Rs 55 - 70 lakh: BMW X3 vs Audi Q5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA

The new SUV will replace the BMW X1 in my garage.

BHPian GeeCee21 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Ladies and Gents,

Coming to you live from Hyderabad, this is my first post since my long essay was approved by the powers at TBHP. Glad to be here finally!

I have been consuming copious amounts of info regarding cars in the Rs 55-70 L range, scratch that, nothing starts at the Rs 55 Lakh range - it all starts now above Rs 60L (ex-showroom). So let’s say I am in the market for an SUV/crossover in the ex-showroom range of Rs 60-65L.

There is enough material out there including a pretty exhausting poll conducted a few months back where I recall Volvo was marginally ahead of X3, and then other brands queued up behind those two.

Rather than reinvent the poll again, let me explain where I am at and what I am considering.

For context, and since this is a bit of intro I have graduated from Maruti -> Palio -> Yeti -> BMW X1 in the past years. And now the itch to move up a level, but has to be a crossover/SUV. This is one topic where both my wife and I agree violently.

Barring the yet-to-be-launched Nexus 350 and recently launched X3 (for which the 1 and only dealer in Hyd does not have a test vehicle) I have test driven Volvo XC60, Audi Q5 and Merc GLC 200d. I excluded Merc GLC petrol since it is not a 4/AWD drive and that again is my one big consideration. Another few considerations for us is an SUV that is smooth to drive in the city, can handle occasional long drives on highways, ease of driving, manoeuvrability and plush interiors. We have two boys - one stepping into teenage soon, so space and comfort backseat is equally important.

At this point, here’s my head for each of the options:

Volvo XC60

I pre-booked it when the announcement was made. Like the plushness and luxury, but concerned about:

• Lots of features but on-the-ground usability remains a question mark?
• Like the seats particularly because they are ventilated (does it make a huge difference?)
• No dampeners
• No drive modes
• Relatively sluggish, needs to be pushed hard to perform
• Resale a few years down the road as I intend to usually keep cars no more than 5’ish years
• Price, after the hike of 1.5L post-launch is now in sniffing distance of Germans

Audi Q5 (Technology)

A good overall package, though concerned about:

• Pretty boring inside / out
• Quality of material a few notches below Volvo/Merc GLC
• Roomier - at least back seat - than the other 3 options
• Decent feature list, incl collapsible spare tire, back window blind.
• Lacks ventilated seats which in this part of India might be relevant
• Quite a few worrisome comments about the service and reliability of Audi (my closest brush has been with sister Skoda and never had an issue there tbh)
• No discounts forthcoming, as yet!
• Available after 3 months..surprising to hear!

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Late entrant in the fray but some observations:

• Loved the D motor, punchy yet refined - only D now left in the fray actually
• Easiest to handle/drive amongst the lot, good MBUX, in-seat massager
• 2022 model has improved audio, interiors are lovely
• Some irritants like a partial sunroof, no memory seats, only available in beige or black interiors
• 2nd row least spacious but given we are 5’8 max, it is not a major pull down
• Significant concern abt the next-gen GLC launching at some point - How far out does anyone now be this launch?
• Pricey next only BMW, but again this is D motor so the comparison might be a touch unfair

BMW X3

Had to include the big brother in the mix (though X1 is being sold as we speak):

• Not driven yet but knowing the pedigree it would be fun though my X1 is 20d
• 2022 model has improved audio, interiors are lovely
• Had a pretty decent maintenance experience with X1, no major issues tbh
• Priciest of the lot naturally
• Lack of any support from the monopolistic dealer situation in Hyd - I hear from Bangalore friends that there is some discount/corporate support for them

A couple of other points:

• Lexus is out of contention given its mid-range model will be close to 70L ex-showroom. I don’t want to go that far
• I haven’t obviously mentioned a number of available/missing features. Two reasons: Didn’t want to repeat what’s already in other threads and reviews, and also because some features like wireless charging or wireless car play aren’t too big a deal for me.

Now, for conclusion before I offer it up to you all for debate and thoughts. At this point, my preference is as follows:

1. Mercedes-Benz GLC - If the next Gen GLC is not going to happen for at least another 15-18 months, I would simply take this home. Tell me why I shouldn’t?
2. BMW X3 - No offence to the four-rings but given my past experience and reliability of X1 my loyalty leans here. Go on, try to switch my mind to Audi or GLC.
3. Audi Q5 - Not a pushover by any means, smooth drive but what about the cost of maintenance and reliability of gearbox. What can change my mind?
4. Volvo XC 60 - Well crafted, well-engineered but coming from BMW experience (even if X1) this hasn’t set my pulse racing. Why should I consider this now given the price is barely noticeable from Germans - at least Audi and GLC?

What do you all Petrolheads think?

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

None of the vehicles you have mentioned probably meets all of your requirements. Have you thought about keeping that X1 a little longer and saving a bit and moving to the higher segment? Why do I get a feeling that even if you buy something from above, you will start getting itchy in a few months

Ideally, you should be looking at an X5 as an upgrade but if that’s a little difficult, I will ignore the attitude of the dealer and consider an X3. The newer one does look better and am sure that the engine will be an upgrade over the X1. Discounts on X3 are not possible as there is waiting at most places now.

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

All of these cars bring something different to the table, and you should see what would fit your requirements best.

• BMW: With the 30i engine, this is hands down the best SUV to drive. That being said, the rear seat support isn't great and the interiors wouldn't wow you gave you're coming from the X1.
• Volvo: XC60 is a relatively understated, feature-loaded vehicle. The Air suspension, ventilated seats etc. make driving around that much more comfortable as compared to its peers and the interiors still stand out with the materials used everywhere. Maintenance could be on the higher side due to these features, but many of them do impact the drive and with an extended warranty, the maintenance cost wouldn't be much higher. Would be my pick as a family cruiser.
• Audi: Q5 with its warranty packages seems like a good option, but let down by the interiors - which is shocking to say for an Audi. It's comfortable, quick, and an all-rounder - a jack of all trades, master of none.
• Mercedes: I'd avoid it. It may have the best interiors, but with the new C Class around the corner, I expect the new GLC to not be too far behind with a 2023 launch. The engine is average: the only advantage being the torque given you're coming from a diesel X1.

Plus coming from BMW, the Mercedes service costs are higher and IMO the quality of interiors over the long term isn't as great with many creaky plastics.

To be honest, I really like Turbonator's suggestion of retaining the X1 for a bit longer and jumping up a segment. The Q7 & X5 would be two vehicles I would keep an eye out on and strike when the deal is right.

However, if you cannot wait: I would also suggest trying to see if you can get your hands on an X4-30d - not as practical as the X3, but with the 6 cylinder diesel under the hood and distinctive styling it could be something different.

If the dealership has stock, they maybe able to offer you a better deal on the same.

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

I would vote for the GLC.

I felt like being embraced into the warm hug of a mama bear; the interiors, the smoothness of the ride, I seriously wasn't expecting it to be so far ahead of the Audis and BMWs.

I remember driving my friend's GLC and a look at the speed told me what my brain perceived to be a slow climb. I was in both shock and awe. The shock that I am doing such speeds which means my braking would have been miscalculated but in awe that even now I couldn't feel the speed. Older me would have been upset at the lack of feedback and the feeling of grunt from the engine.

But having driven an X1 among a group of X1 owners, all of who like to push the machine to its limits, this felt like a different experience altogether.

Personally own a Honda City and an X1. I feel the BMW engine just feels wrong in an SUV chassis. It's like riding a litre class naked street bike but always having the 100kg best friend on the pillion or Tom Holland's Spiderman swinging around New York with his best friend Ned Leeds piggybacking all the time.

Still love my X1 though (don't want to jinx anything)

I would go for the X3 if I didn't own a previous BMW since that is an experience and not a vehicle. So I would keep that as a second choice.

Good luck with your purchase

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