BMW 3 Series LWB

autocar.india

•2w

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

•2w

Since you prefer a diesel car and have performance as a priority, the BMW 3 Series in its 320Ld guise fits the job perfectly. It is excellent to drive, has a punchy but refined engine and surprisingly strong efficiency. The boot is also generous, although not as much as an SUV, but at this price, the practicality is very good. The only things to consider would be the low ground clearance. The driving dynamics, comfort and features are excellent, and it has fantastic touring capabilities.

BMW 3 Series LWB

autocar.india

•2w

With a monthly running of around 1,800km, a diesel makes sense. Unfortunately, you aren't spoilt for choice and under Rs 80 lakh, the only premium car is the BMW 3 Series LWB. This BMW car comes with a 2.0-litre diesel engine that is strong, refined and efficient, and the 3 Series strikes a good balance between comfort and driving enjoyment. It is also a genuinely practical family sedan with a spacious cabin and a large boot, making it easy to live with on long journeys. The rear seat is particularly spacious, and the engine is smooth. For an extra Rs 10 lakh, you get the BMW X3, which gets the same engine but in an SUV form factor with much better ground clearance. If you can stretch your budget, the newer X3 would be a good choice, but if you need to stick to Rs 80 lakh, the 320 Ld would be our recommendation.

BMW 3 Series LWB

BMW X3

autocar.india

•3w

If you like the 330Li but struggling with long-distance comfort, the issue is likely more about seat ergonomics than the car itself. The 330Li is a fantastic driver’s car, but its seats are on the firmer side and the lumbar support adjustment isn’t as generous as some rivals, which can lead to lower back discomfort over longer drives.For your budget of Rs. 60 lakh, the best alternative is the Audi A6. It’s a class above the 3 Series, and while the on-road price typically starts from around Rs. 75 lakh depending on the city, there are significant discounts available. With some negotiation, you should be able to bring it close to your Rs. 60 lakh budget.The A6 offers a much more comfort-focused experience. The ride is plush, the seats are more accommodating, and the higher profile tyres add an extra layer of cushioning on bad roads. It’s not as engaging to drive as the BMW car, but it does address exactly the kind of comfort issue you’re facing.Before making the switch though, it’s still worth trying to fine-tune the seat settings in your 330Li or even using a good lumbar support cushion, as that alone can sometimes solve the problem.

Audi A6

BMW 3 Series LWB

autocar.india

•15w

The greatest advantage of the BMW 3 Series LWB is its dual nature. It is excellent to drive, embodying those typical 3 Series traits of sharp steering, near 50:50 weight distribution, a taut chassis and rear-wheel drive. However, owing to its long wheelbase, it provides an excellent chauffeur driven experience too, with a spacious back seat and a surprisingly pliant and comfortable ride. The advantage here is of choice - unlike its bigger sibling, the 5 Series, the 3 Series LWB is available with a petrol engine (330Li) and a diesel engine option (320Ld), both of which come with the M Sport exterior and interior styling pack. Which you choose is dependent on your usage. If you have heavy highway usage regularly, only then would we recommend the 320Ld, as that's where you'll see the main benefit, which is fuel economy. Such driving will also allow you to regenerate the DPF regularly, which is a necessity in modern diesel cars. If that's not your use case, we would stick to the 330Li petrol, which is slightly more affordable too. The powerful and smooth 258hp engine is well suited to a sharp-handling sedan like the 3 Series, and it is the more refined option as well. Yes, fuel efficiency won't be as good, but if used mostly in the city and driven carefully, the real-world gap is not that much.

BMW 3 Series LWB