Which SUV should I buy? Budget = 60 lakhs

Hayek · 17th December 2016, 22:43

Quick update on my car buying process.

I have closed in on the BMW X3-20D XLine and should pick the car up in the new year.

Subsequent to my previous posts, I also test drove the BMW 3GT 320d and the GLC 300; and also had additional test drives on both the X3-20d and the GLC 220d.

The 3GT to my mind felt a segment below the X3 and GLC. The engine was much noisier (just like the 3 series), something in the footwell didn't feel right, and my family didn't like the ride or the rear seat as much as the X3.

The GLC 300 test drive was on Marine Drive, and I could not unleash the car. But in practical day to day driving, the initial torque provided by the diesels proved more attractive than the higher peak power of the petrol. While the car was noticeably quieter than the diesels, I decided it didn't make sense to pay a higher price and put up with the ridiculously low resale value petrols have. (Hope that does not change in 6-7 years).

So it came down to a straight fight between the X3-20d and the GLC 220d. Reached out to both the Mercedes and BMW dealers in Mumbai. The Mercedes dealers proved tough nuts to crack on price - even corporate discounts were marginal though one of them offered free insurance. But I was willing to pay a higher price for the car I preferred - so that was not the deciding factor.

The BMW dealers were much more aggressive on price - and their offers brought the X3 to several lakhs below the GLC. But further test drives convinced me that the ride quality of the GLC was much better. However, the one wrinkle was that it turned out that unlike what one of the Mercedes sales reps had told me, the GLC had MBO tires (viz normal tubeless made to Merc specs) instead of MBOE tires (run flat equivalents). Discussions with some owners also convinced me that running without a spare on long drives is too risky - so I decided I would need to order a spare for the X3 as well.

So I decided to do a practical boot space test with the usual suitcases (2x 24" + 1x 20") we take on holidays. These fit easily in my Vento btw, with space for some back packs, a car seat etc.

The results were as below

BMW X3

Which SUV should I buy? Budget = 60 lakhs-img_2468.jpg

Mercedes GLC

Which SUV should I buy? Budget = 60 lakhs-img_2470.jpg

Both these huge, expensive SUVs have far less boot space than a mid sized sedan. To fit the 2x24" in, I had to get rid of the luggage cover. But the X3 had materially greater boot space (it could fit a third bag and perhaps a backpack) while the GLC was capped out. I was puzzled - both had 550 litre boots. But some Googling revealed the answer - the 550 litre in the GLC includes underfloor boot space (which cannot be accessed with a spare tire strapped on the floor). The X3 was the more practical choice.

Further debates with my wife followed. The GLC was newer, had nicer interiors, a much better instrument cluster and a better ride. The X3 was materially cheaper and had more usable boot space (plus the optionality of leaving the spare at home given the run flats). Finally, we froze on the X3.

In the meantime, I learnt about the launch of the X3-28i and the X3-20d Expedition with a Sun roof. But test drive cars of the former were not available and the idea of giving up on leather seats, the better iDrive and the dynamic damping suspension did not appeal to me. So X3-20d XLine it will be.

More once I pick the car up

ece2k2 · 17th December 2016, 23:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hayek

Quick update on my car buying process.

I have closed in on the BMW X3-20D XLine and should pick the car up in the new year.

Good to hear that you have finalized your purchase.

I am in a very similar situation and trying to close the deal on a BMW X3 30D. How much discount did you manage to get on the X3-20D Xline?

earthian · 18th December 2016, 09:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hayek

I have closed in on the BMW X3-20D XLine and should pick the car up in the new year.

Congratulations. I am still in the process, as it seems. Hope i finalise it soon.
A couple of questions, if i may?

Did you check the VIN numbers of the available cars? Alternatively, what manufacturing month/year was promised by dealer?
If you are in a position to share, would appreciate detailed break up of price.

Here's wishing many happy travels with the car.

Hayek · 18th December 2016, 09:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by ece2k2

I am in a very similar situation and trying to close the deal on a BMW X3 30D. How much discount did you manage to get on the X3-20D Xline?

Quote:

Originally Posted by earthian

[*]Did you check the VIN numbers of the available cars? [*]If you are in a position to share, would appreciate detailed break up of price.

Discounts on the 20d were very substantial - will PM prices after delivery. However, I was not offered similar discounts on the 30d.

I was given both the VINs and manufacturing dates of available cars.

ToyotaFan · 18th December 2016, 11:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hayek

Discounts on the 20d were very substantial - will PM prices after delivery. However, I was not offered similar discounts on the 30d.

I was given both the VINs and manufacturing dates of available cars.

I think you should wait for the Kodiaq or give the Tucson or Fortuner another go before finalizing the deal. The Kodiaq will provide much more boot and seating space along with a similar feel (Euro feel) that you are accustomed to. It should cost 60-70% of the vehicles you are considering here. The X3 is a bit old now but is undoubtedly the best in the range. Since you are a Skoda customer yourself you will be the best one to judge whether that's worth the gamble.

If you are open to sedans do check out the new volvo S90 once. It's one heck of a car and worth a look.

ece2k2 · 18th December 2016, 11:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by ToyotaFan

I think you should wait for the Kodiaq or give the Tucson or Fortuner another go before finalizing the deal. The Kodiaq will provide much more boot and seating space along with a similar feel (Euro feel) that you are accustomed to. It should cost 60-70% of the vehicles you are considering here. The X3 is a bit old now but is undoubtedly the best in the range. Since you are a Skoda customer yourself you will be the best one to judge whether that's worth the gamble.

If you are open to sedans do check out the new volvo S90 once. It's one heck of a car and worth a look.

I guess Kodiaq is going to come with the Superb engine that is not great in terms of performance. Also Fortuner and Tucson don't have premium interiors to justify their pricing. S90 is a good alternative if sedan is okay.

earthian · 8th April 2017, 14:21

Bringing my issue to a formal close. I finally bought the Mercedes GLE 250D. I had resolved not to spend more than Rs 60 lacs, but in the end landed up spending quite a bit more.

geotracks · 8th April 2017, 15:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by earthian

I finally bought the Mercedes GLE 250D.

Congratulations! Good choice. Do post pictures & detailed review.

V.Narayan · 8th April 2017, 17:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by earthian

Bringing my issue to a formal close. I finally bought the Mercedes GLE 250D. I had resolved not to spend more than Rs 60 lacs, but in the end landed up spending quite a bit more.

Congratulations and haapy+safe motoring. That's a biiiig car.
Cars and men; shoes and women = budgets usually get busted.

17th December 2016, 22:43	#46
Hayek Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Bombay Posts: 2,043 Thanked: 17,118 Times	Re: Which SUV should I buy? Budget = 60 lakhs Quick update on my car buying process. I have closed in on the BMW X3-20D XLine and should pick the car up in the new year. Subsequent to my previous posts, I also test drove the BMW 3GT 320d and the GLC 300; and also had additional test drives on both the X3-20d and the GLC 220d. The 3GT to my mind felt a segment below the X3 and GLC. The engine was much noisier (just like the 3 series), something in the footwell didn't feel right, and my family didn't like the ride or the rear seat as much as the X3. The GLC 300 test drive was on Marine Drive, and I could not unleash the car. But in practical day to day driving, the initial torque provided by the diesels proved more attractive than the higher peak power of the petrol. While the car was noticeably quieter than the diesels, I decided it didn't make sense to pay a higher price and put up with the ridiculously low resale value petrols have. (Hope that does not change in 6-7 years). So it came down to a straight fight between the X3-20d and the GLC 220d. Reached out to both the Mercedes and BMW dealers in Mumbai. The Mercedes dealers proved tough nuts to crack on price - even corporate discounts were marginal though one of them offered free insurance. But I was willing to pay a higher price for the car I preferred - so that was not the deciding factor. The BMW dealers were much more aggressive on price - and their offers brought the X3 to several lakhs below the GLC. But further test drives convinced me that the ride quality of the GLC was much better. However, the one wrinkle was that it turned out that unlike what one of the Mercedes sales reps had told me, the GLC had MBO tires (viz normal tubeless made to Merc specs) instead of MBOE tires (run flat equivalents). Discussions with some owners also convinced me that running without a spare on long drives is too risky - so I decided I would need to order a spare for the X3 as well. So I decided to do a practical boot space test with the usual suitcases (2x 24" + 1x 20") we take on holidays. These fit easily in my Vento btw, with space for some back packs, a car seat etc. The results were as below BMW X3 Mercedes GLC Both these huge, expensive SUVs have far less boot space than a mid sized sedan. To fit the 2x24" in, I had to get rid of the luggage cover. But the X3 had materially greater boot space (it could fit a third bag and perhaps a backpack) while the GLC was capped out. I was puzzled - both had 550 litre boots. But some Googling revealed the answer - the 550 litre in the GLC includes underfloor boot space (which cannot be accessed with a spare tire strapped on the floor). The X3 was the more practical choice. Further debates with my wife followed. The GLC was newer, had nicer interiors, a much better instrument cluster and a better ride. The X3 was materially cheaper and had more usable boot space (plus the optionality of leaving the spare at home given the run flats). Finally, we froze on the X3. In the meantime, I learnt about the launch of the X3-28i and the X3-20d Expedition with a Sun roof. But test drive cars of the former were not available and the idea of giving up on leather seats, the better iDrive and the dynamic damping suspension did not appeal to me. So X3-20d XLine it will be. More once I pick the car up Last edited by Hayek : 17th December 2016 at 22:45.
	(2) Thanks

8th April 2017, 14:21	#52
earthian BHPian Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Ahmedabad Posts: 611 Thanked: 2,131 Times	Re: Which SUV should I buy? Budget = 60 lakhs Bringing my issue to a formal close. I finally bought the Mercedes GLE 250D. I had resolved not to spend more than Rs 60 lacs, but in the end landed up spending quite a bit more.
	() Thanks