[Wanderers]

I sold my 3.2L 4X4 Endeavour in January-24 and ever since have been looking for suitable replacement. While I am open to all options starting from Jeep Compass, Fortuner, X1, XC60 but off late it has come down to three- GLC (petrol) X3(diesel) and discovery sport (petrol)

Discovery Sport



The facelift discovery sport with new dashboard and pivi pro screen looks great but minimalistic. One need to use it to appreciate. They have done the best utilisation of touch and hold function giving multiple options instead of browsing.
Also this car gives the true feeling of SUV with commanding view and off road capabilities including transparent bonnet which is far far superior than Mercedes (it works even at higher speed unlike Mercedes)
At Rs 77.5 lakhs on road, this is very competitively priced with respect to others in the list. Just remember the recent price reduction is on account of slight strip down as we now have SE trim instead of HSE. Also no discount except some exchange or Tata employee referral- Rs 40K
Downside discovery sport suffers from feeling of being too old and badly needing a generation change. Also while it is cheapest of all Land Rover’s, things are pretty expensive during service or extended warranty. So these are the major deterrents and I have put it aside for time being. Also I am very clear- No great discount, no purchase (thanks to Amazon)

Mercedes GLC



The new GLC 300 is fun to drive with great interior and overall well packaged. It certainly drives better than X3 20d (take test drive to believe it) The sound system is mind boggling and class apart in comparison to other two.
What more it comes with attractive discount. Initially the good discount was only on MY23 cars but from April same is also available on MY24 cars.

Downside, the service, accessories and extended warranty are very costly and look wise not exactly a SUV. The seating position is more car like than a SUV. Also I am not great fan of all touch only controls.

BMW X3 20D/M40i



I love Xs, all the way from X1 to X7, so even though X3 is only available in diesel I was willing to take a plunge provided I get good discount. Well there are discounts which makes it cheapest of all three here but not with a great margin to jump for. Also my love for X was put to test as I really did not feel great while driving 20d in comparison to other two. The ride was bumpy and did not manage a good drivers view and car did not look planted to road which was very much in GLC. Overall it was a disappointment.

Then came a twist when the dealer saw that I was not keen on diesel, they offered a X3M40i at a whopping discount, which brings the X3 M40i in range, something I can consider although it was still high as such.
The car is CBU with manufacturing date (as per VIN decoder) May 23 and made in US plant. The car is currently put as display and has done only 22 km on odometer. There is nothing which looks old or bad about the car. As per vin all the features mentioned in brochure are present. Also this is not a test drive car as I have seen the same as different.

I plan to keep the car for 7-8 years and accordingly invite fellow BHPians for their views and recommendation between GLC and X3 M40i. Any other suggestions also welcome.
Please note that performance car is not my primary look out except that I have been offered one in my price range. Also I will be driving this car to mountains, off beat locations and bad roads but not off road exactly.

[GTO]

Not easy to replace an Endeavour 3.2L as it was truly an SUV punching above its weight.

Originally Posted by Wanderers

they offered a X3M40i at a whopping discount, which brings the X3 M40i in range, something I can consider although it was still high as such. The car is CBU with manufacturing date (as per VIN decoder) May 23 and made in US plant. The car is currently put as display and has done only 22 km on odometer. There is nothing which looks old or bad about the car. As per vin all the features mentioned in brochure are present. Also this is not a test drive car as I have seen the same as different.

The X3 M40i is head & shoulders above anything else on your list. Performance, adjustable suspension for comfort / sport, equipment and more. Without doubt, this is the car you should go for. This is especially so because you are getting a massive discount & have verified that it's not a test-drive car.

Get the X3 M40i and revv away to glory. Since you keep your cars for long, it's important to buy something special, something better than the rest. This is the kind of SUV that will keep you grinning from ear to ear due to that iconic engine & gearbox.

Enjoy big petrols & diesels while you can. With ever tightening emission norms & the electrification of cars, who knows if there will be a pure 6-cylinder petrol like this on sale 10-years from now when you want to buy your next car? The stars are aligned today - go for it .

[dkaile]

Skoda Kodiaq. Recently picked up one in the family. Ultra happy... Lolz.

Cheers

[kika]

If you have a spare car, why not wait for the Ford Everest that will launch this year?

[Rajjaiswal92]

Oh god, you are in for a big disappointment. I have been on a similar boat tried to find a replacement for my 2016 Titanium 3.2 AT but failed miserably.
You cannot expect the true blue SUV behaviour from any of these, none will come even close to it, i happen to own several cars from different luxury brands but none even come close to the pure grunt this ladder on frame SUV provides.
The only SUV which made sense to me was the XC-90 you should seriously consider it.

[adityaNview]

Will it be possible for you to provide the price point for X3 M40i?

[Cresterk]

I can't think of any actual upgrade for the endeavour 3.2 other than maybe the Jeep Grand Cherokee. But that is somewhat overpriced and comes with it's own demons.
Best bet would be to wait for the next gen fortuner or, if you really want a softroader, go for the Hyundai Tucson diesel AWD.

Please note that performance car is not my primary look out except that I have been offered one in my price range. Also I will be driving this car to mountains, off beat locations and bad roads but not off road exactly.

If you really want a luxury car, I would probably get the GLC 300, the X3m40i with the discount is the most value for money and the one I would pick but it is the wrong car for your usage. You are going to end up with bent rims and what not.

[Wanderers]

Originally Posted by GTO

Not easy to replace an Endeavour 3.2L as it was truly an SUV punching above its weight.



The X3 M40i is head & shoulders above anything else on your list.

Get the X3 M40i and revv away to glory.

Thanks. Only concentrating on this option now. Need some answers from dealer before finalising it.

Originally Posted by dkaile

Skoda Kodiaq. Recently picked up one in the family. Ultra happy... Lolz.

Cheers

Congratulation! Love Kodiaq for all round value proposition including looks.
It’s very difficult to bring home a model when new model is already revealed. Kodiaq was under consideration when I was trying to sell my car last year.
Well the new X3 global reveal is still few month away. As evident from official test videos, the new X3 looks further grown up (but with lowering of height) and launch price would be north of 5-series, so not sure I would like that.

Originally Posted by kika

If you have a spare car, why not wait for the Ford Everest that will launch this year?

Well I really liked Ford Endeavour but how about trying a change which could be equally good. Also the new car has further grown in size and not looking for ladder-frame high seating SUVs. Had real trouble on windings road on mountain trips.

Originally Posted by Rajjaiswal92

The only SUV which made sense to me was the XC-90 you should seriously consider it.

XC90 is too big for my liking and did consider XC60 but not sure of Volvo future plan specially on IC engines. I am also considering resale value.

Originally Posted by adityaNview

Will it be possible for you to provide the price point for X3 M40i?

Allow me some time and I would share the comparison for larger benefit.

[Varun_HexaGuy]

Why is the GLC even in picture when the X3 M40i is the other car in consideration?

If you can do it, please go ahead and get the X3 M40i already. It is one car that you won’t regret buying. That car plastered a wide smile across my face during the TD that I took quite recently. This car drives better than most crossovers/SUVs sub 1cr on-road. There simply is no contention.

Also, if I may ask, what are the kind of discounts that are being offered on the same?

[Shreyans_Jain]

X3 M40i is a very different animal and is not exactly suited to long distance touring in Indian conditions, especially if you like to venture beyond the main highways. Pls evaluate very carefully on the space, practicality and ruggedness aspects. It will be like moving from a truck to a sports car, with the associated advantages as well as compromises. Pls especially consider the large alloys, the low profile tires and the spare tire situation.

I understand your predicament, there is no like for like replacement of the Endy, or even an upgrade of similar attributes unless you are looking to spend well in eight figures. The closest options in a realistic budget are the Kodiaq and Grand Cherokee. The upcoming new Kodiaq is not far away, and can be considered. Kodiaq is the perfect all rounder SUV.

As you have managed to find great deals with BMW, have you scouted for the same at Audi? The Q7 is a fantastic car that still comes with relatively same price tags and also carries additional handsome discounts. This just might be the perfect package you are looking for.

Otherwise, considering your touring requirements, it may well be advisable to compromise a bit on badge value and limit options to the Meridian and the super competent XUV700 AWD top model. Or even the Innova HyCross ZX(O). A lot of Innova sales come from potential luxury car buyers.

[vb-saan]

The immediate thought (almost as a no-brainer) would be the X3 M40i, but I said almost because the new X3 is just around the corner. So effectively you will be buying an outgoing generation car. The GLC on the other hand is relatively fresh in the market and is the option I would suggest at this point.

[Sensible_Speed]

Originally Posted by Wanderers

BMW X3 20D/M40i

Attachment 2602446


Then came a twist when the dealer saw that I was not keen on diesel, they offered a X3M40i at a whopping discount, which brings the X3 M40i in range, something I can consider although it was still high as such.
The car is CBU with manufacturing date (as per VIN decoder) May 23 and made in US plant. The car is currently put as display and has done only 22 km on odometer. There is nothing which looks old or bad about the car. As per vin all the features mentioned in brochure are present. Also this is not a test drive car as I have seen the same as different.

I plan to keep the car for 7-8 years and accordingly invite fellow BHPians for their views and recommendation between GLC and X3 M40i. Any other suggestions also welcome.
Please note that performance car is not my primary look out except that I have been offered one in my price range. Also I will be driving this car to mountains, off beat locations and bad roads but not off road exactly.

Buy the X3 M40i. That 6-cylinder is an absolute peach. Also, driving dynamics are on a different level to the competition. This is one of the few SUVs that won't make its riders sick. Also, despite being a CBU, its twin, the M340i sedan uses the same engine and is locally assembled. If the PDI is good, buy this car with your eyes closed.

Don't worry about a new X3 being round the corner. That one has fallen prey to electrification and BMW's design idiocy. This car also has the older iDrive system, so physical buttons instead of big distracting screens.

[acedriver_9000]

In my opinion only X5 will feel like a proper upgrade to endeavour. you feel an upgrade in terms of road presence, engine, space, comfort, build quality compared to the endeavour. while x3 may feel like a downgrade in all above aspects except may be comfort and build quality. X5 x-line variant is 10lakhs more than X3 m40i and I feel extra bucks are worth it. Go for X3/GLC if you are on a budget. But you'll get an upgrade only in comfort and build quality departments.

[84.monsoon]

Originally Posted by acedriver_9000

In my opinion only X5 will feel like a proper upgrade to endeavour. you feel an upgrade in terms of road presence, engine, space, comfort, build quality compared to the endeavour. while x3 may feel like a downgrade in all above aspects except may be comfort and build quality. X5 x-line variant is 10lakhs more than X3 m40i and I feel extra bucks are worth it. Go for X3/GLC if you are on a budget. But you'll get an upgrade only in comfort and build quality departments.

Would second the above opinion from Acedriver. Why go for an older generation X3 which will be replaced by the new Gen in just a few months worldwide? It may look OK now, but in a couple.of years the X3's interiors will look too miminalistic and dated as BMW rolls out the gorgeous single pane dual touchscreen across virtually all models. The X5 is much more luxurious and modern looking and the next gen won't arrive for a few years as the LCI arrived only 8 months ago. You get the same B58 engine in an even higher state of tune on the X5, plus a mild hybrid system. Accepted, it won't be as much fun to drive as the X3, but you are used to a large BOF SUV and will find the X5 to be easy to handle.

I think there is a clean break in 2023, between BMWs launched before that point and the ones that came after. Starting with the 3 series LCI, including the M340i LCI, the subsequent launches such as the X5 LCI, the X7 LCI, the i4, new X1 etc. all come with BMW's new interior design ethos and language - including the massive screen and idrive 8 or above. All the 6 cylinder models have mild hybrid tech included, which make a very good difference to driveability. Most Controls are moved to touchscreen, allowing remote operation via mobile apps and software driven upgrades to most control functions in the future. The older cars will feel like dinosaurs in the coming years, even if most of us do not like the controls without physical buttons/dials right now.

If you so not want to stretch for the X5, the GLC is a good option as well. It is fresh, interiors are very nice and the car will feel special to drive every day. It also has mild hybrid tech, a very good engine tune and a better sound system.

[sknair]

Originally Posted by 84.monsoon

If you so not want to stretch for the X5, the GLC is a good option as well. It is fresh, interiors are very nice and the car will feel special to drive every day. It also has mild hybrid tech, a very good engine tune and a better sound system.

I would suggest the same route.
I was in a similar situation a few months back, sold my Endeavor, and was in search of a replacement. I narrowed my choice to GLC 300 for various reasons and have been driving to different places in the last couple of months. you can see some of the details in my ownership thread here https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/test-...s-3500-km.html (Bluejay | My Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Review | Ownership & Travels @ 3500 KM)

Just came back from a weekend drive to BR Hills, most of the drive was through very good roads, but the last 10 KM stretch has a mix of bad and ok roads, though I didn't drive over the bad sections like I would in the Endy, the drive was very comfortable and I felt fine to drive through such sections.

Good luck with your search, please update us on your decision.