Octavia has been my favourite since day 1 and I still enjoy it every time I drive it.

BHPian Rahul_ak recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hello. This is my first post and I am thrilled to be a part of this forum. I have been a silent observer of teambhp and it has influenced most of my purchases. Thank you for it.

This thread is to help me with my next purchase and the decision is as confusing as the title.

I am in my mid-30s and have this quench to get a "fun" car. The budget can be stretched to 1cr. The confusion starts with what car should i replace it with as each has its specific concerns.

To begin with, my current garage is as follows:

• 2013 Jaguar XF 3L V6
• 2017 Octavia 1.8 TSI
• 2018 GLC 300
• 2023 Hycross ZX
• 2020 S1000rr (Much adored, underused. Everyone in my family wants me to sell it and I just might)

So the confusion started when I considered replacing the Jaguar with a newer car. It is mostly used by my father and he is totally against it. Some fascination he has with the car and, to be honest, it drives well and Touchwood has never faced many issues in 10 years of owning it. Since his heart is still in that car I let go of the plans to sell it momentarily.

Octavia has been my favourite since day 1 and I still enjoy it every time I drive it. But the gearbox problems have started creeping up for the past 3-4 months and I might consider selling it or just keeping it for occasional use. One regret I have to this day is not spending a few lacs more than buying a VRS when it was available.

GLC is my daily driver and to be honest it's neither a here nor there car. Not a full-blown SUV nor a fun car to drive. I intended to buy a Fortuner then but got a deal I could not refuse and bought the GLC. If I sell this car the next car I buy will be a daily driver.

Hycross is the most used car in the family right now. This car is used by everyone in the family and no complaints whatsoever. Be it the kid's school shuffle, my wife's daily commute or my frequent Mumbai trips are all in this car. A good driver and an Innova is probably the best combination in India. I have even given a wild thought of just getting another Hycross

So now i have listed the issues on what to sell, the car to buy is as confusing.

As i have said i need a fun car to drive for myself. Like the "if not now then when" moment. Practicality can take a back seat and i am inclined to replace the GLC for it. For when need arises i do have the hycross. When i bought the S1000rr it was supposed to be for this thrill moments but work and family life has not been able to give me the desired time with the bike. With a car atleast it can be fun commuting or family getaways.

X5

I considered the new X5 M40i loved the car but the price and the size were a detterent. Ill face parking issues for the daily commutes, can use the Octavia but then wife doesnt want such a big car for herself. Also when i think about it i dont really see a need for a full size SUV other than it giving a vibe of a "BIG CAR". If i actually intend to use it the way SUV is meant to be used id rather get a Thar or Fortuner.

M340i

Loved the sleeper car look, i can just park at any random roadside parking and it wont catch the eye. Loved the way it drove but the suspensions felt rather stiff and uncomfortable. Dampers would have been ideal but with the way it is right now i am contemplating and have put it on shortlist.

S5

I saw this car and it was love. Drove well, sounded amazing and overall seems like a good package except the price. Some discount can be expected but cant go close to M340. Also the spy shots of upcoming S5 is playing on my mind and hence hindering a purchase.

Ioniq5/Ev6

Such lovely machines almost perfect. I really considered them to replace the Skoda. Just little things could have made them perfect and thats what is a barrier to leap over. Ev6 drives so good and looks like a dream, 70 lacs for it and the interior is rather average for that price. Ioniq has better interiors and was pleasantly surprised with the way it looked when i say it upfront. But the drive is Ok, nothing causes a thrill like an EV should. Infact i felt the new Nexon Ev drives better.

I saw the IX too, loved the way it looked and drove but the horrible range was a setback.

Apologies for this long ramble, i just intended to speak my thoughts out loud and hope i have been clear enough as to what the dilemma is. Should i just trade the GLC for S5 and shuffle between that and octavia for daily use? Save 15 lacs get the M340 who nobody in the family likes and keep it all for myself? Get an EV now OR should i just shut up and sit down quietly and await the plethora of EV's that will launch by 2025 and take a pick then? Wont i miss out the best of the "ICE AGE" if i do that??

LOL hope i have not confused you as much and do hope for some advice or suggestions for any other car as well which i could consider. Could just be Eureka moment for me.

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

- Keep the Jaguar only because your Dad loves it. A well-maintained 10-year-old car still has another 5 years of healthy life in it.

- Sell the GLC. The last-gen GLC was among the most boring cars I've ever driven. You'll get a decent price because of Mercedes' frequent price hikes.

- Go test-drive the BMW M340i and X3 M40i. The latter solves the price & size issues you have with the X5. Between the two, pick whichever makes you grin the most.  X3 will be better for road-tripping (although you have other cars for that) and gets adaptive suspension

Here's what BHPian 316kmph had to say on the matter:

Welcome to teambhp.

M340i is my pick.

My daily driver is the S5, I couldn’t recommend it enough but for the 340i. The Bimer has a slightly higher ground clearance, not that S5 is terrible to live with but the Bimer is better. It’s also newer and better value.

I have had X5s for almost 9 years over 2 gens and driven a rented current gen for over 3 weeks cooking over a 1000km and TDed the X5 40i. Firstly it’s a big SUV, take it to the mountains and it will remind you that even BMW’s cannot defy physics, yes it will drive better than a Q7 or a GLE but an Octy vRS will run circles around the X5. Yes, the petrol motor on the X5 is seriously engaging, but any day a sports sedan wins the fun aspect…especially one with the same engine.

Here's what BHPian mgastor2022grey  had to say on the matter:

Hey dude, welcome to the forum!

First of all, be clear about what car you are going to replace. If I were given a choice, I'd gladly replace the XF, Octavia, or the GLC. Reasons below:

1) XF: Car has aged gracefully. 10 years is all a British machine can take. Any more than that will start leeching on your pocket

2) Octavia: You are looking for a car mainly used by you right? Then why need a car that is already with you? Sell it and 'replace' it with another.

3) GLC: We BHPians strongly believe that any car that we drive should always give us smiles, be it a Rs. 7 lakh Alto, or a 1.5 crore X7. If you don't like driving such a car, it is best to sell it and move on.

Now, some extra options:

1) AMG C43: Brilliant car to drive, smoking performance, and a plusher ride when compared to M340i. Premium interiors and a slew of ADAS features make it a comfortable yet sporty car capable of doing 0-100 in 4. XX seconds. Not sure why you have not seen this car. This might be the best alternative to the M340i.

2) BMW 6GT: This amazing car in the BMW stable, plusher interiors when compared to the M340i, RWD, crazy acceleration, end of life cycle means more discounts and offers (even though the end-of-life cycle, is one of a kind). If you want a sleeper family cruiser that roars to life in sports mode, then this is the car.

3) Porsche Macan: I have never come across anyone who wants to buy an ICE car under 1 crore but not considered the Macan. Why?? It is a bonkers car, with the true Porsche DNA along with modern gimmicks. Moreover, the Porsche badge has more snob value than a BMW or the 3-pointed star in India.

4) BMW X3 M40i: When X5 is too large and X1 is too small, you settle for the X3. The M40i configuration makes it more appealing and sexy. And in that Black shade, it is a true wolf in sheep's clothing. Take a test drive and see if this size is okay for you.

Hope this helps you

Here's what BHPian Akshay1234 had to say on the matter:

I would sell the Octavia if I were in your place. The Jag if your dad loves it, keep it since it would have a few years more of life left. The GLC is only 5 years old and is reasonably practical.

If the M340 is too stiff, check out the X3 M40i, which can be had at discounts of up to 10l which would then make it a value proposition against the X5. Also with adaptive dampers, the ride will be better than the M340i.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The 2023 BMW X5 is expected to carry forward the same 3.0L petrol and diesel engines.

According to a media report, BMW will launch the X5 facelift in India by August 2023.

The BMW X5 recently received a mid-life makeover. The SUV gets a restyled exterior featuring new front and rear bumpers and reworked headlamps and taillights. 

Inside, the updated X5 gets a curved display housing a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment running BMW’s latest iDrive 8.0 software. The SUV also gets features like a heads-up display with augmented reality, a panoramic sunroof, and more.

The 2023 BMW X5 is expected to carry forward the same set of engines. The SUV is currently available with a 3.0-litre petrol engine that makes 335 BHP and 450 Nm and a 3.0-litre diesel that puts out 291 BHP and 620 Nm. Both engines get an 8-speed automatic transmission paired with an all-wheel drive system.

The report also states that BMW could launch the Z4 facelift in India by May 2023.

The X5 xDrive30d M Sport is powered by a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder diesel engine that makes 262 BHP and 620 Nm.

According to a media report, BMW has silently introduced a new variant of the X5. The SUV is now available in a top-spec 'xDrive30d M Sport' trim, priced at Rs. 97.90 lakh (ex-showroom).

The BMW X5 xDrive30d M Sport comes equipped with M-specific exterior elements including a sporty front bumper, side skirts, body-coloured wheel arch trims, rear diffuser and exhaust tips, blue brake calipers and an M-Sport key.

Additionally, the SUV gets BMW Laserlight LED headlamps, 20-inch alloy wheels, air suspension and an electrically-operated tailgate. Inside, this variant comes with an M leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and a 360-degree camera.

The X5 xDrive30d M Sport is powered by a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder diesel engine that makes 262 BHP and 620 Nm. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system.

Source: Carwale

The X5 SportX Plus is available with 3.0-litre petrol and diesel engine options.

BMW has launched a new variant of the X5, called the SportX Plus. The xDrive40i (petrol) costs Rs. 77.90 lakh, while the xDrive30d (diesel) is priced at Rs. 79.50 lakh (ex-showroom).

On the outside, the BMW X5 SportX Plus variant gets a one-piece hexagonal kidney grille. It is flanked by a set of LED headlights. The SUV also gets LED fog lamps, LED taillights and roof rails with a satin aluminium finish.

On the interior, the SportX Plus variant comes with a Sports leather steering wheel, Sports seats, a panoramic sunroof, Welcome Light Carpet, ambient lighting with 6 settings and 4-zone automatic climate control.

X5 SportX Plus features:

• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Heads-up display Parking Assistant with Rear View Camera
• Reversing Assistant

The xDrive40i SportX Plus is powered by a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder petrol engine that produces 335 BHP @ 5,500-6,500 rpm and 450 Nm @ 1,500-5,200 rpm. The xDrive30d comes with a 3.0-litre diesel unit that puts out 261 BHP @ 4,000 rpm and 620 Nm @ 1,500-2,500 rpm.

Both engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, which sends power to all four wheels via an all-wheel-drive system. The SUV comes with Automatic Differential Brakes / Locks (ADB-X), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control and Adaptive Suspension.

The aggressive looks are complemented by a 617 BHP V8 engine.

BMW has launched the X5 M Competition in India. The SUV will be imported as a completely built unit (CBU) and is priced at Rs. 1,94,90,000 (ex-showroom).

The X5 M Competition is the high-performance version of the X5. The SUV is characterised by its aggressive looks. It gets a blacked-out twin kidney grille and a sporty front bumper with large vents. At the rear, the SUV comes with a roof and lower tailgate spoiler. It rides on M lightweight alloy wheels with 21-inch rims at the front and 22-inch rims at the rear.

Inside, the X5 M Competition comes with M multifunction seats, 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment head-unit with iDrive Touch controller, BMW Gesture Control, BMW Live Cockpit Professional with navigation and BMW Virtual Assistant, wireless charging, Harman Kardon audio system and an optional panoramic sunroof. Rear seat entertainment, a Bowers and Wilkins Diamond audio system and BMW Laserlight are also available as options.

Powering the X5 M Competition is a 4.4-litre, twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 617 BHP @ 6,000 rpm and 750 Nm @ 1,800-5,600 rpm. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and power is sent to all four wheels via the M xDrive all-wheel drive system. BMW claims the SUV can do 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.

The X5 M Competition comes with four driving modes - Comfort, Sport, Road and Track. It is equipped with adaptive suspension and M compound brakes.

BMW has introduced a new entry-level diesel variant of the X5 called the xDrive30d SportX. It is priced at Rs. 74.90 lakh, compared to the xDrive30d xLine which costs Rs. 82.90 lakh (ex-showroom).

As expected, the cheaper SportX trim misses out on a few features. It does not get the aesthetic elements that come with the xLine and M Sport variants. It neither comes with laser headlights nor 20-inch alloy wheels.

The SportX trim also misses out on the Comfort Access System for the split tail gate. Features such as 360-degree camera, wireless charging, BMW Display Key with LCD colour display and touchscreen as well as the Harman Kardon audio system are also not offered in this variant. Instead of leather upholstery, the SportX variant gets Sensatec seat upholstery.

The xDrive30d SportX is powered by a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder diesel engine that produces 261 BHP @ 4,000 rpm and 620 Nm of torque @ 1,500-2,500 rpm. The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system.

BMW has launched the fourth generation X5 in India. The SUV is available in three variants. The xDrive30d Sport is priced at Rs. 72.90 lakh, while the xDrive30d xLine and the xDrive40i M Sport are priced at Rs. 82.40 lakh (ex-showroom, India) each.

The new BMW X5 is based on the Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform. It measures 4,922 mm in length, 2,004 mm in width, 1,745 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,975 mm. It has a boot capacity of 650 litres, which can be increased to 1,870 litres. 

The new X5 features a larger kidney grille flanked by twin-pod LED headlights, while the redesigned front bumper houses a pair of LED fog lights. The rear end of the X5 features a new design with wraparound LED tail lights and a dual-tone bumper with twin exhausts.

On the inside, the SUV gets a new dashboard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Gesture Control, 3D navigation and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The car has wireless charging, head-up display, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 360-degree camera, panoramic glass roof among other features. It also comes with Reverse Assistant, which records the last 50 meters driven and can take over the steering while reversing.

The new X5 is available with two engine options which include a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder diesel engine that produces 261 BHP @ 4,000 rpm and 620 Nm of torque @ 1,500-2,500 rpm and a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder petrol engine with 335 BHP @ 5,500-6,500 rpm and 450 Nm @ 1,500-5,200 rpm. Both engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The SUV has three driving modes - ECO PRO, COMFORT and SPORT. Launch control, paddle shifters and adaptive air suspension are available on the xLine and M Sport variants.

Other features include Automatic Differential Brakes/Locks (ADB-X), traction control, hill start assist, hill descent control, Dynamic Damper Control, Brake Energy Regeneration and Auto start/stop. 

Safety features like 6 airbags, Attentiveness Assistance, Dynamic Stability Control, ABS with brake assist, Cornering Brake Control and ISOFIX child safety seat anchors are offered as standard.

The fourth generation BMW X5 will be launched in India on May 16, 2019.

The new BMW X5 is based on the Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform. It measures 4,922 mm in length, 2,004 mm in width, 1,745 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,975 mm.

The new X5 gets revised exterior styling and a new interior. It features a larger twin-kidney grille flanked by twin-pod LED headlights. The front bumper has chrome inserts and houses rectangular fog lamps. The updated rear end gets redesigned wraparound tail lights and a new bumper with a silver scuff plate. The SUV has twin chrome exhaust tips.

The new X5 comes with dual-tone interiors and a redesigned dashboard featuring a floating touchscreen infotainment system. The car gets a 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel and a digital instrument cluster.

In India, the fourth generation X5 is expected to be offered with a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder diesel engine that produces 261 BHP @ 4,000 rpm and 620 Nm @ 2,000-2,500 rpm. It is likely to be paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system.

Thanks to BHPian nanu28 for sharing this information with other enthusiasts.

BMW India has announced a voluntary service campaign to fix a glycol leakage issue from the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler in some of its diesel models. According to the company, the soot deposits and the high temperatures normally present in the EGR module could lead to the melting of the intake manifold, and in rare cases may cause a fire.

7,900 diesel cars manufactured between 2011 and 2016 have been affected. These include 4-cylinder diesel models built between October 2011 to August 2016 and 6-cylinder models from March 2011 to July 2015. The affected cars include the 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series (Coupe, Convertible & Gran Coupe), 7 Series, X3, X5 and the X6.

BMW India will contact the owners of the affected diesel vehicles and carry out the repairs at no extra cost. Depending on the model, the job is expected to take 1-3 hours.

According to a media report, BMW is planning to launch the fourth generation X5 in India around mid-2019. 

The fourth generation BMW X5 was unveiled in June 2018. It is based on BMW's Cluster Architecture (CLAR) that also underpins the 5 Series and 7 Series sedans. It measures 4,922 mm in length, 2,004 mm in width and 1,745 mm in height. The SUV offers 650 litres of luggage space, which can be increased to 1,870 litres by folding the second row of seats.

In the international market, the new X5 comes with five powertrain options which include 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, a 4.4-litre, twin-turbo V8, 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder quad-turbo diesel and a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder petrol hybrid.

In India, the new X5 is expected to be offered with the base petrol and diesel engines. The xDrive40i variant will get a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit that puts out 335 BHP @ 5,000-6000 rpm and 500 Nm of torque @ 1,600-4,500 rpm. The xDrive30d variant will be offered with a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that produces 261 BHP @ 4,000 rpm and 620 Nm @ 2,000-2,500 rpm. Both engines are likely to be mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, while all-wheel drive will be offered as standard across the range.

Source: Autocar India