway is that while modern cars are safer than ever, fire remains a rare but real risk in high-energy accidents. The focus should be on understanding the cause through a proper investigation rather than assuming that a premium car is immune to such outcomes.

Volvo XC90

autocar.india

•29w

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

autocar.india

•50w

Without knowing your specific requirements, it is hard to give you a definitive pick. Of the options on your mind, the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE make for the most well-rounded luxury SUVs. They are spacious, well-equipped, comfortable and good to drive. The Range Rover Velar is big on style but isn't as roomy as the other SUVs. The Volvo XC90's firm ride and lesser refinement mark it down.

BMW X5

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Land Rover Range Rover Velar

Volvo XC90

autocar.india

•1w

The best all-rounder of these three is the BMW X5, as it offers the best engines, a good mix of driver enjoyment and comfort, great interior space for five, the latest tech and the widest dealer network. Its two six-cylinder engines - a petrol and a diesel - offer a superb mix of power and refinement, and whichever you choose, it feels well suited to a luxury SUV of this size and price.The Range Rover Velar is pretty good value if you don't require too much space. It's half a size smaller than the others, and thus not as roomy, and its four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines aren't as powerful, smooth or refined as the BMW's sixes. It's the more stylish choice, but it is starting to show its age now.The Volvo XC90 is also starting to show its age, but a recent facelift means it has received the latest in Volvo's in-cabin tech. It's the only one here to get a third row of seats, and luxury and the features list are pretty good too. However, its 2.0-litre petrol engine doesn't feel strong enough for the SUV's size and it's not as comfortable or refined as the BMW.

BMW X5

Land Rover Range Rover Velar

Volvo XC90

autocar.india

•23w

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 cars also have 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