Autocar India
•36w

Hello, Autocar. I am currently in the market to buy a new car and am thoroughly confused between the M340i and the new 5 Series. I will be upgrading from a Mercedes-Benz C 300d AMG Line diesel. While the M340i has the beastly B58, the thing holding me back is that it doesn't feel like a segment upgrade compared to my current C-Class. With the 5 Series, the size and opulence make it feel like a solid upgrade, but it has pretty much the same power as my C and lesser torque. Thanks.

Verified
•35w
Your decision on which BMW car to buy depends on what you value more. The BMW 5 Series, as you rightly identified, is the larger and more opulent car. It is roomier inside, too, but it is essentially a model that prioritises comfort over driving thrills. The engine feels strong when pushed, but the overarching experience is that of a car designed to deliver a calming experience. 

The BMW M340i is the performance choice. The B58 engine is one of the modern-day greats and will thrill you for years to come. Slick handling and an improved ride with the facelift make the M340i hard to fault as an everyday fun car. Sure, it's no larger than the Mercedes-Benz C 300d you are switching from, but if driving pleasure is high up on your priority list, the M340i is easily the BMW for you.    
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More questions on similar cars

•3d

Hi Autocar team, I'm buying my first luxury sedan and have shortlisted the newly launched Lexus ES350h, BMW 530Li LWB and Mercedes E-Class LWB. I plan to keep the car for 10-12 years, so reliability, comfort, refinement and low ownership costs matter more to me than outright performance. If all three had the same badge, I'd choose the Lexus. However, the BMW and especially the Mercedes have much stronger brand recognition in India, and my family feels that matters at this price point. The Mercedes is also around 20 lakh more expensive than the Lexus on-road. Given my priorities, would you still recommend the Lexus, or do the BMW/Mercedes offer enough additional ownership satisfaction over the long term to justify the higher price?

Verified
•2d

Given your priorities of long-term ownership, reliability, comfort and low running costs, the Lexus ES Hybrid 350h is the most sensible choice. The hybrid powertrain is refined, efficient and well-proven, and Lexus has a strong reputation for reliability and low ownership costs over a 10-12 year period. The new-generation ES that's just been launched is also a genuinely comfortable and luxurious car, with a focus on refinement and rear-seat comfort that suits your usage perfectly.The BMW 530Li LWB and Mercedes E-Class are both excellent cars, and the Mercedes in particular has the strongest brand pull in India. However, as you've pointed out, the E-Class is significantly more expensive than the well-priced Lexus. Similarly, the BMW 530Li LWB is priced higher and offers a more engaging driving experience, but that does not seem to be your primary requirement.If you are genuinely happy with the Lexus as a product, we would not let brand perception override that decision. The ES 350h is a genuinely premium car, and over a decade of ownership, the satisfaction of a reliable, comfortable and refined car will matter far more than the badge on the bonnet.

VehicleBMW 5 Series LWB
VehicleMercedes-Benz E-Class
•1w

I am looking at a used 2022 Triumph Trident or a used 2016 Triumph Street Triple. Which used model is more worthwhile in terms of after-sales service, maintenance, and safety on the road in 2026?

Verified
•4h

A 2016 Triumph Street Triple 675 will likely be more maintenance intensive than a 2022 Trident 660. Sourcing parts for a discontinued model is also a taxing and expensive affair. There's no doubt that the triple will be more thrilling to ride but be prepared to shell out more to keep it running.

•1d

I’m buying my first car and am still learning to drive. My monthly running will be around 500-600 km, with most of my driving in Mumbai city and occasional weekend highway trips. I plan to keep the car for the next 8-10 years. I was initially considering the Hyundai Venue HX 8 Automatic Petrol, but I dropped the plan because it does not offer a panoramic sunroof. Now I’m confused between the Hyundai Creta S(O) and the Kia Seltos HTK(O) 1.5 NA Petrol Automatic. The Creta S(O) is around Rs. 1 lakh cheaper than the Seltos HTK(O), but the additional features offered by the Seltos are tempting. Which one would you recommend for my requirements?

Verified
•9h

Go for the Kia Seltos IVT. It is based on a newer platform than the Creta and is bigger inside and out. For your usage and ownership plan, it is the sensible choice. The 1.5 naturally aspirated petrol paired with the IVT is smooth, reliable and well suited to city driving, and as you mentioned, the Kia has the extra features you want. While it does cost more, it does give you more for the money. The Creta is also due for a full model change in 2027, so you are buying a car that is closer to the end of its lifecycle, but that is not a deal breaker given Hyundai's strong aftersales support and the fact that the mechanical package is proven and reliable.

VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleHyundai Creta

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Popular discussions right now

•1w

I am looking to upgrade from my Hyundai Creta to a 7-seater SUV. My annual running is only around 6,000 km, and my budget is up to Rs. 25 lakh. Is the Hyundai Alcazar a good option for my usage? I have also considered the Mahindra XUV 7XO and Tata Safari, but I am concerned about their relatively low fuel efficiency. Which 7-seater SUV would you recommend?

Verified
•6d

With a yearly running of just 6,000km, petrol is the sensible choice, and the Hyundai Alcazar is a good option. It is a comfortable, easy-to-drive family SUV with a hassle-free ownership experience, and the 1.5 turbo petrol engine paired with the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic is powerful enough and relatively efficient too. Plus, since you're coming from a Creta, you'll be familiar with the Hyundai network and could even ask for a loyalty discount. However, the Alcazar’s third row is not as spacious as some larger cars in the segment, so if you genuinely need a proper 7-seater, it may not be the ideal solution. What's more, if your Creta is the 2020 or newer model, you'll find the Alcazar perhaps a little too familiar on the inside.The Mahindra XUV 7XO, Tata Safari and MG Hector Plus are good options that offer more space. However, as you have noted, they're not fuel efficient at all, and moreover, in your budget, you will only get a low to mid-spec variant, whereas you will get a fully-loaded Alcazar. Another option to consider, though not an SUV, is the Kia Carens Clavis. Its MPV shape is more space-efficient, and you actually get more passenger and luggage room than the Alcazar, with the same efficient engines, for around the same price.

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•5d

Hi, my brother and I are planning to buy a new family car. Our budget is RS. 10 lakh, and our maximum monthly running will be around 500 km. Our priorities are a reliable engine, good performance, and fuel efficiency. Please suggest the best all-rounder car within our budget.

Verified
•4d

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is the most sensible recommendation here. It is spacious enough for family use, has a proven and reliable engine, and is one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its segment. Maruti’s service network and low maintenance costs also make it a very easy car to own over the long term.If you prefer a sedan, the Honda Amaze is worth considering. Honda’s engines are known for their reliability and refinement, and the Amaze is a comfortable and well-built sedan.Overall, the Baleno is the most balanced choice. It offers the best combination of space, efficiency, reliability and low running costs, which is exactly what you need given your usage and budget.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Baleno
VehicleHonda Amaze
•6d

Which car should I buy for a maximum monthly usage of 500 km? It will be used mostly by a 60-year-old person and his wife.

Verified
•5d

Given your requirements, the focus should be on ease of use, comfort and long-term reliability rather than performance. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is the most sensible choice here. It is easy to drive, has a comfortable ride, a spacious cabin and it is easy to get in and out of. It is also extremely reliable and inexpensive to maintain, which is important for long-term ownership. The petrol engine is smooth and efficient, and with your low low monthly running, there is no need to consider diesel, hybrid or EV options. If you prefer a slightly higher seating position for better visibility, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx is a good alternative, offering the same reliability and ease of ownership in a more SUV-like package. Both cars are easy to manoeuvre in the city, comfortable on occasional highway runs and backed by Maruti’s extensive service network, making them ideal for your usage.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Baleno
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Fronx

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Posted on: 22 Nov 2025