BMW Cars in India (24)

Since you are looking for a bigger SUV than the Hyundai Creta, you can consider the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC. Since you mentioned you do not often get a chance to drive, we would recommend the Mercedes-Benz GLC over the BMW X3. 

It has a more comfortable back seat, the interior feels more plush, and it has a better ride quality than the others. That said, whenever you do get a chance to take the wheel, it is very enjoyable to drive, with strong performance from both the petrol and diesel engines.

Converting a petrol car to an electric one is a complex process that requires a lot of engineering and expertise, and it will be very expensive to do so. It is not as simple as just swapping out the engine for an electric motor.

The process involves removing the engine, fuel tank, exhaust system, and other components and replacing them with an electric motor, batteries, and other components. Even after all this, the car's wiring, suspension, and other systems need to be modified to work with and accommodate the new powertrain.

Basically its as good as re-engineering the entire car, and frankly, no one can do this reliably at this point. Thus, we would not recommend a conversion, especially so on a car that is complex and advanced like the BMW X1. Plus, there is also the legality of the car to consider, as the registration details would not match. You should trade in your X1 for the new iX1, as BMW will certainly have some exchange offers to make.  

Firstly, there is no Mercedes GLE 450d variant. There is a diesel 400d, but the variant you must be meaning is the Mercedes GLE 450 4MATIC petrol, which compares with the BMW X5 xDrive40i petrol.  

Both the Mercedes-Benz GLE450  and the BMW X5 are very closely matched in power, using 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engines with 48V mild-hybrid systems. The GLE 450 4MATIC produces 375-380hp whilst the BMW X5 xDrive40i produces a near identical 375-380hp. Top of Form

The BMW X5 has slightly higher torque at 520Nm to the GLE 450’s 500Nm, which contributes to a more sporty feel. 

In fact, the BMW X5 is known for a more sporty, engaging driving character, with quicker acceleration. Whilst the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 delivers power in a very linear, smooth manner, prioritising comfort and luxury. 

Each of these three SUVs offers something different and also costs hugely different amounts - each one represents an increase of almost Rs 10 lakh from the other. 

The BMW X1 is the one to go for if you simply must have a luxury badge, but for the hefty price you pay, it is not very spacious, powerful or well-equipped. At the other end, the Jeep Meridian is a great value for money, and offers an upmarket cabin, a tough chassis with some off-roading ability, and decent badge value. However, its diesel engine is gruff, and space is not immense. 

The Skoda Kodiaq strikes the best balance of luxury, space, practicality, refinement and value for money - and now comes in 5- or 7-seat layouts. This should be the SUV you pick, though note that, given it is a large SUV with a turbocharged petrol engine, fuel bills can get quite high.

While the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7 are spacious, practical and big on road presence, since you will just be driving yourself on weekends, their added size holds no value and simply makes them more cumbersome. As such, we'd recommend the Range Rover Sport, which has the added benefit of greater snob value than the Merc or BMW. Both its straight-six engines - petrol and diesel - are powerful and refined; in fact, they sound really nice.

And though this is a big car for a five-seater, it's reasonably fun to drive. Additionally, consider the Porsche Cayenne, which, though not quite as big and imposing as the Range Rover, is even more fun to drive.