[Sahil]

I'd advice you to get the 520d or the 530d(if you are really power hungry)

Although the run flats make the suspension hard, you can always get rid of them and put regular tubeless.

FE is pretty good...i get 8.5 in the city and 11.5+ on highways from my 525d....the 520d would give more i suppose.

The 5 series is roomier than the E-class and offers better value and features...moreover the E is due for a change soon...the a6 would be you next best option.

[entropy]

Took a test drive of E280 CDI. Fantastic machine !!
The sales guy demonstrated the 0-100/100-0 runs. For most part of
the 100-0 he had taken off his hands from the wheels just to demo
how stable, safe and well-designed the car is.
Some of the corners he took at speeds I would never imagine in
other cars. Truly amazing. Makes me wonder what BMW's would be like ..

Now the really SAD part:
However I have been advised from my friends/relatives/well-wishers
left and right not to go for any premium brand in this part of the
country. This they say will certainly attract unwanted attention
from elements asking for "support" and all such nuisance. To quote
"You'll be immediately highlighted and become a target". So with a
very heavy heart I'm dropping my plans for the E until it gets a
little more common here.

This leaves me with Sokda as they have a dealership here. Will wait
until new Skoda Superb comes out. Skoda is a common man brand
comparatively (at least the brand is more commonly visible here)
and thus hopefully the concerns above should not be an issue.

On side-notes I have also started thinking how would be the Captiva
as Innova replacement. How is the third seat comfort compared to
Innova. Yes it is GM product but how's the reliability ? Couldn't
find any long term ownership reviews here. Any inputs would be
appreciated.

[sridharps]

Originally Posted by entropy

Now the really SAD part:
However I have been advised from my friends/relatives/well-wishers
left and right not to go for any premium brand in this part of the
country. This they say will certainly attract unwanted attention
from elements asking for "support" and all such nuisance. To quote
"You'll be immediately highlighted and become a target". So with a
very heavy heart I'm dropping my plans for the E until it gets a
little more common here.
.

I was going to suggest Tata XL Dicor at a paltry 7.5 L( compared to your budget of 50 L, that is..)..sorry, no offense intended. Of course, it does not have the premium image, nor does it offer the best driving comfort. The one factor on which it scores is rear seat comfort..the advt says it is equal to that of a S-class Merc. Amazing space..you can literally sleep in the back.
Of course, Skoda would be a great option and would be in a different class compared to the XL Dicor.

[Akshay1234]

entropy i doubt the captiva would be as comfortable as the innova. at least eh 3rd row wouldnt be.

or why not check out the toyota camry. im sure there must be a toyota dealer there. the rear of the camry is heaven.

[jkdas]

Originally Posted by entropy

little more common here.

This leaves me with Sokda as they have a dealership here. Will wait
until new Skoda Superb comes out. Skoda is a common man brand
comparatively (at least the brand is more commonly visible here)
and thus hopefully the concerns above should not be an issue.

On side-notes I have also started thinking how would be the Captiva
as Innova replacement. How is the third seat comfort compared to
Innova. Yes it is GM product but how's the reliability ? Couldn't
find any long term ownership reviews here. Any inputs would be
appreciated.

Captiva is a 5 seater like CRV. Wait for Fortuner.