BMW 3 Series variants

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•2w

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

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•8h

Audi is offering some very tempting deals on the A6 and Q5, and for obvious reasons. Both models are now well into their lifecycles and feel dated next to newer rivals, so the only way Audi can move them out of showrooms is with substantial discounts. That said, if you're getting a good deal, both are well worth considering.Yes, the cabins have aged and the tech is no longer cutting edge. The infotainment systems are a couple of generations behind what you'll find in the latest BMWs and Mercedes, and the overall cabin ambience doesn't feel as fresh or as richly appointed. But if you can live with that, these Audis remain superbly engineered cars. The 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engines are smooth, refined and genuinely fantastic, and both cars drive beautifully. Ride quality, in particular, is excellent, and better than what the Mercedes-Benz GLC and BMW 3 Series offer.Within your Rs 65 lakh budget, our pick would be the A6. It's a segment above the 3 Series, and with current discounts it slips comfortably into your price range, which makes it exceptional value. It rides with a suppleness the Germans rarely match at this price, is impressively quiet and relaxed, and drives very well indeed. The GLC and 3 Series are better equipped and have plusher, more modern cabins, but they don't drive with the same polish or offer the same space and comfort. As a first luxury car, the A6 at a discount is hard to beat.

Audi A6

Audi Q5

BMW 3 Series

Mercedes-Benz GLC

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•5d

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

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•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

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•9w

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