Please note that performance car is not my primary look out except that I have been offered one in my price range.
BHPian Wanderers recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
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.
Here’s what GTO had to say on the matter
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.
Here’s what BHPian Rajjaiswal92 had to say on the matter:
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.
Here’s what BHPian Varun_Hexaguy had to say on the matter:
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?
Here’s what BHPian Shreyans_Jain had to say on the matter:
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.
Here’s what BHPian vb-saan had to say on the matter:
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.
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