Upcoming BMW cars in India (2)

autocar.india

•1w

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

•1w

The new Lexus ES 350h is looks quite different to the previous ES, but the proposition remains the same. It is now a much larger car, with a more imposing design and a significantly more powerful hybrid powertrain. It is no longer the understated luxury sedan the previous ES was, and this is Lexus's new, bolder approach that's unfolding across its model range. Inside too, the relatively old-school use of wood, metal and multiple layers has been traded for a cleaner, minimalist look that's more futuristic and somewhat generic. However, the luxury prospect hasn't changed too much, with high-quality materials, tactile surfaces and even more features. And since it is larger, cabin space has improved too. If you are looking for a more traditional luxury sedan experience, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB is the better choice. It offers a more refined and comfortable ride, a more understated design and a more traditional luxury car ownership experience. The E-Class LWB is also a better chauffeur-driven car, with a more spacious and comfortable rear seat. If you are looking for a more performance-oriented luxury sedan, the BMW 5 Series LWB is worth considering. It offers a more engaging driving experience and a more dynamic character. The Lexus ES may look very different now, but if you're interested, it's worth at least a test drive, because its proposition of refined, hassle-free, efficient Japanese luxury hasn't changed.

Lexus ES

BMW 5 Series LWB

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

autocar.india

•2w

We would wait for the upcoming Audi Q3, whose launch is just around the corner, before making this decision as it promises to be the most contemporary of its peers in the segment. Audi wants to make up for lost time with the new Q3 and we understand the brand is leaving no stone unturned with this new model, equipping it with the 2.0 TFSI engine and Quattro AWD. It also promises to have the brand's latest tech, as well as a long features list, to make it attractive in this competitive segment. While the A4 sedan is a good deal right now at the end of its life, it may feel a bit too dated, and the new A5 will arrive by the end of the year. As for the X1, unless you're chauffeur driven, it isn't the best choice here. As you're coming from a CLA, the new CLA EV might be a good option, as your usage could fit within the constraints of an EV, and the CLA EV has exceptional range. It will, however, push slightly past your Rs. 60 lakh (on road) budget. Either way, we would recommend waiting for the India-spec Q3 before making a call, as it could be the best fit for you.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric

Audi A4

Audi A5

Audi Q3

BMW X1 LWB

autocar.india

•2w

With 1,500-2,000 km a month, the E 220d is financially justified, but in NCR the 10-year diesel rule is a deal-breaker. Even if you drive enough to make diesel “paisa vasool”, the car is effectively worthless after 10 years, and that wipes out any savings. DPF is less of a concern at your running, but the NCR rule is the bigger problem.The E 200 petrol is the safer choice. It gives you the same luxury experience, is extremely comfortable in the rear, and is still enjoyable to drive. The BMW 5 Series is the driver’s car of the three, but the E-Class is the better all-round luxury car, especially if you spend time in the back.If you were outside NCR, the E 220d would make sense. In NCR, go for the E 200 petrol. It is the best balance of comfort, performance and long-term ownership. The 5 Series is the better driver’s car, but the E-Class is the better luxury car.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

BMW 5 Series LWB

autocar.india

•2w

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