BYD cars in India (5)

Autocar India

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The BMW X3 is the better driver's car, while the Volvo XC60 is the better all-rounder. The recently introduced X3 xDrive30 gives the SUV the performance its chassis has always yearned for, and some crucial interior updates like more leatherette trim for a premium feel. It handles exceptionally well and rides comfortably too, plus it meets your other requirements of ground clearance and boot space. However, it still doesn't feel quite luxurious enough, and that's despite costing nearly Rs 10 lakh more than the Volvo.We think you should go for the Volvo XC60, which, though far more relaxed on the performance and handling front, still feels capable and predictable, with more than enough power. Moreover, though, it works much better as a luxury car, with more comfortable seats, front and rear, and a much better-appointed interior. In fact, though it is much older than the X3, the fact that it feels more contemporary on the inside is a testament to this. Its infotainment system is also more logically laid out and easier to use, and it's better equipped than the BMW, including an exquisite Bowers & Wilkins audio system. Its boot isn't quite as large as the X3's, however, though it should be more than large enough for most of your needs. And it's worth bearing in mind that Volvo's dealer and service network isn't as big as BMW's.If you consider a sedan, it should be the BMW 530Li - it's even better to drive than the X3 and has a more spacious and comfy back seat, as well as plenty of boot space. More than ground clearance, it's the car's long wheelbase you have to be careful of over bumps. And if you're considering an electric car, look at the BYD Sealion 7, which is an excellent all-rounder with a luxurious interior and good range. However, if you do long drives regularly, any EV might not be worth the hassle of depending on the public charging infrastructure.

BMW X3

Volvo XC60

BYD Sealion 7

Autocar India

•9w

If you are looking for a good EV, the BYD Seal is a great option. It is one of the best electric cars in the Rs. 40 lakh range, offering a lot of tech, equipment, and a spacious interior. Performance, too, is very good, which, being a BMW 340i owner, you will appreciate.The MG ZS EV is a good car, but it's not in the league of the BYD Seal. If the Seal is beyond your budget, the BYD Atto 3, priced between Rs. 27 and 37 lakh, is the next best option. It is not as spacious as the BYD, but it is well-equipped and has a good range.Sadly, there are not many good ICE vehicles in that price bracket anymore, but the best option for your money is the Skoda Kodiaq, which ranges from Rs. 47-56 lakh.

Skoda Kodiaq

BYD Seal

BYD Atto 3

MG ZS EV

Autocar India

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There are quite a few types of vehicles available within your budget, and it comes down to what you specifically want and like in your new car. SUVs like the BMW X1 and the iX1, or a three-row version like the Volkswagen Tayron.You can also look at a sedan like the Toyota Camry, which is comfortable inside and offers a strong hybrid powertrain. However, if you are liking the BYD Sealion 7, we would say go ahead with it as it offers a very differentiated appeal with a modern, tech laden interior that's high on quality. The electric powertrain calibration is also very good, and it offers a smooth, strong and progressive drive experience.

BYD Sealion 7

BMW iX1 LWB

BMW X1

Toyota Camry

Autocar India

•7w

The Toyota Camry is an excellent sedan that feels spacious and luxurious. Its hybrid powertrain makes it extremely efficient, and its ride comfort is second to none. Even though it doesn't feel sporty to drive, its performance and dynamics are quite impressive. If you like the Camry Hybrid, go for it.Other sedans that you can consider in the same price point are BYD Seal, BMW 2-Series, Mercedes A-Class and Audi A4. Out of these, the Seal (EV) feels the sportiest, while the Audi A4 is the most rounded.

Toyota Camry

BYD Seal

BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe

Audi A4

Autocar India

•15w

Check out the Volvo EX30 - it's a compact crossover with a high-tech, luxurious interior and loads of features with a focus on safety. It comes with a large 65kWh battery with a WLTP range of 480km and strong performance from its 272hp single motor setup. Its quirky design is very EV forward and will stand out on the road for looking like nothing else on the market.The only consideration you have to make is that, being a compact electric car, it's not super spacious in the rear seat. There are other great EVs at this price, but none of them are compact - like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and BYD Seal.

Volvo EX30

Hyundai Ioniq 5

BYD Seal

Autocar India

•15w

Yes, the sedan market is unfortunately hanging on by a thread, especially at the mass market end of the spectrum. As such, there's not much available between midsize sedans like the Honda City and Volkswagen Virtus, and luxury offerings from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi. However, depending on your budget, there are two routes you could go down.First, the Toyota Camry, which, despite costing close to ₹50 lakh, offers excellent value when you look at the overall package. The other is the BYD Seal, which also offers strong value at a similar price point, along with impressive electric performance.Of the two, the Camry might be better suited to your needs as it's more comfortable and relaxed for city driving, though the Seal is more engaging from behind the wheel.

BYD Seal

Honda City

Toyota Camry

Autocar India

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Given your high usage of 1,500km per month, an electric car is not advisable, and thus we would rule out the BYD Atto 3, which, while an excellent vehicle, is also priced considerably higher than the others you have listed.Of the remaining cars, we would recommend a diesel, given your usage. That would also rule out the Volkswagen Taigun facelift, which will continue with petrol engines only.The Tata Sierra has a strong enough diesel engine, which comes with a smooth 6-speed torque converter automatic, but it's quite loud and lacks a strong punch.While not enough is known about the new-generation Seltos yet, between it and the Hyundai Creta, the former is probably the better bet. It will likely use the same smooth, refined 1.5-litre diesel and 6-speed automatic gearbox, but on the whole, the Kia Seltos is expected to be larger and packed with even more tech. We think it is the one you should hold out for.

Kia Seltos

Tata Sierra

Hyundai Creta

Volkswagen Taigun

BYD Atto 3

Autocar India

•20w

Both are excellent options and should fit in your budget of Rs 45 lakh. The Volvo EX30 is the more contemporary option with more luxurious interiors. However, it isn't very spacious and is missing some features you would expect at this price.Overall, your better bet is the BYD Atto 3, which, though a little bit older and with a quirky interior design, is the more complete car. Most of all, this BYD car has a more spacious interior, particularly in the rear seat. Moreover, it has a slightly higher range rating and a slightly lower price than the Volvo.

BYD Atto 3

Volvo EX30

Autocar India

•20w

The Windsor offers great value for money, and its cabin is spacious and well-appointed, but it’s fundamentally a city-focused EV. For your usage, especially with 80% of your running on highways and the fast, open conditions of Hyderabad’s ORR, the BYD Atto 3 is the more suitable choice.The MG Windsor’s ride is on the firmer, brittle side, and it lets in a fair bit of road noise, which becomes tiring at higher speeds. In contrast, the Atto 3 is noticeably better insulated, feels more planted at speed, and generally drives like a segment-above product. It’s also more refined overall and offers significantly more range- an important factor given your monthly 2,000km usage.So yes, for your specific requirement, the extra Rs 7 lakh for the Atto 3 is justified.

BYD Atto 3

MG Windsor

Autocar India

•13w

The Skoda Kodiaq is an excellent car - it feels great to drive with a fantastic engine-gearbox combination, and tidy driving manners. Additionally, its interior is solidly built, the seats feel plush, and overall, the Kodiaq feels very luxurious. Go for it.The BYD Sealion 7 is a great alternative, and it truly feels like BYD's flagship product. However, you will need to plan periodic stops with any EV to recharge its battery on your highway drives, which isn't going to be a concern with a petrol-powered Kodiaq.

Skoda Kodiaq

BYD Sealion 7