The debate rages on but it is clear that days of diesel SUVs are numbered and while petrol is currently the flavour of the season, EVs and hybrids are climbing up the popularity charts. The Indian luxury automobile segment currently has more options than at the mass market level with a greater number of luxury buyers willing to jump onto the EV bandwagon. On the other side, hybrids are also being added to make petrol engines more efficient along with having a smoother driving experience.


Within the sub 1 crore category, the Lexus NX is the only strong hybrid luxury SUV and the C40 from Volvo is another strong EV alternative from the Swedish brand. For prospective buyers, these two represent more interesting options and there is plenty to pore over the facts regarding these two.


The C40 Recharge shows how Volvo is looking at EVs only and is marching towards its eventual goal of only selling them. In fact, the C40 Recharge is actually one of their most desirable cars because of how it embraces electric power while transforming its driving experience. The dual motor layout and the 78kwh battery pack bring in serious speed and range which makes driving smoother and cheaper too!

You would be easily able to get more than 450km to 500 with the official range around 530km which means you can drive around for a week without actually needing a charge or even do road trips one way! The extra range over the XC40 Recharge makes a lot of sense and elevates its desirability. The other impressive bit is the speed. 408bhp and 660Nm is deployed easily and you are literally hurled onto the horizon with sheer speed not seen elsewhere at this price. It is seriously quick and holds down the power well too. The C40 Recharge is clearly a driver's car with its firm ride and the tight rear seat space but the gorgeous coupe-like design plus the range along with the performance means that it is perhaps one of the best EVs you can get.


Hence, enough incentive to go EV but the hybrid is also here which brings in another side of the coin. The Lexus NX is a calm, comforting SUV that sips petrol like a hatchback. The strong hybrid setup here means you can amble along in EV mode and it is much more efficient as a result. The focus here though on comfort and a smooth driving experience as the 2.5l petrol chips in when needed.

You never know when the engine comes in though and the 243hp combined output is tuned for a linear power delivery while the light steering is perfect too. The eCVT gearbox is for laid-back driving and cruising which it does best and for city use, it is something which many will endear with. The NX also has a superb interior with craftsmanship and features along with the space on offer. The massive touchscreen is one of the biggest and a big change over the earlier Lexus cars.


In short, the EV vs hybrid debate stretches to what kind of car you like and the C40 Recharge for example will wow you with its looks, performance along with the range which seriously increases the practicality quotient of EVs. At this price, this will tempt many and is showing how EVs can change range anxiety. For those who need more space and comfort, the NX veers towards a combination of electric and petrol for convenience. These two currently occupy the Rs 60-75 lakh price bracket and offer two rather different choices for the buyers while making a strong case for each.


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