BMW X5

The BMW X5 is the car that more or less defined the luxury SUV as we know it, and the current G05 generation keeps that reputation intact in India. It blends genuine off-tarmac ability with the road manners of a sports sedan, wrapped in a cabin that feels properly premium. Sold here with smooth straight-six petrol and diesel engines, all-wheel drive and a long features list, it competes head-on with the established German rivals.

On the road the X5 strikes a balance that few large SUVs manage. The standard adaptive air suspension soaks up broken city roads and expansion joints with quiet composure, yet the body stays remarkably flat when you push through a set of corners. The steering is accurate and nicely weighted, and despite the SUV's size you never feel like you're wrestling it. Both engines are gems: the 3.0-litre diesel is the pick for most buyers thanks to its effortless 650 Nm of torque and relaxed long-distance gait, while the petrol feels keener at higher revs. The eight-speed automatic is smooth and quick to respond.

Inside, the cabin is the X5's strongest suit. Material quality is excellent, the front seats are supportive over long hauls, and the curved twin-screen display running BMW's latest software looks modern and is reasonably easy to learn. Rear-seat space is generous for two adults, with good knee room and a comfortable backrest angle, though the middle seat is best left for short trips. The boot is large and usefully square, with a split tailgate that doubles as a handy perch.

There are some things to weigh up. This is strictly a five-seater in India, so families wanting a third row will need to look elsewhere or at the larger X7. Running costs and service bills are predictably steep, and the firmer optional wheel-and-tyre packages can introduce a bit of low-speed fidget over sharp bumps. The infotainment, while feature-rich, has migrated many functions to the touchscreen, which takes some getting used to.

Reliability and the dealer experience are generally strong, and resale value holds up well against rivals. For a buyer who wants one vehicle that can handle the daily commute, the occasional highway blast and the odd rough patch of road, the X5 makes a very convincing all-rounder.