BMW in India (9)

autocar.india

•3w

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.

Lexus ES

BMW 3 Series LWB

autocar.india

•5w

Yes, a brand-new 2025-manufactured Audi A6 Technology at Rs 56 lakh on-road (BH) is a good deal, but try knocking off a couple more lakhs. The A6 is a well-rounded luxury sedan in the segment, offering a refined petrol engine, excellent ride comfort and a genuinely premium cabin experience. At this price, you are getting a significant discount over the usual on-road price, which makes it a strong value proposition.Your usage pattern of 10,000 km a year with 70-80% highway driving with a family of four suits the A6 very well. The car is comfortable, stable at speed and has enough space for long family trips. The fact that it is a 2025-manufactured, unregistered car means you are not compromising on age or warranty either.Alternatives at a similar price point would belong to a lower segment, such as the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. However, neither is likely to be available at this level of discount.Overall, at Rs 56 lakh on-road, the A6 Technology is a strong buy.

Audi A6

BMW 3 Series

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

autocar.india

•7w

The BMW 3 Series M Sport Pro at Rs. 70 lakh on-road is a reasonable deal, though not an outright bargain. It remains one of the most engaging luxury sedans to drive, thanks to its strong performance, well-balanced chassis, and genuinely premium cabin. For a first luxury car, it is a very satisfying choice.As for ground clearance, the version sold in India is capable of clearing most speed breakers and potholes without scraping. In fact, it is well-suited to cross-country trips as well. With sensible driving and a bit of care, it can handle most highways and rural roads with ease.

BMW 3 Series

autocar.india

•7w

Within a budget of Rs. 70 lakh, the BMW 3 Series is one of the best choices. However, if ground clearance is a concern, an SUV would be the more practical option. Equivalent SUVs such as the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC will require stretching the budget by another Rs. 10-15 lakh. Otherwise, the alternatives will have to come from a segment below.Since comfort is a priority, it would be worth waiting for the upcoming BMW X1 Long Wheelbase, which is set to launch on 21 August. As it will be assembled in India, pricing is expected to remain competitive and within your budget.The Audi Q3 and Q3 Sportback are also worth considering. They offer a refined petrol engine, smooth performance, and a high-quality cabin. Their only drawback is that they are not the most modern in terms of features. With the new-generation Q3 expected to arrive soon, attractive discounts on the current models are also likely.

BMW 3 Series

BMW 3 Series LWB

Audi Q3

Audi Q3 Sportback

Mercedes-Benz GLC

autocar.india

•8w

Sadly, there is no luxury sedan car within this price bracket. You will have to stretch your budget by at least Rs 10 lakh to get a BMW 2-Series or even a Toyota Camry Hybrid. If you're lucky, you might find a dealer selling an unsold Audi A4 at a heavy discount. However, chances are, you will certainly have to pay more than Rs 40 lakh for it.

BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe

Toyota Camry

Audi A4