The luxury sedan segment is on an upswing with Audi, BMW and Volvo all hitting the market
Eleven centimetres may not seem like much. Indeed, it’s almost as long as your typical ballpoint pen. But sitting in the back seat of the new BMW 3-Series Gran Limousine, whose wheelbase is 11 centimetres longer than the traditional 3-series, you feel the additional space and realise that even small changes can make a big difference.
The 3-series Gran Limousine is the latest launch from BMW India, and even though January has not ended, this is the Bavarian carmaker’s second launch of the year after the petrol engine variant of the 2-series Gran Coupe. The company’s President for India, Vikram Pawah, told me that there will be 25 new vehicles launched by the company this year. Despite 2020 being rough for the luxury segment, Pawah said that the sales have recovered. “This year will see much improved numbers because we are confident in the fact that there will not be another lockdown in India. Keep in mind that in 2020 we effectively lost an entire quarter,” he said.
The Gran Limousine is surprisingly comfortable. The ride quality, in fact, feels superior to the regular sedans. As much as I’m not a fan of extended wheelbase cars to drive, this car does not in any way feel compromised compared to the regular 3-series. Sure, most people who will consider this vehicle would sit at the back and seeing the success of the extended wheelbase Mercedes-Benz E-Class in India, this should do very well. But if you actually drive, it is quite fun.
I drive the 260PS 330Li Luxury Line petrol engine variant, which at Rs 51.5 lakh is a great combination of power and luxury. As it comes with all the toys such as wireless smartphone connectivity, it possibly makes more sense to buy this over the standard 3-series. Although if you’re always driving yourself and don’t have many rear seat passengers, stick to the regular car.
The Gran Limousine creates a major problem for the other new players in the segment — the refreshed ‘Made In India’ Audi A4 and the second-generation Volvo S60. I loved the Swedish car, sure the key fob is slightly esoteric and it lacked paddle-shifters, and this was the first time I actually missed them on a car. It features a petrol engine with an output of 190PS. But the Swedish car is an esoteric choice. It looks nice and if you want a different choice from the Germans, it is a great car to have, especially if you have a young family. I took my family out in the Volvo and the hard sell the company does on safety, does stick inside your head. My seven-month old child was safely tucked in its seat and the overall light colour scheme and panoramic sunroof appealed to me and even the baby I guess. It isn’t the most enthusiastic vehicle out there, yeah you could make a case for it at around Rs 46 lakh.
The refreshed Audi A4 is likewise a fun car to drive. Unlike their rivals, Audi has made their speed alarm audible but not deafening and for that alone, they should be complimented. The new car looks good but could have done with nicer wheels. It gives a positive indication for the carmaker from Ingolstadt. The new A4 lacks a diesel option much like all other products from the Skida-Volkswagen group in India and features the same 190PS two-litre petrol that does service on the Q2 and the Tiguan. The top-end technology version is Rs 46.7 lakh, and while 70,000 rupees isn’t all that much, putting the S60 and A4 next to each other does make you wonder — which is the better car to buy. Sure, the German car is better to drive but as a day to day commuter in an urban environment?
Honestly, I’d spend a bit for eleven centimetres. Size isn’t everything but it isn’t a bad thing either!
