Upcoming Mercedes-Benz cars in India (1)

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The BMW iX1 LWB is the best fit for your priorities of space, comfort and ride quality. The long-wheelbase version offers a genuinely spacious rear seat, which is a clear advantage over the Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric. The iX1 also rides well and feels like a well-rounded premium EV, with a practical boot and a comfortable cabin that will work well for daily use and longer journeys.The CLA EV is a stylish product, with a noticeably more attractive interior and a better feature set. Performance is better, and it will also deliver a healthier range compared to the BMW iX1. But do keep in mind that it is pricier, and its backseat detracts from a luxurious experience on account of its upright backrest and low seating. So if you're going to be driving by yourself with one passenger for the most part, then the CLA EV seems to be the better option. But if backseat comfort matters to you as much as the drive, then opt for the BMW iX1.

BMW iX1 LWB

Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric

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Firstly, don’t assume that a low-mileage test-drive or dealer demo car will be easy to find. The best examples are often sold quickly, and availability will vary sharply by city, dealer and model.A Mercedes-Benz E-Class would be our pick if you can find a clean, well-specced example, but even one with under 5,000km may stretch beyond your Rs 65-70 lakh budget. Also, many dealer demo cars are unregistered. That means you become the first registered owner, which is a plus, but it also means the dealer may not discount it as aggressively as a formally pre-owned car.You could also look for a BMW 5 Series LWB demo car, although finding one within budget may again be difficult. The more realistic option could be an Audi A6, especially because Audi has historically offered strong discounts on outgoing or slow-moving stock. Do check availability with your local dealer, though, as stock can be limited depending on the city and the model year.For this money, our more practical recommendation would be a nearly new BMW 3 Series. It is likely to fit the budget more comfortably, is genuinely engaging to drive, and should offer a newer car with lower financial risk than stretching for an E-Class or 5 Series.Whichever route you choose, insist on a full-service record, tyre and brake inspection, accident-repair history, remaining warranty details, and clarity on whether the car has been registered. A dealer demo can be good value, but only if the discount properly reflects its usage and age.

BMW 3 Series

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Audi A6

BMW 5 Series LWB

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Go for the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450. With your 15,000km a year, a mix of city and highway, and a 5-7 year ownership plan, the GLE 450 is the better fit. The GLC 220d is a very good car, but the GLE 450 is a clear step up in space, comfort and overall luxury. It is a genuinely large SUV with a far more spacious rear seat and a more premium cabin experience, and a comfy ride quality, which makes a big difference on long drives and family trips. The 450 petrol engine is also smooth, powerful and well suited to your usage pattern.On the diesel question, at 15,000km a year a diesel can make sense, but the GLE 450 petrol is refined, efficient enough and future-proof. There is no immediate government plan to ban diesel cars, but policy direction can change over time, especially in cities like Bangalore. The GLE 450 petrol is the safer long-term ownership bet.On the facelift, both the GLC and GLE are expected to get updates in 2027 with the GLE likely to be revamped by the mid 2027. If you are not in a hurry, it is worth waiting. If you need the car now, do not overthink it – the GLE 450 will serve you well for years.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Mercedes-Benz GLC

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Yes, there will be a facelift for the Mercedes-Benz GLE coming sometime late this year or early next year. It brings revised front and rear ends, with larger grilles, new bumpers, and bigger headlamps with new three-pointed star DRL signatures. Inside, the dashboard is all new, made up of a new, continuous 'Superscreen' for driver, infotainment and passenger screens, as well as new chrome AC vents. It uses Merc's new AI-driven MB.OS software, which comes with powerful new computing power, and an entirely new E&E (electric & electronic) architecture. That said, however, the hardware will likely remain the same, with the same engines - including the 450 petrol - and suspension setups. As such, the luxury and performance quotient will not change, and so if that is a priority for your friend, they should stick with their current booking. However, if they are excited by the new tech on offer and are fans of the new look, then perhaps it is worth the wait. Do note that the new model will likely bring a price hike as well, as can be expected.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

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The new Lexus ES 350h is looks quite different to the previous ES, but the proposition remains the same. It is now a much larger car, with a more imposing design and a significantly more powerful hybrid powertrain. It is no longer the understated luxury sedan the previous ES was, and this is Lexus's new, bolder approach that's unfolding across its model range. Inside too, the relatively old-school use of wood, metal and multiple layers has been traded for a cleaner, minimalist look that's more futuristic and somewhat generic. However, the luxury prospect hasn't changed too much, with high-quality materials, tactile surfaces and even more features. And since it is larger, cabin space has improved too. If you are looking for a more traditional luxury sedan experience, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB is the better choice. It offers a more refined and comfortable ride, a more understated design and a more traditional luxury car ownership experience. The E-Class LWB is also a better chauffeur-driven car, with a more spacious and comfortable rear seat. If you are looking for a more performance-oriented luxury sedan, the BMW 5 Series LWB is worth considering. It offers a more engaging driving experience and a more dynamic character. The Lexus ES may look very different now, but if you're interested, it's worth at least a test drive, because its proposition of refined, hassle-free, efficient Japanese luxury hasn't changed.

Lexus ES

BMW 5 Series LWB

Mercedes-Benz E-Class