The entry-level luxury SUV space is exclusively German, at least for combustion engine options
Volvo XC40, which was launched in India in 2018, has come to the end of its five-year journey in the country. The SUV received its final update in 2022 with the launch of its pure electric version, the XC40 Recharge. The decision to discontinue the XC40 was based on the market response towards electric vehicles (EVs). In its final phase, the XC40 was priced at Rs 46.40 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India). In the entry-level luxury SUV segment, Volvo was the only non-German option. However, for petrol or diesel engine options in this price range, the choices are limited to the usual German trio. Let’s take a look at these alternatives:
Audi Q3/Q3 Sportback
Price Range: Rs 46.27 lakh to Rs 52.97 lakh
The latest generation Audi Q3, introduced in India in 2022, is available only as a petrol variant. It comes in two body styles: the Q3 and the Q3 Sportback (SUV-coupe). The Q3 is equipped with features like a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.25-inch driver’s display, dual-zone climate control, powered front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. In terms of safety, it offers six airbags, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), front and rear parking sensors with a rear-view camera, and ISOFIX child seat anchorages. The Q3 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine (190PS/320Nm) coupled with a Quattro all-wheel-drive system and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
BMW X1
Price Range: Rs 45.90 lakh to Rs 51.60 lakh
The third-generation BMW X1, launched in India in early 2023, is locally assembled and offered with both petrol and diesel engine options. It comes in three variants: sDrive18i xLine, sDrive18d M Sport, and sDrive18i M Sport. The X1 features a curved integrated screen setup with a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display and a 10.7-inch infotainment system. Other features include a 12-speaker Harman Kardon Surround Sound audio system, active seats for the driver and front passenger, multiple airbags, cornering brake control (CBC), ABS with brake assist, and driver-assistance systems like lane departure warning, front collision warning, and manual speed limit assist. The X1 is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine (136PS/230Nm) and a 2.0-litre diesel engine (150PS/360Nm), both paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Mercedes-Benz GLA
Price Range: Rs 48.50 lakh to Rs 52.70 lakh
Price for AMG GLA 35 4MATIC: Rs 63.50 lakh
The current generation of the Mercedes-Benz GLA, launched in 2021, is yet to receive any major updates. The latest generation is expected to arrive in India soon. The GLA offers a range of features such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.25-inch driver’s display, dual-zone AC, powered front seats with memory function, panoramic sunroof, 64-color ambient lighting, seven airbags, electronic stability program (ESP), and active brake assist. It is available with both petrol and diesel engine options: a 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine (163PS/250Nm) and a 2.0-litre diesel engine (190PS/400Nm). The petrol variant comes with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, while the diesel variant offers an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. The diesel variant is also available with an optional all-wheel drive system. The GLA also has a performance version called the AMG GLA 35 4MATIC, which is powered by a more powerful 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine (306PS/400Nm) and mated to an 8-speed DCT.
Special Mention
Mini Cooper Countryman
Price Range: Rs 48.10 lakh to Rs 49 lakh
Although it is not a typical SUV, the Mini Countryman can be considered as an alternative to the discontinued Volvo XC40. The Countryman, which was introduced in India in 2018, is available in two variants: Cooper S and Cooper S JCW Inspired. It comes with features like an 8.8-inch touchscreen, a powered tailgate, wireless phone charging, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, and safety features like six airbags, 3-point seatbelts for all passengers, reversing camera, and cornering brake control. The Mini Countryman is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine delivering 181PS and 280Nm of torque. It is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and can accelerate from 0 to 100kmph in 7.5 seconds. The successor to the Countryman is expected to be an electric vehicle as Mini is transitioning to an electric lineup.
These are the available alternatives to the discontinued Volvo XC40. However, if you still prefer a small Volvo SUV, you can choose from the two EV versions: the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge, priced at Rs 56.90 lakh and Rs 62.95 lakh respectively (both ex-showroom).
Read More on : Volvo XC40 Automatic