[buddha]

Hi all
Looking to buy 2 cars for a budget of 70-80 lacs, and am a bit confused given the choices. Would love to get folks' advice. We have 3 main needs which the 2 cars will need to collectively solve for:

1. A super comfortable car for wife to be driven to work and back (long-ish commute for her). Kids will also frequently get dropped off to school in this car. Preferably high riding. This will be chauffer driven

2. A relatively infrequently used car for me to self-drive to work and back (I only need to go ~2 days a week). A fast-ish sedan would be nice; I also would like a nice music system if possible; and I have a weak spot for brown/tan interiors. Prefer a luxury brand here, and luxury sedans in my mind only start with the C class / 3 Series / A4 / S60 segment (not CLA / 2 series / A3). On the SUV front I dont mind the X1 at all, but the GLA and Q3 look too much like hatchbacks to me (no offense to happy owners of CLAs / Q3s etc)

3. A 'nice' car for social outings where I will be driving the family. If we get a luxury badge while solving for either #1 or #2, then this need will get automatically taken care of

We will also head out on short road trips occasionally (e.g. to Lonavla) but any combination of cars we buy will solve for the highway cruiser need, so I am not fussed about it

The combinations I am wrangling with are:
BMW X1 @ ~60l (upcoming new-gen model) PLUS Tata Nexon EV @ ~15l
The X1 solves for #2 and #3, while Nexon takes care of #1. The Nexon's electric running cost is attractive, but in this setup, our heavy use car is a 15 lac car while the nicer X1 is rarely used. Or we flip it and the X1 becomes the family car while I use the EV. Could also consider the MG ZS here but it takes us slightly over budget and I thought the Nexon was good enough compared to the ZS (didn't drive either - only sat briefly in each)

Innova HyCross ZX(O) @ ~40l PLUS Audi A4 base 'premium' trim @ say 45l
Attractive proposition since the new Innova will be the best-in-class for need #1 (way better than an X1 or Nexon I would think), while the A4 is a nice car that solves for #2 and #3. I don't mind self-driving the Innova on highway rides leaving behind an Audi at home - MPV over sedan any day (no one in the family seems to like highway drives in a sedan anyway - my driving style worsens in a sedan I guess lol). However this combo is likely to go slightly over-budget even accounting for Audi discounts. Plus the new Innova's delivery is a big question mark - I put a booking only 2 days ago (not on the first day), so am not very early in the queue. Can wait 1-2 months but simply cannot wait 4-5 months

Innova HyCross ZX(O) @ ~40l+ Used Audi A6 or BMW 520d or 530d etc @30l-40l
This is the 'heart' combination since I love the 5 series / A6 segment. I would love to get something like a pre-worshipped 530d but there's barely any availability, plus it will take the total budget to ~90l, plus I am not sure of used cars anymore after the 2-3 used cars I saw so far (they were externally neat but very clearly used, with poor leather condition, yellowing LED DRLs etc). And this was at Audi Approved Plus! But that was maybe because they were 4-6 year old cars, so I am happy to keep exploring 2-3 year old cars if the experts here say I should keep looking at used cars. Loved the A6's Bose system. BTW I don't want to consider a generation old car here. E.g. 2019 C class is not fun any more after the new C class came out. A mildly used X1 could also be an attractive proposition here though I know a new generation is on it's way. If only I could get a used S5 in budget!

Happy to get other suggestions, especially in terms of a super comfortable cruiser for need #1, e.g. a Carens instead of Innova? Does it get 95% of the job done for 60% of the cost? I briefly sat in the Carens and while it was nice, it didn't give the sense of sitting in a living room, the way an Innova does (plus the air purifier on the Carens seatback seemed like an odd thing - jutting into my mindspace). BTW we don't care for 'macho' looks and the packaging compromises that SUVs seem to make while chasing macho-ness (high floorpan, big middle tunnel for RWD, less cargo space, usually not captain chairs, etc), so I didn't even check out Safari / Hector / Gloster types. But happy to revisit if some of them can truly compete with an Innova and at a meaningfully lower price

Thanks a ton!

[vipinS]

How about this combination- Skoda Superb l&k with tan interiors around 40 lakh and an Innova HyCross for the family??
I just had a good look at the superb l&k yesterday and it was loaded with all the reasonable features one could ask for. The Interior dare I say looked luxurious too in that Tan colour. A super underrated car for sure. The only problem is the stock is limited and it’s going to be discontinued soon. But if we go by the past VW pricing then the New Superb when it launches in 2023 or 2024 will definitely be over 50 lakh on-road which makes the current one a great car at that price.

[Sanidhya mukund]

For the first car, your best bet would be a van or a crossover. Consider Innova Hycross, Kia Carnival and Hyundai Tucson at the upper end of the spectrum and Kia Carens, Maruti Grand Vitara or XL6 at the more reasonably priced end.

Since this car will be chauffeur driven, features may not be that important, so you could consider lower variants (GX Petrol) of the Innova Hycross with or without captain seats as well.

For the fun car, Skoda Octavia is a VFM option. If you are keen on going for a car with a premium badge, your best bet is the BMW 330i Sport (if available at a dealer near you). As you said, the A-class, 2-series and GLA are barely luxury cars. No doubt, they feel very upscale in terms of fit and finish, but they do not have the power, refinement, comfort, practicality or the snob value of larger cars from the same brand. C-class is really plush inside and a new model too, but given the tonnes of new tech, I would be skeptical about how reliable that car is. Also, when spending 60+, might as well go into the next segment. Lexus ES300H, BMW X3, Audi Q5 and A6 are all only slightly more expensive, but are a full size larger than the C.

In the end, my combinations of choice would be:

Kia Carnival Prestige 6 seater + Skoda Octavia L and K

or,

Maruti Suzuki XL6 Zeta + BMW 330i M Sport

or,

Innova Crysta GX 7 Seater (If an outgoing model is acceptable) + BMW 330i Sport

[Kumaran93R]

My suggestion would be to buy the one a high VFM EV. Primarily for how much more comfortable it is than a petrol car today, especially if it is chauffeur driven. No engine leads to much better NVH levels. Single speed gearbox is much better than even the best auto slush boxes out there. I would choose the MG ZS EV, as it is more premium on the inside, has a more comfy suspension and also has better range.

Once you've got one very practical choice with very low running costs, feel free to go for what your heart wants. I would suggest starting with extended test drives from the Octavia all the way to the 330Li. Or try out used 530D, 330i or an A6. Pick whichever you find the most fun. All of them will have a good social standing. And the MG ZS EV will also not be out of place at a star hotel with its green credentials.

I don't find either the X1 or the HyCross to suit your requirements much though. As they try to be do it all cars and don't excel in any particular front. The X1 is neither too sporty nor too comfortable. And the HyCross though efficient, can't hold a candle to any EV in terms of efficiency and running costs. These are great cars for those who want one car that does multiple things well. But don't suit your requirements per se.

[NarediAni7518]

The Innova HyCross + Audi A4 combination seems to be a good one according to me. Also, one more combination that you can try is a new 530i with something like an MG Hector. Since the 530i LCI has been around for a bit you’ll get some discounts on it. But still you’ll have to extend your budget a little for this combination.

Also, the A6 is going out at great discounts, maybe try to sneak that into your consideration along with a crossover/SUV around 25-ish lakhs ?

[revsperminute]

A 330i and a Honda City Hybrid. If you prefer SUVs, a Q5 and a Nexon EV/Grand Vitara.

We have had Honda Citys forever and it’s the ideal daily car for Bombay. Don’t worry about the GC, it doesn’t touch anywhere. Coming to the 330i, no points needed.

The Q5 is currently going at good discounts.

PS- As you’re open to used cars, find a well-maintained early g30 530d, you’ll have enough budget for a ZS EV to buy as a city run-about.

[buddha]

Originally Posted by Kumaran93R

My suggestion would be to buy the one a high VFM EV. Primarily for how much more comfortable it is than a petrol car today, especially if it is chauffeur driven. No engine leads to much better NVH levels. Single speed gearbox is much better than even the best auto slush boxes out there

Very insightful. So it's possible Nexon or ZS may be less fatiguing than Innova hycross due to pure electric drivetrain's zero nvh. But seats wise I don't know if the EVs can compete with the ottoman captain seats and business class level space of the Innova.

Thank you to the others (unable to figure out multi quote). Honda city won't work since wife prefers high seating. I will check out the Skodas which seem like great alternatives to the A4. Might end up getting the new X1 though. Superb interiors compared to the outgoing model whose interiors are quite dated. I generally prefer sedans but X1 is decently sporty for a crossover and the high riding position is useful for the times it will get used as the family car. Hopefully it launches in Jan itself

[Cresterk]

It is clear that you don't really need a 7 seater for the wife and kids since you are considering a nexon.

25-30L: Get them a Jeep Compass or an MG ZS ev if you want some fuel savings as well. Women love the compass for some reason and kids love the panaromic sunroof

Remaining 50-55L : Get the last stock of a Volvo S60 at a big discount or negotiate hard for the remaining stock on a 330i since BMW is trying to clear it out for the facelift. Or just get a Virtus GT and save the remaining money. Its surprisingly fun to drive despite being a FWD and ventilated seats are a boon.

[Kashi053]

Here is the option that I'd consider.

Innova Hycross + Octavia
Xuv700 + 330i

I'd strongly recommend you to consider 330i. It may stretch your budget a bit more but it'll be worth it in long run.

[nks81]

Skoda KODIAQ for the family and a used luxury car for you.

[lamborghini]

Innova Hycross ZX / Hyundai Tucson (depending on if you're ok with the 4 seater ottomans v/s 5 seater bench) coupled with a pre-owned 2020 330i M-Sport (there are a couple on carwale) would be my pick.
The 330i is quite easy to maneuver in Mumbai's traffic and a joy to self drive. Plus, the shorter wheelbase seems to have less complaints than the 5 series when it comes to our road conditions and you aren't gaining much in terms of legroom either. The A4 is a tempting option, but between a new base A4 & a well cared for, under warranty pre-owned 330i : the 330i is definitely the more engaging car to drive and fits your needs of a fast sedan, though the A4 would have better comfort and peace of mind (being new).

I wouldn't look at the X1 - given the 2 / CLA / A etc. don't qualify as proper luxury cars; the X1 / GLA wouldn't meet the cut either I would assume since they're the FWD entry level options. Plus if you're spending 60L on the X1; rather spend 64 and get the Q5 Premium Plus along with the Nexon EV (though the Kushaq 1.0AT could be a better bet - more legroom and more comfortable rear seats for 2 since the floor isn't elevated for the battery).

[DeepakS]

For wife;s long commutes and kids being dropped off to school, and running normal errands, you could look at the base model of Kia Seltos diesel. It's approx 13 lacs on-road Mumbai. Rear seat is comfortable, the car has all the basic amenities.

For yourself, less-usage, prestige, luxury and other pleasures, do look at Audi Q5, it should be available for less than 70 lacs on-road after discounts.

Sure Innova HyCross will be a good car. But if your purpose gets solved with a Seltos, or even an XL6, then why spend more? Use the funds to get a nice luxury cars for yourself which the kids and family would also enjoy.

[Vinay3832]

My personal picks in this situation would be:

Car 1. Innvoa Hycross- may not be as efficient as a EV, but I would consider it to be a better all rounder, could also double up as a family highway tourer/also for the social outings if you have to take the family along. Fuel economy for the intended use cannot be looked over, IMHO.
Another negative for an EV here (for me) would be the range anxiety.

Car 2. For the second car a used 330i (G20) [OLX has some good options on the higher side of 40L] - alternative here would be a F10 530d but depends on your risk appetite on going in for a diesel. Either one you cannot go wrong- I personally vouch for used BMWs and their reliability compared to the other 2 Germans.

Car 1: Satisfies the mind.
Car 2: Satisfies your heart.

Good luck!!!

[46TheDoctor]

One more factor you should consider while buying the cars is reliability vs fun to drive.

So, I think you should buy a combo of one japanese and one german within your budget.

IMO, ideal combo will be:

1. Innova Hycross top variant:
This will be the most versatile chauffeur driven vehicle which will come with all the desirable features also that will fulfill almost all the needs and being a Toyota it will always be at your service whenever you need!

2. Pre-Owned 530d:
To satiate the car enthusiast in you along with other needs like Brand Value, Fast paced, etc. Since, this will be used much lesser than the primary car, you won't need to worry about the maintenance cost and reliability that much.

[shree_shell]

I can recommend a model that is applied quite often in an enthusiast's family here in the US -

1. Practical long-distance hauler as wife's everyday car - These are the fuel-efficient crossovers or SUVs of the world. Often a reliable Toyota, Hyundai, or Maruti.

2. A hardcore enthusiast's car that can be less practical - Maybe a two-door off-roader or a sports car. This car should be a dedicated fun machine - no compromises ex. Skoda Octy VRS, 330i, etc. This can also be a used car to build upon - Thar, Gurkha, Gypsy if you like off-roading, or a Japanese tuner-friendly car for the streets.

Of course, something that can throw a wrench in the works is - if the wife is also an enthusiast, in that case - share the dedicated sports car with her on weekends. My wife is also a bit of an adrenaline junkie, so we have an M235i for her with a comfy rear bench (no kids yet), and I threw in a dirt trail bike to close the deal. This allowed me to have the S54 hooter, with no compromises.

India now has decent options for practical long-distance haulers and enthusiast cars as some have suggested above.