BMW 3 Series LWB

autocar.india

•11w

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

autocar.india

•15w

The BMW 3 Series is the better all-rounder as it delivers the best balance between driver engagement and everyday usability. The 330Li in particular offers a great mix of performance, comfort, and space — it’s genuinely enjoyable to drive, rides well, and has a far roomier and more comfortable rear seat than the Mercedes C-Class. In comparison, the C-Class’s back seat feels cramped with limited under-thigh support, which can be an issue on longer drives.The C200 petrol variant feels a bit underwhelming in performance next to the 330Li, though the newer C300 comes closer in pace and overall polish. That said, the BMW still feels more dynamic and planted, thanks to its excellent chassis and steering.Ground clearance on both is low by luxury sedan standards, so speed breakers need to be taken with care. In terms of resale, the 3-series generally holds it value well in this segment, and ownership costs are broadly comparable. Overall, the BMW 3 Series 330Li strikes a nicer balance of driving fun, comfort, and practicality, making it the more rounded choice for your usage.

BMW 3 Series LWB

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

autocar.india

•16w

Choose the BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine 330Li M Sport (petrol). It delivers engaging dynamics and a clear luxury upgrade over your Compass, while staying under Rs 70 lakh.With your 800 km/month, petrol is the right pick for smooth, quiet performance and low hassle. As an enthusiast, you’ll feel the step up in steering feel and balance compared to the Jeep Compass 4x4, yet the long‑wheelbase cabin keeps it comfortable for daily use. Within your Rs 70 lakh budget, the M Sport trim delivers the premium fit-finish you’d expect from a top model, along with 6 airbags and strong active safety features. BMW’s warranty can be extended to 6 years, which keeps ownership predictable. Confirm current pricing and package availability with your dealer.The 330Li also rides quite well and doesn't have the hard-edged ride of your Compass. You do have to watch out for speed breakers, though, as the ground clearance is low.If you expect frequent rough roads or prefer a higher seating position, consider the Audi Q5 45 TFSI Technology instead. It rides quite well, has good ground clearance, and its quattro traction inspires confidence without crossing your Rs 70 lakh cap.

Audi Q5

BMW 3 Series LWB

Jeep Compass

autocar.india

•15w

Go for the Mercedes‑Benz C‑Class C200 with ARTICO upholstery. In Indian heat and humidity, it resists cracking and dye transfer better than the A4’s or 3 Series’ leather options, making upkeep simpler.You specifically worry about leather ageing like your old A3, and ARTICO (a high‑grade synthetic) copes far better with 55°C+ cabin temperatures and 70-90% monsoon humidity than natural hides. It only needs a mild wipe every 2-3 months, rather than conditioning, so routine care takes about 10 minutes instead of a full detail. The grain and dye on darker ARTICO shades also hide creases and denim transfers better over 2-4 years of daily use. Do confirm the exact upholstery on your chosen C200 trim, as Mercedes often fits ARTICO on most Indian variants.The one thing you give up is the soft, natural leather feel and patina. ARTICO can feel a bit firmer and less breathable on longer drives compared with real leather. If you really want a genuine leather feel and are willing to condition it every 4-6 months, consider the BMW 3 Series 330Li M Sport with Vernasca leather instead.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

BMW 3 Series LWB

autocar.india

•19w

It's hard to guide you to the perfect fit without knowing more about your requirements and your budget. However, assuming it's a sedan that you are keen on, the ideal upgrade from a 2018 Skoda Superb would be a BMW 3 Series LWB. The long wheelbase opens up lots of legroom at the back, which is something you'd be used to from the Superb. The 3 Series LWB also delivers on ride comfort and is also very nice to drive. The 330Li petrol is particularly impressive. Further up the price ladder, there's the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The interior is not just spacious but very well appointed, and feels properly luxurious. Refinement is fantastic too, and there are loads of features and tech packed into the model as well.

BMW 3 Series LWB

Mercedes-Benz E-Class