We already have a Corolla Altis, Honda City & a BMW X1.
BHPian dash2385 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
Hello All,
Some context and background. We have currently 3 cars in the family: A 2010 Corolla Altis, a 2016 Honda City and a 2019 BMW X1.
The BMW X1 is driven by my brother and after having used it myself for a while I felt compelled to upgrade to a luxury car for myself as well, as they are a pleasure to drive and be in compared to our Japanese, Korean and Indian friends.
Requirements:
- Luxury Segment.
- Running: 20% highway running and 80% within the City.
- Type: SUV and Sedan
- Comfortable for 5 at the back
- A pleasure to drive as well as sit in the back
- A long term buy – We usually keep cars at least for 7 years, mostly up to 10
- Preference for petrol over diesel
Concerns: Will the car be useable for 8-10 years considering the upcoming EVs
When we started looking at different cars the biggest hurdle I encountered was my own price expectation. We had got such a sweet deal when we purchased the X1 Petrol (BS4) in 2019 that everything now felt too overpriced. The current X1 is nearly 40% more costly if I were to purchase the same specs today.
It took me a few months to come to terms that this was a new market where discounts are nearly non-existent.
The cars that we shortlisted and considered:
- Volvo XC40: Great car. Love the tech, look feel etc but the rear seats are too upright. ADAS, Lane monitoring, emergency braking etc. are features that are not there in cars that are twice as expensive. Skipped over this car only due to rear-seat comfort.
- BMW X3: Simply not worth paying the 20 lakhs extra compared to an X1. I could barely feel a difference in the room, better interiors definitely.
- Land Rover Discovery Sport: The dealer had a 2019 model for display. Big car, felt very good. The interiors felt a bit dated. Concerns regarding maintenance and overall value of the car/brand over time.
- Mercedes-Ben C-Class: Another option is to wait for the W206 once it is launched around May. Mercedes is definitely aspirational and is expected to cost around 55 Lakhs ex-showroom.
- BMW 6GT: This is definitely above the budget I started with but once I saw this car completely fell in love with it. The interiors, size, air suspension etc. are just top class. Disappointed to know that the M Sport 630i misses out on the following features: 360 Deg Camera, Wireless charging, Laser lights, soft door closer. However this ‘feels’ like an investment worth making if I can use the car for 8-10 years.
- Volvo XC60: Yet to test drive. Looks good on paper but at a similar price to 6GT, tempted to go with a more renowned brand and model which is from a segment higher.
I would like inputs from the Team-bhp community to know their experience/suggestions regarding the above cars.
Also would like to know if it is realistic to expect to use these cars for 8 years considering the EV wave.
Here’s what BHPian Porcupine had to say on the matter:
The BMW 6GT feels like the ideal option for me here. It is very very luxurious and spacious even at the back, has ample boot space and interiors to die for. Being a BMW it will also be the most fun for you to drive. It’s the best of both worlds in terms of the space of an SUV and the drive and comfort of a sedan.
Another criterion is these cars are pretty much built like tanks, and will easily last you the 7-10 years you’re looking for without much headache.
I’m not sure what the availability and price difference is like, and you did mention a preference for petrol over diesel, but do consider the 630d if it fits your budget. It might easily be the best diesel engine and gearbox to be sold in the country at the moment.
Here’s what BHPian samyakmodi had to say on the matter:
The 630i has a wireless charger.
Just a small suggestion. Wait for a while if you can and then upgrade yourself to the 630D. Believe me – it will be worth the wait. The engine-transmission combo is stellar and the 360-degree camera, gesture controls and soft-close doors sweeten the deal.
Here’s what BHPian Sahil had to say on the matter:
Get the 630i you can use it for a decade easily if maintained well. Take the extended warranty if you are worried. The 6GT has been around for some time now and is quite reliable, being a German it will also age well.
Keyword: BMW 6GT vs Volvo XC60 vs Discovery Sport: Luxury car for the long term