Upcoming Mercedes-Benz cars in India (1)

Autocar India

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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

Autocar India

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If you usually drive yourself, the Mercedes-Benz CLA EV is a stylish electric sedan that's got a refined and efficient powertrain promising over 500km of real-world range. Additionally, its ride comfort and handling balance are sorted, and the cabin features the latest AI-enabled tech.Do keep in mind, its rear seat is cramped, the seating position is knees-up even at the front, and it misses sun shades for the sunroof and rear windows, and ventilated seats. Alternatively, if your usage is mixed - self and chauffeur-driven, the BMW iX1 is the better bet. It drives well, has a higher seat and better ground clearance, and even though its cabin might not feel as special as the CLA's. But, the build and fit-finish still feels solid, its back seat is more spacious, and then you also get the badge and safety you expect at this price.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric

Autocar India

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If you want the car in the next few months, buy the current Mercedes-Benz GLE. The India launch date for the new version hasn’t been announced, and going by how Mercedes usually staggers its new launches, you could be waiting around half a year to a year. We don't expect it to be launched before early to mid-2027. Part of the reason is that the GLE is locally assembled in India, so Mercedes-Benz’s Chakan plant in Maharashtra will first need to prepare for right-hand-drive kits of the updated version.Wait only if you specifically want the fresh look and updated tech, and you are fine holding off at least 6-9 months. The biggest update is the new dashboard with the three-screen 'Superscreen' setup. This includes the new MB.OS software with many new AI-based features packed in, and a generally slicker interface.The updated GLE will, however, likely be mechanically unchanged from the GLE currently on sale. Expect the same engines and suspension setups, which are well-sorted for our roads, and you’re likely to get faster delivery of the current model. Also, expect the new version to be priced higher and come with an initial waiting period.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Autocar India

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If you're already leaning towards the Tesla Model Y L, you should go for it, as, for the money, it's one of the best EVs out there. At this time, we're yet to review the L, but the improvements it promises over the standard-wheelbase models are impressive. For one, there's the additional space, captain's chairs for the second row and a usable third row, which already elevates it above most others at this price point. The already long list of features gets an upgrade with heating and ventilation in the second row, faster wireless chargers and an upgraded sound system. They've even added adaptive dampers, which should address a big criticism of the standard models - a harsh ride quality. The biggest gains, however, appear to have been to performance and range, thanks to a dual-motor setup with around 500hp, and with a 681km WLTP range, expect upwards of 500km on a full charge in the real world, as Teslas are known to be quite efficient. Downsides you should be aware of - the wheelbase is 150mm longer, but ground clearance has only gone up by 2mm (now 169mm), so be careful over speed breakers. And shortcomings of old remain, like very few buttons on the interior, and a quality that doesn't feel good enough at this price range. However, we're sure you're familiar with the vehicle already, as you're already inclined towards it. Another alternative that's very appealing is the new Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric, which has an even longer range and tech that's arguably on par with Tesla. However, it is nowhere near as spacious as the Model Y L.

Tesla Model Y

Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric

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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If you are looking for a good used luxury car, check out the Mercedes GLA or the BMW X1. Stick with the current generation models and look for the one that is around 4 to 5 years old. You can consider buying from organized pre owned car sellers like Spinny. You may pay a bit more than the open market but you will get cars that are thoroughly checked and with warranty too. If you are looking at the Mahindra XEV 9E, make sure you have a provision to charge it at home or your place of work as relying solely on the public network isn't really feasible. Also, if your highway runs are more than 350 odd kms and involve mountain roads, you might have to stop for a charge too. So make sure your route has plenty of charging options.

Mercedes-Benz GLA

BMW X1

Mahindra XEV 9e

Autocar India

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With 75-80% city use, some fun drives on weekends, and a clear need to keep the back seat calm, the Mercedes GLC 300 4MATIC fits your brief better right now. In slow to medium city speeds, it rides softer, so speed breakers and broken patches are handled with less bounce, and people in the back do not get tossed around. The steering is light at low speeds, and the automatic gearbox, which changes gears on its own, is very smooth, so daily traffic is easy, yet the engine still feels strong when you want to make a quick overtake. It is also quieter inside, which makes city trips feel less tiring.The trade-off is that when you really push on a fast road, the GLC does not feel as eager or as tight as the BMW. Pick the BMW X3 xDrive30 if you drive yourself most of the time and want a car that feels sharper and more connected on an open road. The new X3 also gives you the freshest design and tech today, which matters to you. Just note that its ride is firmer in the city, so the back seat will feel a bit more movement on rough roads than in the GLC.On waiting: a GLC facelift by 2026-27 is possible, but India timing is uncertain, and updates may be small. If “latest” is your top goal, the new X3 gives you that today. If city comfort for family comes first, the GLC 300 is the safer bet.

Mercedes-Benz GLC

BMW X3

Autocar India

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For your needs, we'd recommend the Mercedes-Benz GLC from your shortlist. The GLC’s front seats have good lumbar support and wide adjustment, so it is easy to set up a posture that is kind to a weak back, and the cabin is quiet which reduces fatigue on longer days. Between the petrol and diesel, it's a trade-off between mileage and maintenance - the diesel's fuel economy is no doubt better, but it also requires AdBlue topups and DPF regeneration every so often, so keep that in mind.You'll have to stretch well beyond ₹1 crore on-road for the GLE, but then it does ride and drive better, especially if you choose a six-cylinder model with air suspension. As for the BMW iX3, it is still a while away, with a launch not expected before 2027. If you can wait that long, however, it is coming here in long-wheelbase guise, so space and comfort should be plenty. Another offbeat alternative you should consider is the Lexus RX 350h. It fits in your budget, is spacious and comfortable, and offers a unique take on luxury with all the features you might want. Its biggest strength is its hybrid powertrain that is incredibly efficient and reliable too. Lexus' network in India, however, is smaller than Mercedes' or BMW's.

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Lexus RX

Autocar India

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For what you're after, the BMW X3 xDrive20d M Sport is the one that fits your brief best. It feels the most engaging to drive without giving up daily comfort, and it feels safe and steady at speed. The 2.0 diesel has strong pull for quick passes, the 8‑speed automatic shifts very smoothly, and the rear-biased xDrive AWD focuses on driving pleasure while still providing a safety net. In the city, it is easy to drive, the engine is quiet enough at low speeds, and visibility is good. You could also consider the new xDrive 30 petrol, which is even more exciting to drive, but we feel the trade-offs to mileage and ride comfort for your mixed usage mean the 20d still feels like the better bet.The Mercedes GLC has slightly softer suspension and a more luxurious interior, but is not quite as fun to drive. And the Land Rover Discovery Sport feels tougher and has the advantage of a small third row of seats, but it simply feels too dated and not as refined in this company. Overall, we would recommend the BMW X3 for you.

BMW X3

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Autocar India

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You should opt for the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300. It is the most complete choice for everyday use and long trips among these three right now. The GLC rides very comfortably on bad roads, and the petrol engine is smooth and quiet. The steering is light in the city, the view out is clear, and the automatic gearbox shifts cleanly on its own, so it is easy to drive even in heavy traffic. Inside, it feels the newest and most upmarket, and Mercedes has a wide service network across big and small cities.Pick the BMW X3 petrol only if driving fun matters most to you and you often enjoy fast highway runs yourself. It feels keener to drive than the other two, especially in the recently introduced xDrive30 variant. Choose the Audi Q5 if you want a solid, comfortable SUV that's nice to drive and excellent value for money. Do bear in mind that it's quite old now and doesn't feel as modern as the other two.Overall, for a balanced, luxurious, and easy-to-own petrol SUV, the GLC 300 is the one to buy.

BMW X3

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Audi Q5