21 BMW cars in India

As your friend has rightly guided you, the BMW iX3 is an all-new electric vehicle from the brand's new Neue Klasse line. It's built on a new 800V EV architecture and also debuts a new look and interior layout for BMW. Highlights inside include a 17.9-inch touchscreen and a full-width display under the windscreen that doubles as the instrument cluster. 

However, the BMW iX3 will only come to India in early 2027. It is understood that the iX3 for India will be a long-wheelbase model. Also note, the iX3 is essentially larger than the iX1 LWB and will correspondingly be pricier. We expect a price in the region of Rs 80-90 lakh (estimated, ex-showroom) when the model goes on sale. 

     

Both the Mercedes-Benz GLA and BMW X1 offer a strong list of features. You get auto LED headlamps, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, a powered tailgate, connected car tech, ambient lighting, and even some ADAS features on both cars. The Mercedes has an advantage with a 360-degree camera. The BMW gets only a rear-view camera but offers lane-departure warning, which the Mercedes does not.

After that, the choice mainly comes down to interior and exterior design and the way the features are laid out. The BMW’s i-Drive infotainment system is known to be notoriously complicated to use. It should also be noted that the Mercedes has more powerful engines than the BMW. 

As for service, it is highly dependent on your location and the specific service centre. Both brands reportedly have both good and bad service centres around the country.

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. 

The BMW 3 Series in its 330Li guise offers a fantastic balance of luxury and performance. The long-wheelbase aids more room in the rear seat, the quality of materials is good, and the performance is excellent. If you are a keen driver, the 330Li will impress you, but if you also want to be chauffeured in the back seat, it can do that too. 

It would make sense to keep your BMW X1 and sell the Mahindra XUV700. While the XUV700 is cheaper to maintain and offers the added flexibility of a third row, the X1 is newer, has a more premium cabin, provides adequate space for five people, and carries the advantage of BMW’s brand value.

Without knowing your exact requirements, it’s hard to suggest one outright. Among the options you’ve listed, the BMW X3 is the newest and offers the most features, though it’s also the most expensive. The Land Rover Discovery Sport has the advantage of a third row of seats, though it’s best suited for children. The BMW X1 will be the easiest to drive in the city. The next-gen Audi Q5 is still some time away, with its launch expected around 2026. The Jeep Meridian, meanwhile, won’t feel as premium or as refined as the other options you’ve mentioned.

In your budget, it's best to go for the BMW X3, although you might have to stretch by Rs 2-3 lakh. It is the newest SUV, offering a strong 2.0-litre diesel engine, plus the latest tech and a spacious and comfortable cabin. The Discovery Sport is a capable car, but it is quite old now and its age shows; if you need a third row of seats, however, do consider it. The X1, in comparison, is a segment below and offers less powerful engines and, of course, less space. The new Audi Q5 launch is some time away, and while it is capable, note that it will only come in petrol guise, not diesel. You could also consider the Mercedes-Benz GLC, whose 2.0-litre diesel is also strong, and it offers a spacious and luxurious cabin as well.