[car_crazy1400]

Hi guys!

I currently own a Mercedes GL350 CDI, March 2015 model, Noida registered. It has done only 52k kms as its was bought for my dad who unfortunately passed away in 2020.

I do also currently own a 2018, Fortuner 4x4 AT and a 2023 Innova Hycross VX hybrid.

I am looking for a replacement to my GL350 owing to the 10 year diesel ban in NCR.

The cars I have seen/ test driven till now are:

1. Mercedes GLE 300d- Has great interiors, comfortable at the rear seats too, however is a diesel and costs about 1.20 Cr on road Delhi.

2. BMW X5- has a good 3.0 petrol engine, rear seats are a joke .

3. BMW X7- Liked the interiors and the color options but somehow I found it to be too ugly and costs about 1.48 CR.

4. Volvo XC90- Just visited the showroom on my friend's insistence. The car just feels old and outdated, esp for the price.

5. Mercedes GLS 400d- To big to drive and park in city (same problem as my current Mercedes), has a wallowy ride on corners, plus its just too expensive now.

6. Land Rover Defender- I liked this the most as it has the 'Image' , but the 4 cylinder engine feels under powered, has no paddle shifters or sports mode to help things. Plus I have always heard unfavorable things about the reliability of LR-Jaguar group cars.

7. Audi Q8- I actually liked this , however the reliability issues reported on this very forum has made me look the other way. also, Audi South Delhi is refusing any discounts currently.

I have had the thoughts about re registering the current Mercedes to Punjab or interiors of UP and driving it in Punjab, as I do have a business there. But since its already a 9+ year old car, I do have my doubts over the plastics and the rubber parts reliability.

Can you please advise!

Thanks
Rishi

[acedriver_9000]

I think X5 is best in this price range if you are going to drive it. Has same interiors as X7. If you want back seat comfort look at GLE (6cyl) or X7. Defender has 6-cyl engine as well and would be a good choice. As for the reliability, newer JLR products as reliable as Germans.

My suggestion is sell GL350 only if you get a good re-sale value else keep it & postpone the upgrade. May be after a year or two you can upgrade to a Range Rover/Sport/Cayenne. Personally, I like the looks of previous generation GLS than any of the vehicles you mentioned except may be X5.

[nmn.070]

I think you should consider the AUDI Q7. It's priced well, has a sweet 6 cyl engine and a very comfortable suspension setup. It's is generally reliable enough for this category of vehicle.

[GTO]

You already have two Toyotas, so go ahead and take the risk with the Land Rover Defender. It is the best looking, has the most character, is very capable, comfortable and the 2.0L engine isn't all that bad. You anyway won't be cornering hard in such a tall SUV. This would by my top pick for your garage.

What's more, the Defender has turned out to be a sales success too. ~1300 units last financial year, which is more than the X3, Q7, Volvo SUVs etc. and just about 200 units short of the GLS. Says a lot about its appeal.

Second choice: BMW X5 or X7.

If you can wait, there are some very tempting options coming to India. Including the fantastic, full-size and brilliantly-engineered Kia EV9 which will be for about a crore. It's received rave reviews globally and is being called the thinking man's relatively affordable Range Rover.

[Axe77]

My suggestions: Petrol X7 / GLE V6 petrol

Given your relatively low running and access to rougher and reliable workhorse Toyotas I’d actually recommend petrol variants from the big Germans.

I think you should narrow it down to between the GLE V6 petrol (better size footprint unlike the XXL GLS and without compromising overall comfort like is the case in X5 2nd row) or the petrol X7 with its captains chair set up for properly plush all round comfort.

They will both be excellent engines, provide supreme comfort and you can own for more than 10 years without NGT concerns. These are also the two luxury brands that I’d be most comfortable owning for a very long ownership tenure (10 years or more). No compromise on power or comfort with either of these two and its relatively more predictable ownership may make the initial premium worth it in the long run.

[ballfry]

I've recently read news/speculation/rumor that JLR would start producing the Range Rover Sport in India starting in June 2024.

If that's the case, the Sport would drop in price and would be around where the currently Defender 110 is priced at.

If time permits, wait and watch?

[pragvanshsaini]

The X5 is a good option for people who live in crowded regions because of its impressive compactness. The larger versions, such the X7 and GLS, may be too bulky in these kinds of places. In addition, the X5 has a strong engine that guarantees good performance. Given the limitations of city living, the X5 proves to be a wise choice, offering power and agility appropriate for manoeuvring through congested city streets while retaining the engine proficiency necessary for a satisfying driving experience.

[acedriver_9000]

Originally Posted by ballfry

I've recently read news/speculation/rumor that JLR would start producing the Range Rover Sport in India starting in June 2024.

May I know what's your source? Is it authentic? If that happens from when will it be out for deliveries. I'm in the market to buy X5. If Range Rover Sport comes to that price I would be willing to wait.

[ballfry]

Originally Posted by acedriver_9000

May I know what's your source? Is it authentic? If that happens from when will it be out for deliveries. I'm in the market to buy X5. If RRS comes to that price I would be willing to wait.

Source: Overdrive IG and Website

Off Topic: I own the G05 Pre-LCI and would buy it all over again if rear-seats are not a deal breaker for you.
All The best

[acedriver_9000]

Originally Posted by ballfry

I own the G05 Pre-LCI and would buy it all over again if rear-seats are not a deal breaker for you.
All The best

Couldn't find your ownership thread. Would love to read a detailed review from a fellow hyderabadi.

I found the rear seats to be okayish. So, you don't think it's worth waiting for a locally built Range Rover Sport.

[Thedgarage]

I would recommend the Volvo XC90 as its a reliable and a safe choice also with a price tag of 1crore its definitely worth a go

[JunkyardHunter]

The Volvo XC90 is a very comfortable, safe and good looking SUV, especially in black. Can pick one up for 1 crore.

[Sok]

Hi.
If you're looking to sell the car, would be great to get in touch. If things falls in place am looking for a car for my elderly parents.

[BeMyWings]

Originally Posted by car_crazy1400

Hi guys!

I currently own a Mercedes GL350 CDI, March 2015 model, Noida registered. It has done only 52k kms as its was bought for my dad who unfortunately passed away in 2020.

First off, our condolences on losing your Dad, its tough, I hope the universe and the lord gives you strength through these years.

As far as the car is concerned, may I offer a completely different perspective?

1. Is this a must replace (either due to mechanical or electrical failures?)
2. If the answer to 1 was yes, then go ahead
3. Maybe just wait and buy a Tesla if you aren't in a pressing need - it will save you all of the heartache
4. If that is not the case, then go for what you want - for example, the new Range Rovers are amazing. They have fixed a lot of the issues that plagued the previous generation
5. At the end of the day, we have to live with our decisions. I chose against the advice of this forum to buy my 340, but I still enjoy it every day. So don't purely go by what others say. Do what your heart says.

[ERDOC]

For some unknown reason I am completely excited with the thought of buying a topnotch luxury SUV . If you haven't seen or thought of then probably look for Lexus Rx 500h F- Sports +
Yes it has a 4 in-line mill but still a standing presence, uplifting interiors and comfort and the reliability of Toyota. Also, the price hovers around 1.2cr in NCR region .
Hope you get your jam soon .