Yanam

•3d

I have been eyeing the BMW 330i LWB for quite some time. The recent launch of Lexus ES 350 has got me thinking. My primary requirement is a chauffer driven car, with rear seat space, comfort and luxury. How advantageous is Lexus over the BMW in terms of overall cost of ownership?

•3m

For a primarily chauffeur-driven requirement with rear seat space, comfort and luxury as the top priorities, the Lexus ES 350h is the more compelling choice. The ES 350h is a full-size luxury sedan with a genuinely spacious rear seat, excellent ride comfort and a very refined hybrid powertrain that delivers a smooth, quiet and effortless experience. The hybrid system also brings a clear advantage in terms of fuel efficiency, especially in city driving, which helps keep running costs lower over the long term.

The BMW 330i LWB is a very good car and the long-wheelbase version does offer improved rear seat space, but it is still fundamentally a driver's car at heart. The rear seat is comfortable, but it does not quite match the sheer space, comfort and sense of occasion that the Lexus offers. The BMW's turbo petrol engine is also less efficient in city driving and overall running costs are likely to be higher over a long ownership period.

Where the BMW car does have an advantage is in driving dynamics and overall engagement, but for a chauffeur-driven brief that is less relevant. The Lexus car also has a strong reputation for reliability and ownership experience, which further strengthens its case.

Overall, the Lexus ES 350h is the better fit for your requirements. It offers a more spacious and comfortable rear seat, lower running costs thanks to the hybrid system and a more relaxed and luxurious ownership experience. The BMW 330i LWB remains a very good car, but it is better suited to buyers who want to spend more time behind the wheel.

Explore cars mentioned

Lexus

from ₹75.03 Lakh

BMW

3 Series LWB

from ₹71.17 Lakh

More posts on similar cars

•10h

Hi Autocar Professionals, I’m 23 years old and currently confused between two options: 1. Mahindra XUV 7XO AX Petrol Manual - brand new 2. Jeep Compass model S Diesel Automatic (2022 model) - used I frequently travel between Bangalore and Jabalpur, so highway performance, long-distance comfort, reliability, fuel economy and maintenance are important for me. At the same time, since I’m 23, I also want something fun to drive and engaging. Which one would you personally recommend for my usage and age? Also, considering the long-term ownership costs and the frequent Bangalore-Jabalpur trips, which would be the smarter choice? Would love your honest, unbiased opinion. I'm an IT professional

•6h

Since you're open to a used vehicle, why not consider a Mahindra XUV700 diesel instead? You should be able to find a 3 or 4-year-old example at around 17-18 lakhs, which is a similar price to a new XUV 7XO petrol-manual version. Remember, the diesel XUV 700 will be far more fuel-efficient overall, and it is well-suited for long-distance touring. Try getting a lightly used car, preferably still covered by the factory warranty.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

•8h

MG's ZS EV and Tata's Nexon EV keep getting cross-shopped despite being fairly different in size and positioning. Why do buyers even put these two in the same comparison list.

•1d

I currently own a September 2019 Kia Seltos HTX IVT (petrol), which has covered around 73,000 km without any issues, despite a major accident at 17,000 km. I am now thinking of buying a new car. My first preference is the Tata Safari petrol. However, after seeing the recent results and user reviews of the Tata Harrier EV, I am in a dilemma about whether I should buy the Harrier EV or the Safari petrol, or wait for the Safari EV.

•5h

Recommendation: Tata Safari petrol for now, rather than the Harrier EV. Since your 2019 Seltos has already done 73,000km without major mechanical issues, there is no urgent need to move to an EV simply because the Harrier EV is newer. The Safari petrol gives you the larger, more comfortable SUV you are looking for, along with a conventional powertrain that is easier to live with if you plan to keep the car for many years.The Harrier EV is the more attractive proposition if you have home charging and do substantial running, particularly in the city. It offers excellent performance, refinement, ride comfort and a premium cabin. However, it is still too early to call it the safer long-term ownership choice.

Tata Safari

Tata Harrier EV

View all Posts

Expert reviews worth reading

Popular discussions right now

•1d

I currently drive a Grand i10 Manual petrol and am now planning to buy a new compact SUV that is comfortable, fuel efficient and has low maintenance. My usage is 35km of daily office commute in Delhi-NCR traffic. Please advice which option is best fit amongst Hyundai Venue HX 6T, SONET HTK+O and XUV 3XO.

•1d

Go for the Hyundai Venue. With your daily 35km commute in Delhi NCR traffic, comfort and low maintenance are key, and the Venue delivers on both. The 1.2 NA petrol is smooth, refined and easy to drive in stop-start conditions, while Hyundai’s service network and ownership experience are among the best in the segment. The HX6T variant also gives you a good balance of features without pushing the budget too far.The Sonet HTK+O is mechanically very similar, but the Venue is a newer model and offers a more spacious cabin. The XUV 3XO is also a good option, but its turbo petrol engine won't be as efficient as the Hyundai’s.Overall, the Venue is the most sensible upgrade from your Grand i10 for daily city use.

I am planning to buy a new car under 20-25 lakh for the next ten years. I have considered two cars Seltos DCT GTX(A) and Kushaq 1.5 Monte Carlo DSG but am afraid of the mileage and if I go with an EV, I am afraid that infrastructure will not be that good. I drive daily for 10-15 km and take 2-3 trips in a year on highway. Should I buy the car now or wait for Seltos Hybrid? Will it cost an additional 2-3 lakh or will it be value for money for my driving. Should I consider another car?

•4d

With a daily running of just 10-15 km and only a few highway trips a year, fuel efficiency and long-term reliability should be your top priorities. The Seltos DCT GTX+ and Kushaq 1.5 DSG Monte Carlo are both excellent cars, but their turbo-petrol engines and dual-clutch gearboxes are not the most efficient or the most stress-free choices for predominantly short city runs. The DCT/DSG gearboxes are at their best on open roads, and in stop-start city traffic they can feel a bit jerky and are not as smooth or as durable as a torque converter automatic over the long term.The Seltos hybrid is worth waiting for if you are not in a hurry. It is expected to be priced roughly Rs. 2-3 lakh above the equivalent petrol variant, and for your usage pattern it will make more sense than the turbo-petrol DCT. Hybrids deliver their biggest efficiency gains in city driving, and over a 10-year ownership period the fuel savings and smoother driving experience will more than justify the premium.If you want to buy now, the Kia Seltos IVT (naturally aspirated petrol with CVT) is the better choice for your usage. It is smooth, reliable and well suited to city driving, and you will not be paying a premium for performance you will rarely use. The Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI with the torque converter automatic is another good option if you prefer a more engaging driving experience, but the Seltos IVT is the more refined and hassle-free choice.EVs are not the right fit for you at the moment given your concerns about charging infrastructure and your low daily running. The savings are not significant enough to justify the compromises.

Kia Seltos

Skoda Kushaq

•5d

I’m planning to buy my first car and would appreciate some suggestions. My budget is around Rs. 13-15 lakh ex-showroom, and I’m planning to register the car under the BH series. Safety is my top priority, so I strongly prefer a car with a 5-star safety rating, preferably from Global NCAP. An automatic transmission is a must. The car will mainly be used for weekend family trips and highway drives rather than daily commuting. Since it will be a family car, I’d prefer something that looks classy and elegant while offering good comfort. A premium-looking interior would be a plus, and features such as leather/leatherette upholstery and ventilated seats would be nice to have, but they aren't deal-breakers. At the same time, I don’t want a car that is purely comfort-oriented. I enjoy driving, so I’d like something with a good engine, enjoyable handling, and a fun-to-drive character. Good rear-seat comfort and reasonable luggage space for family trips would also be appreciated.

•4d

Based on your requirements, the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI automatic is the recommendation. It strikes the right balance between safety, driving enjoyment and family usability. The 1.0 TSI engine is strong, the handling is engaging, and the car feels solid and confidence-inspiring on the highway. The interior feels premium, and while it may not be the largest in its segment, overall comfort is quite good. If you prefer the look of the VW Taigun, it offers largely the same experience as the Kushaq. The Renault Duster 1.3 DCT is also a strong alternative, offering excellent driving dynamics and a larger cabin. Overall, though, the Kushaq 1.0 TSI automatic is the car that best aligns with your requirements.

Skoda Kushaq

Volkswagen Taigun

Renault Duster

View all Posts