Confused between the Audi A6, BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC

These cars fit, some comfortably, and some with a little bit of stretch. For me, the choice would be much easier was it for Mumbai, but I don't know the entirety of road conditions, waterlogging, and dealer quality in NCR / Gurgaon.

BHPian kdp recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

As part of a planned relocation to Gurugram/Gurgaon, I have the option to pick up a car. Parameters important to me are safety, ease of service, and suitability for NCR roads. I have a narrow yet confusing contention set and I was hoping Gurugram residents could weigh in with their perspective. The new car's usage will be primarily by a Chauffeur/spouse (and me as a secondary user), as I have an F-series X3 3.0D which will continue to be my daily driver.

Important considerations

1. Safety - Apart from the NCAP results, what's also important is trackability on a real-time basis - given a lot of chauffeur usage.

2. Uptime - I use this term not just to include overall reliability but speed, efficiency, and courtesy during service and repair.

3. Comfort - Overall ride comfort as well as internal space, including the rear.

4. Roadworthiness - How well it can handle NCR and surrounding roads. Not just potholes, but also speed-breakers.

5. Boot space

Other factors are not critical. A better sound system is a nice-to-have but not a dealmaker, a poor sound system without airplay would be a dealbreaker.

The options

Audi A6 Technology - Test drove it in Mumbai. Loved the space, comfort, and sound system. Performance was also quite perky for its use-case. This is the default option - and can be made available quite soon.

G series BMW X3 Sport X - Have not even sat inside, let alone drive. But the spec sheet shows a fairly truncated feature list. On the plus side is the high familiarity with the user interface (this would be the 5th BMW for the family in a 6 year period - changes due to geographical relocation). The downside is familiarity and similarity to the other car. I assume space and comfort will be a step up on the F25 that I already own.

Mercedes GLC200 - Sat inside but could not get TD. Loved the interiors and the feature set (including tracking and geofencing) and well, Mercedes has always been aspirational. The downside is lack of space and possibly anodyne driving experience.

Volvo XC60 - this is a left-field choice and included only based on features and specs from the website. Volvo has always been max on safety and this seems like a good paper choice. will need to open a conversation with the dealer to make it fit the budget, but I know very little about the product, reliability, and serviceability.

The first two are immediately possible (though delivery times vary dramatically). The Merc is potentially possible but the final negotiation has not happened and there is no current visibility on delivery times. The Volvo is also possible but the commercial conversation on that will only open if I am rock solid on that choice. These odd choices are based on what fits a "budget". The exact budget is not disclosed, nor is how it's calculated (ex-showroom, OTR, with/without service plan, TCO). These cars fit, some comfortably, and some with a little bit of stretch. For me, the choice would be much easier was it for Mumbai, but I don't know the entirety of road conditions, waterlogging, and dealer quality in NCR / Gurgaon.

Any insight would be welcome.

Here's what BHPian Turbanator had to say on the matter:

A6 will be a good option for rear-seat comfort. Service is usually good albeit expensive when compared with BMW. Roads in NCR are mostly good and there are hardly any speed-breakers (high).

Another fellow member is also considering an A6, maybe you guys can negotiate together and get a good deal.

Here's what BHPian V.Narayan had to say on the matter:

Gurgaon, Delhi & Noida roads are generally good to very good. The poor cousin is Faridabad. Gurgaon & Noida are literally the two newest built cities in India hence the roads. Of course we have our lousy examples - in Gurgaon, Golf course Road Extension, Sohna Road, the interior roads of all upcoming sectors etc.

Where water logging is concerned our municipal worthies in Delhi, Gurgaon & Faridabad for some inexplicable reason don't design or construct drains. So even though this area gets only a fraction of the rain that Mumbai does on 3 to 4 days each monsoon the roads get inconveniently flooded and jam up the whole of Delhi-NCR or substantial parts thereof. So avoid a car that has a low air intake point - most German sedans are in that category. From that one point alone SUVs are safer.

Dealer network, service centres are all as good as you will get in any other metropolitan city. In case you opt for the XC60 Volvo my long term review is here. If you chose Volvo, you can send me a private message for any help with the dealer.

Here's what BHPian lamborghini had to say on the matter:

Having spent a great deal of time shopping in this segment recently, I would look at the A6, 6GT, and XC60 closely.

The X3 rear seat experience is mediocore with just about adequate under thigh support.

The GLC too has been around a while and the engine + ride & handling are average. Also my experience has been that Mercedes service and maintenance is on the higher side.

The A6 has two BIG negatives: its an Audi, where most of the service and company support has been below average. Second is that it's not as reliable as say a BMW.

That being said, it has amongst the best interiors, mature ride and handling (even otherwise sedans do have better ride and handling than SUVs), a competent engine, good kit, and a stellar price post discounts. The new A6 seems to be practical as well with its spare wheel solution, and higher profile tyres.

The 6GT, if you are able to get a deal on the pre-facelift is also highly recommended. Heck, I'd put it first on my list. The air suspension provides a comfy ride, the engine will put a grin in your face, and it has all the goodies you would want.

The Volvo too is a fantastic vehicle. It may not be quick but with the air suspension ride and handling are good. There's a minor facelift and a petrol engine around the corner so you may be able to strike a deal.

That being said: keep in mind that as comfortable as the air suspension is, maintenance is on the higher side so if you do go the XC60 / 6GT way, please keep it in mind.

Here's what BHPian androdev had to say on the matter:

For chauffeur+family usage, I would rate A6, ES hybrid, E Class much higher. It's not clear in your post why you dropped A6 in favour of X3. It's a terrific VFM car in this segment - the money you save can easily buy you warranties and service packages to have a stress free ownership.

X3 is mainly for self-driving and there too I would consider 5-series to be better unless you prefer SUVs to sedans. Are you looking to replace your current X3 with new X3?

Volvo cars are spec'ed very well and with high quality feel inside out. Two things put them out of consideration for me: I like my cars to be a bit fun to drive and the Germans do better in that aspect. They are also not cheap plus limited service network so why bother.

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