Cars are getting increasingly expensive; for example, the top variant of a sub-4-metre SUV like the Tata Nexon costs Rs. 17.50 lakh (on-road in Mumbai), and that’s becoming the norm.
But what if the same amount could buy you something bigger, cooler, more capable, and more luxurious? Something like a German SUV, perhaps? With that in mind, here are six German SUVs you can buy for the price of a brand-new top-spec Tata Nexon.
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Audi Q7
The Audi Q7 is an excellent, mile-munching full-size SUV and a great option for families. This has a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine that produces 245 bhp and 600 Nm of torque. Even with these power figures, it still delivers an ARAI-claimed mileage of 14.75 km/l.
This three-row SUV has done 1.25 lakh kilometres and is a first-owner car. Manufactured in June 2016, this car is over 10 years old. The Q7 has a decent feature list, including an 8-inch infotainment screen, an analogue tachometer and a small digital instrument cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, air suspension, and four-zone climate control, among others.
It is listed for sale at Rs. 18.49 lakh, a bit higher than a new top-end Nexon.
Skoda Kodiaq
The Kodiaq L&K with the 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine was a no-nonsense choice for those who wanted a comfortable, luxurious mile-muncher. We have found a model for you with this engine and AWD.
The 2.0-litre diesel engine was quite efficient, with an ARAI-claimed mileage of 16.25 km/l; paired with a 7-speed DSG, it shifted quickly. The Kodiaq was offered with DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control), which let you choose how soft or stiff you wanted the suspension: cruise comfortably in comfort mode, then throw the Kodiaq through corners in sport mode and enjoy the true essence of a German car.
The Kodiaq comes with a strong list of features, including a panoramic sunroof, an 8-inch touchscreen, a 10-speaker Canton audio system, park assist, a 360-degree camera, powered front seats, door-edge protectors, and nine airbags, among others.
It is listed for sale at Rs. 17.99 lakh.
Mercedes-Benz GL
The predecessor to the GLS was a staple in the garages of many powerful and wealthy people. We have found a that has driven 95,000 kms. Manufactured in June 2015, it’s an 11-year-old model.
It has a 7-inch infotainment screen, Bluetooth connectivity, eight speakers, a 360-degree camera, and a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine that makes 258 bhp and 619 Nm of torque, mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission.
The equipment list might not seem fancy, but you buy it for the overall experience of owning a luxury car that sits rock steady on the highway. The 19-inch rims are painted black and don’t come in that shade from the factory.
This three-row SUV is listed for Rs. 15.55 lakh.
Volkswagen T-Roc
Volkswagen replaced the T-Roc with the locally made Taigun. The T-Roc was sold as a CBU model in India, priced close to Rs. 27 lakh. has driven 89,475 kilometres; it gets the same engine as the Taigun, producing 148 bhp and 250 Nm of torque with the 7-speed DSG gearbox.
It did not, however, get a panoramic sunroof; the Taigun got that in its recent facelift. This car represents true European quality, thanks to higher-grade materials, compared to the heavily localised Taigun.
Maintenance will be slightly more expensive than other VWs because the parts need to be flown in from Germany.
It is listed for sale at Rs. 13 lakh.
Skoda Karoq
Beyond the styling and features, the T-Roc and Karoq share the same underpinnings. As a Skoda, the Karoq is more comfort-oriented than its sibling, the T-Roc, which prioritises the driving experience.
has driven 89,000 kilometres and uses the same powertrain as the T-Roc, producing the same power. Here are the features the Karoq has over the T-Roc: nine airbags, ambient lighting, an eight- speaker audio system, voice control, a 12-way powered driver’s seat with memory function, a bigger boot (521 litres), and it is 100 mm longer than the T-Roc.
It is listed for sale at Rs. 15 lakh.
BMW X6
The SUV that started the coupe-SUV revolution. has done 1.10 lakh kilometres. The 3.0-litre inline 6-cylinder diesel engine makes 232 bhp and 520 Nm, sending power to all four wheels via the xDrive AWD system. It is a 2009 car, so expect the features to be a bit outdated.
But you don’t buy this car for its spec sheet. You buy it for the driving experience: This is a heart-over-mind decision—one only the very brave make.
It is listed for sale at just Rs. 9.75 lakh.
Used Luxury Cars: What MotorOctane Says
If you choose any of these used cars over a new Tata Nexon, be prepared for a potentially higher maintenance expense. It is best to set aside a reasonable budget for any unforeseen repairs. However, these German SUVs can offer a driving experience that the Nexon simply cannot match. So, if you are looking for a more exciting car for this money, you can definitely explore these options.