Rs 40 lakh: Looking for an entry-level premium luxury sedan

Do I go for an SUV or Sedan? Driving the luxury brands gave me a feeling that a sedan is more comfortable for back seat passengers and also for driving.

BHPian Grand_Master recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hi BHPians,

I am a 37 old male who has been recently hit by a new car bug. Coming from a Bengali middle-class household, didn’t have a car or two-wheeler at home growing up. Even when I started working and could afford a car, prioritized staying close to the office and the freedom and fun of a personal vehicle was unknown to me, Ola and Uber didn’t help the cause either. Learnt driving only as a 30-year-old and after buying my first vehicle, a 4-year-old Hyundai Accent. My overall experience of driving is just 7-8k km so far! I was then abroad for a while and returned last year, didn't own a car in this period. For the past year, I have been enjoying driving very much and have been getting more serious about cars. Having done a few road trips around Kolkata (I am working from home), I am looking forward to exploring the multitude of options around Bangalore (I will be based here once the office opens). I am the classic example of a bookish expert with little practical knowledge, everything I have learnt has been through youtube videos, test drives and Team-BHP forums (thank you very much!)Please pardon my mistakes and lack of knowledge as I try to explain my situation and look for your expert advice over this first post.

Coming to the need, I am looking to figure out what will be the car for my need. Here are the top priorities:

• Comfort: We are a family of 4 adults and a fast-growing 3-year-old boy. I and my father are 6 feet+, big frame, so the car needs to be spacious. Also, I want my 70 approaching parents to have the best possible riding experience on long road trips without being tired that I intend to make around Bangalore
• Safety: Safety is a key factor, NCAP rating, # of airbags really matter, the more the better. My wife had experienced a terrible car accident in her younger days so she is very particular about this
• Usage: The car will be predominantly used for long road trips and weekend in-city travel. I might use it for regular office travel but given Bangalore, traffic horror stories that I hear might opt for office pickup post-Covid era
• Reliability: As I mentioned before, I am a complete novice about cars, so need a reliable one with minimal need for unscheduled maintenance, especially given I would do frequent road trips
• Budget: I was looking for something in the 25-30 lakh range, but realized we have very slim pickings in that bucket. I am ok to move up to 40, maybe stretch to 50 if I absolutely need to (on-road), being motivated by this article on how a more expensive car can work out to be cheaper by GTO (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/buyin...to-longer.html (How a more expensive car can work out cheaper (if you hold onto it for longer)).
• Ownership period: I don’t expect this vehicle to run more than 7-8K a year and want to keep it for long, preferably 8-10 years. This is going to be the single car we will own for at next 7+ years, I do not see the need for a separate car until my kid grows up, since no one else in my family drives/ needs an independent car
• Car type: Petrol because of less usage, automatic transmission for driving comfort, no particular preference between SUV and Sedan, personally so far have driven hatchback and sedans and have no experience of SUV driving apart from test drives. I do not see myself off-roading! MPVs are out, given my wife gets a feeling of taxi every time she sees the shape, independent of whichever brand it might be
• Driving style: I am not an enthusiast who likes to rev the engine too high, I prefer a steady comfortable driving style with a gradual increase of speed. Given my limited driving experience, you might call me a cautious driver.
• Purchase time: I am looking to buy the car sometime next year, I move to Bangalore around Jan 2022 and plan to rent a car until I finalize the car I want to buy and get a delivery

The Dilemma

Let me try and present a picture of my confusion across the last 8-10 months. My wife was very clear right from the beginning that Maruti and Hyundai were out of consideration because of their terrible safety rating. Also given their prevalence on the roads, she wanted something more exclusive. We had a brief look at Kia Seltos given their huge following, but the poor safety rating and tighter space made us reject them. Similar reasons also led us to skip Skoda Kushaq, Creta, and MG Astor.

I have been obsessing about the Jeep Compass Automatic Petrol, so went for a TD after its latest generation launch. The car felt well-built and driving/riding dynamics were very good, and of course, the brand is legendary. However, the space seemed very constrained for our needs. Also, the high window lines and black interiors made my wife claustrophobic, so we had to move on from the car.

The next car we TD'd was a C5 Aircross, no particular plan of checking that car but the showroom was right next to the Jeep showroom! The car felt spacious, the ride was extremely comfortable, and the interiors felt classy. However, 40 lakhs on road Bangalore for a new untested brand in India and limited service network, with Diesel engine was something that proved to be a deterrent.

This got us a bit flustered as there were no other cars that were in the price bracket we were looking for at the moment. Our aspirational car growing up, the Civic was also discontinued, as was the CRV. We still visited a Honda showroom and TD'd the City, which felt a stable drive and comfortable ride, but the back-seat contour was shaped in such a manner that the middle passenger would be very uncomfortable. Also, my wife wanted a car from a more premium segment.

I test drove the Harrier, but overall didn’t meet my needs. The ride felt stiff, the ergonomics of the driving position was extremely uncomfortable (my leg kept brushing against the central console to the point that it hurt), and the steering felt unnecessarily hard. I could understand its enthusiastic driving setup, but it was not for me.

I also TD'd Hector during this time and was pleasantly surprised by it. I had fairly low expectations before seeing the car given the newness of the brand, and its Chinese roots. However, the car surprised me with its premium-ness in the segment, had way more space than a Creta/ Seltos and the quality of material felt superior. The ride quality was soft and the space and flexibility of back seats made it a wonderful place to be on long rides. The drive definitely was not very exciting, but I did appreciate the high-quality noise insulation, high seating and great view as a driver. While I do not look for gimmicky gadgets in a car, its technology elements were appealing and comfortable. Its lack of NCAP rating is a concern though, we shortlisted it given it checks all other buckets, including a massive boot.

During this time, started following Skoda as a brand and pretty soon discovered the great reputation of the brand Octavia. So, post the disappointment of Jeep, kept waiting for Octavia to launch eagerly.

With Octavia launch came the first disappointment – the price! I could not believe its pricing, almost 35+ lakhs on-road Bangalore for top variant! Nevertheless, went for the test drive, and also decided to try out the Superb as the price of Sportline Superb and Octavia L&K were very close. We made the mistake of TDing the Superb first followed by Octavia. Immediately we realized the Superb is so much better for our need, the ride, drive, interiors were so much more premium that Octavia moved out of our contention immediately. We loved every aspect of the car – the look, the space, the driving dynamics, the comfort, the engine and noise cancellation, it felt like a luxury car beyond anything we had tried before. We thought this is going to be our car. The only worry about Superb was its long dimensions, given it will be driven in Bangalore (although not much in city). However, the ease of handling and light steering makes me confident it will not be an issue. Question for the group, the car suspension is soft and feels really great in city rides, will it be floaty and uncomfortable on highway drive or is still be very good?

We also TDed the Camry hybrid. The car felt good, but the ride and interiors felt at par, or maybe slightly worse than Superb (no Android Auto and Apple Carplay, interior needs a refresh!), and didn’t add any luxury brand value as well, so didn’t feel the need to pay the extra bucks for a hybrid. I understand Toyota reliability will be tough to match though.

I haven’t TDed VW cars, especially the Tiguan Allspace. From reviews and my personal experience of riding a Vento, it seems like a more driver-centric car with tougher suspensions and fewer premium interiors compared to equivalent Skoda cars, so decided against trying them out.

The Luxury Brands Conundrum

There was no discount on Superb at all, and we realized it overlaps with entry-level luxury brands. I have seen some other threads on similar confusion for buyers and how they decided to go for the luxury brand over a non-luxury one, here we were caught in that cycle. Hence, I decided to try out some of the luxury brands. Given I had no preference for Sedan and SUV, decided to TD both entry-level ones for the big 3.

Mercedes: Mercedes A-class latest generation feels very polished and high tech, the MBUX system felt absolutely premium, and the ride was super smooth. The cars low ground clearance brushed on the road a few times even during TD, and the space at the back with a central tunnel was tight. Also, the seats were very low and provided low thigh support, and they were quoting 51 lakhs on road Kolkata! The low space and high price caused us to move on from the A-class.

We tried the C-class as well and liked it much better, both the driving dynamics and back seat comfort. It was an older generation model getting phased out and quoted is 51 lakhs on road, but the biggest roadblock was boot space. Half the boot was covered by the spare tyre which significantly reduced luggage carrying capacity, which would be critical for longer weekend trips. Also buying a model which will become older generation within months was another concern. We passed on it.

Finally, we tried the GLA petrol, and must admit was pleasantly surprised by its driving dynamics. It was while TDing this car that I realized the ride comfort, especially for backseat passengers is so much better in Sedans than SUVs, especially if you consider body roll. While the GLA was not very big, sharp turns definitely kept me moving around at the back. This remains in our consideration. It was quoted 47.5 lakhs on road Kolkata!

BMW: First thing I realized about the BMW cars was how different the driving dynamics was from a Mercedes, from seating lower, to stiffer suspension for a much sporty feeling. Long story short, I TDed the 2 series, 3 series GL, and felt both were excellent for driving, much better than Mercedes. I could appreciate why there is such cult following for BMW as an enthusiast. However, given I was looking for a family-centric car, the back-seat comfort felt wanting, both from space and ride comfort perspective. My wife didn’t like the low seating and the stiffer suspension setup.

The X1 was a very big disappointment for me, not only did it feel crammed, the interiors felt very average and the ride was quite bumpy. We rejected it, felt the GLA was much well rounded. Considering all this, we skipped on BMW, but I know that possibly my second car, which can be more driver-focused will possibly be a 3 series one day!

Audi: Started with Audi Q2, the drive was good, the car fit and finish was on point, but it's way too small and felt very overpriced, was an immediate reject.

Then came the A4, and we just loved it. Right from its simple and timeless design (the new grill might take some time to get used to) to its interiors to its driving dynamics, I felt it was somewhere in between a Merc and BMW. The interiors seem plush, practical and high quality, the driving comfort and steering were perfect, the space at the back is also fine, and the ride quality was just perfect. Just as we were thinking we got the car we wanted, realized the back seat has a massive tunnel (as is true with all German cars), and the middle passenger can’t really be in it for more than a short ride. This is the single reason why despite getting a great deal, I am unable to close on the A4. The A4 price I am getting will be a couple of lakhs more than Superb L&K!

Summary:

Here are the different options I am considering, please help me narrow my choices:

Option 1: Buy a less expensive car for a shorter duration, get more driving experience and then maybe buy a second luxury car 4-5 years down the line. The Hector so far is the only ~20 lakh car we could find in this budget. Am I missing any car? Personally, haven’t TD'd Mahindra Xuvs as both I and my wife are not fond of the brand. MG also has buyback offers which can be leveraged in 3-5 years for a decent return on cost in case we decide to sell.

Option 2: Go for Superb. This would cost 2X of Hector (I know totally different segment of cars), but I have also seen some comments about the questionable reliability of Skoda/ German cars requiring more ad hoc servicing. Given this will be the only car at home, is it dependable enough? I might be wrong and Skoda might have improved their service quality recently, so please correct me. Also, this means paying ~40+lakhs without getting a luxury badge, which is something that irks me. In this category, an additional option is to wait for Kodiaq's (The SUV version of Superb I hear) launch and compare it with Superb and pick between an SUV and Sedan, albeit it is likely going to be ~50!

Option 3: Go for A4, and just make peace with the middle seat tunnel at the back. The car ride and handling and premium-ness feel very good and the badge also helps. Maybe wait and check the soon to be launched Q3 in case that proves to be more practical, thought might be more expensive.

Option 4: Buy a second-hand luxury car. This is unknown territory for me, given my limited knowledge of car ownership, and the high maintenance cost of luxury cars. This way with a 25-30 lakh budget I can get a 3-year-old luxury car of our need at ~30-40% discounted price. However, I am clueless about what to check while buying a luxury second-hand car. Also, my wife will need significant convincing if we go ahead with this option, she really wants to buy a new car now, and the thought of a used car doesn't appeal to her much

1. Open question 1 – Do I go for an SUV or Sedan? Driving the luxury brands gave me a feeling that a sedan is more comfortable for back seat passengers (apart from ingress, egress) and also for driving. However, SUVs do give a better road presence and ground clearance. The recent trend of SUV dominating Sedan makes me wonder what am I missing.
2. Open question 2 – how much should I set my car budget limit to? I know it is a personal decision of want rather than need. I have seen various financial guidelines on how to set a car budget, wanted this groups opinion as to how do you all set a cap (if at all) based on your income?
3. Open question 3 – I have not yet TDed Volvo (S60 and XC40), Jaguar XE, but feel Jag might be less family-oriented. Volvo is potentially going to be good, but expensive without getting the big 3 badge value. Is this something I should pursue?

This car that I purchase is likely to take us on some of the most extensive trips for the next 7-10 years, so the decision is very important as I try to balance my family needs and comfort. I want my parents to really have a wonderful time, this will be the first car they will own. The car also needs to be interesting for my wife who otherwise might be less keen on longer road trips if it gets tiring. Finally, my kid grows up and is trending towards becoming a tall lad like his father/ grandfather, the car should be able to accommodate that growth for the next 7-10 years. Personally, if the driving dynamics is somewhat engaging and comfortable, I am good with that, anything more than that is a blessing. If you have read this far, thank you for your patience, please let me know your thoughts.

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

Glad you read my thread, bud. Buy a better car and keep it for 10 years. Will work out cheaper in the long run and you'll have a lot more smiles.

My suggestions to you in order of preference:

• Audi A4: It is a very special all-rounder of a car. The badge is alluring and because it's 4 of you, you can live with that floor hump. Rear legroom is restricted though, but it is a great car in almost all aspects. There is something special about buying a luxury German brand and if I were you, this would be my top choice. Also, check out the prices & discounts on the 330i Sport.
• Skoda Superb: I drive 40 - 50 different cars a year and my daily drive is a 530d. Still, my brother's Superb L&K impresses me each time I drive it. In terms of the value quotient, the Superb is unbeatable as a VFM luxury car.
• MG Hector: Simply because you & your family like it. Frankly, most of the 20 - 25 lakh models offer us all the cars we need. Anything over 25-lakhs is more "want" based than "need" based.

Go for option no.1 if you want to splurge; my mantra is "you got one life and you have to live it to the fullest". This is what I would buy if I were in your shoes (or the 330i). Go for option no.3 if you don't want to spend big bucks. Go for option no.2 if you want a bit of both, and save a couple of lakhs.

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

Since you plan to shift to Bangalore, I would advise you to first get a feel of the road conditions & traffic there before finalizing between SUV / Sedan / Luxury / Daily.

Coming to your questions:

• Generally sedans are superior for their better ride & handling, performance, fuel economy advantages over their SUV counterparts; but if you frequently see poor roads you may want to consider an SUV. Up until 2016 we were a sedan family, but since then have added 2 SUVs/Crossovers to the garage mainly for family outstation trips where comfort & practicality take precedence over speed & handling, but to be fair sedans can do 95% of these journeys - especially the Superb / A4. Regarding ingress: if you see this as an issue, look at something higher set like the Superb as compared to the lower A4. At 32 & 6'2" I find it a pain to get out of the C Class & often prefer the Corolla for when I have to be driven around - especially to formal functions when suited up. Avoid ultra-high SUVs.
• Budget is personal. There is no end. As the first car in a new city, I would buy something that meets all the basic requirements well and look at upgrading / buying a second luxury car when needed once you know your requirements better. I'd urge you to consider the well priced Hyundai Tucson as an option: it's spacious, comfortable, decently specced, with the new gearbox & interiors feels more upmarket and drives better, and at its current price makes good sense over the Creta / Seltos / Compass etc. and with many Hyundai dealerships - it should be easy to maintain while being compact enough for the traffic & large enough for outstation trips. When we picked up our Tiguan in 2018, this was the second choice despite looking at the X1 (cramped, expensive), & Kodiaq (there was a substantial price difference just for an added third row which we never planned to use). With the added changes, it may have been a different outcome - then there was no AWD, old interiors, poor feature set, etc in Tucson. In terms of safety, given the low numbers, I don't think Hyundai would have spent time and effort in cutting corners as they have for their other models. The cheaper Elantra seemingly seemed to be built like its global siblings according to a thread.
• Volvo has come a big way in terms of brand and repute. Would be worth considering too if you go the luxury route.

Some other thoughts and comments from your post:

• Keep in mind an adult seated in the rear middle seat if you plan to the baby seat route for your child on longer trips.
• VW is actually the premium cousin to Skoda in most other markets, and they have tried to position it similarly in India too in terms of pricing.
• Avoid buying a used luxury car since you are new to this and it's easy to get ripped off and be stuck with huge bills. Could be something to explore in a few years as the enthusiast in you grows.
• I'm surprised you found the 3 series to have a worse ride than the C Class. In my experience, it was the opposite. Please do another test drive & check the tyre pressure (should be 32 PSI, not the overtly inflated numbers most companies ask you to keep).

Here's what BHPian Axe77 had to say on the matter:

Here are a few options that I think will fit the bill well for you (in no specific order). I have thought about low running, space (4 adults, one child and corresponding luggage (young kids have BIG luggage needs on road trips). A few points, if any vehicle fits the bill to the tee, ignore the fact that it's overpriced. Sometimes what suits us best is indeed overpriced but I would not pick a VFM alternative that is a distant second choice on what I want/need, especially when there is a lack of options.

In terms of SUV vs Sedan, honestly, a well-driven sedan should normally be able to take most of what Indian conditions throw at it. I am aware that you will frequently be 4 adults and a child so not sure if that detracts a bit. I feel crossovers offer the best of practicality and comfort between sedans and SUVs, especially if you are not an “enthusiastic” driver. All of the options below should work. While I also recommend buying used where appropriate, in your case, I feel the following new options would offer better overall value.

Toyota Innova A/T (diesel/petrol if you have an appetite and are ok with buying petrol).

Reliable, safe, great combination of space and comfort in an acceptably sized package. You have the option of picking petrol if you’re ok with the waiting period and the low FE. I know people in NCR who have bought a petrol A/T and they are very happy with its refinement. These are made to order though I believe and dealers will heavily swing you to the diesel. IMO this will suit you better than even a Fortuner.

Skoda Kodiaq (petrol A/T)

I think this should be one of your TOP choices. It will touch the upper end of your budget but will have the sophistication, will be a pleasure to drive, its right-sized without being oversized and with your low running should be a perfect companion for 8-10 years. I would take the max warranty available and reconcile it to an occasional reliability hiccup given your relatively low running and the ability to deal with the corresponding downtime. I am not recommending the Tiguan at this point because of what I’ve heard of the ride quality but if that is better in the new Tiguan you could consider that too.

Skoda Superb / Octavia

Excellent choice with all the same consideration set as mentioned above. The Superb of course will only offer 5 seats instead of the Kodiaq’s 7 but that is anyway not really usable or practical. So a choice between these two would largely be a preference on body style and price.

Jeep Commander / Meridien (if you can wait)

Again, should probably be on the top of your list along with the Kodiaq, if you can wait till the middle of next year. It will have all the positive attributes of the Compass but is packaged in a size that suits your needs better. If they happen to bring in the petrol you have that choice too although my recommendation would be diesel.

Citroen C5

From a need perspective, lack of petrol aside it fits your use case perfectly. I hesitate to wholeheartedly recommend this only because it's a completely new brand with only one product that was dead on arrival.

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

I am surprised that a probable list that extended from Harrier to Big 3 germans does not have Crysta in it. From the description, it looks like all you need is a spacious, safe and reliable car. You don't seem to have any particular brand affinity or a thing for fast cars. All you care about is a safe and comfortable drive for your family.

My suggestion is to look beyond the taxi vibe/ MPV( as mentioned in the original post, I feel Crysta looks fine) looks and get a Crysta ZX AT in petrol or diesel. It is a better SUV than all the FWD SUVs available in the market now. The only thing it loses out on is the looks.

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