BMW 3 Series

autocar.india

•1d

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

•1d

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

•38w

The BMW 3 Series in its 330Li guise offers a fantastic balance of luxury and performance as compared to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The long-wheelbase aids more room in the rear seat, the quality of materials is good, and the performance is excellent. If you are a keen driver, the 330Li will impress you, but if you also want to be chauffeured in the back seat, it can do that too.

BMW 3 Series

autocar.india

•36w

If you are going to be behind the wheel more often, the BMW M340i is excellent and has a decent rear seat for occasional chauffeur-driven drives too. However, if you want a better rear-seat experience, the BMW 330Li is very good too compared to the Mercedes-Benz car. It is almost as good as the M340i, but thanks to the long wheelbase, it gets a spacious and comfy rear seat as well.The Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers a more luxurious interior, but the driving experience is much better in the BMW.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

BMW 3 Series

autocar.india

•7w

Pick the BMW M2 Coupe. As a pure weekend toy around Bengaluru, it feels special every single drive - compact size for tight roads, rear-drive agility for the Nandi Hills twisties, and an engine-gearbox combo that rewards good drivers. You already have the Fortuner and the Windsor for space and chores, so the M2’s two-door body style should not be a problem. That said, the ride is firm, and the ground clearance is low, so tall speed breakers and steep ramps need care, and the rear seats are for short hops only.The 3 Series M340i is the easier car to live with and quicker in low-grip situations thanks to its all-wheel traction, and it rides a bit more comfortably over broken patches. But as a third car used mainly for fun, why not go all out? The M2 is the pick among these two. If you want a bit more flair, there's also the M440i convertible, which gives up very little in terms of dynamics and performance, but gives you the added dimension of open-top motoring.

BMW M2 Coupe

Toyota Fortuner

MG Windsor

BMW 3 Series