BMW 3 Series vs Mercedes C-Class vs Jaguar XE

Which one would you choose?

BMW 3-Series

What you'll like:

• Just the right size for a luxury sedan for India
• Punchy rev-happy engine & well-tuned gearbox deliver superb performance
• Great combination of ride and handling; just how a 3-Series should be
• Big step up in interior quality & design (from the F30)
• Loaded with tech, new style speedometer & more. iDrive 7 is nice to use

What you won't:

• Sad boot space with the spare wheel underneath
• Features like keyless entry, HUD, Adaptive LEDs are expected at this price
• 330i's 42 - 49 lakh price is stiff, although fat dealer discounts are available
• Fake engine noise piped in; tad too fake for my tastes

Link to Official Review

Mercedes C-Class

What you'll like:

• C300d's powerful engine with a 0 - 100 time of ~6 seconds
• Lovely 9-speed gearbox
• AMG Line body kit looks hot; beautiful interiors as well
• Good feature set (e.g. panoramic sunroof)

What you won't:

• Limited rear seat space
• Firm ride quality
• Very expensive

Link to Ownership Reviews (1, 2)

Jaguar XE

What you'll like:

• Sporty styling & sharp looks
• Excellent suspension setup. Easily the best in the segment
• Updated driver cockpit area
• Loads of new tech

What you won't:

• More cramped interiors than its rivals
• Gearbox tuning is pretty sad
• Boot is the smallest in the segment @ 410 liters
• Jaguar's after-sales service quality is a hit or miss

Link to Official Review

Skoda Octavia RS 245

What you'll like:

• Explosive performance from the turbo-petrol. Fast DSG too
• Sharp handling, solid stability & strong brakes
• Top quality interior with enough space, sporty seats & a cavernous boot
• Loaded with features & tech
• 5 star NCAP rating
• Sportiness & practicality in one package. Work on weekdays, play on weekends

What you won't:

• Overpriced. Plus, the BMW 330i isn't too far away
• Ride quality is noticeably firmer than the regular Octavia's
• Powerful engine guzzles fuel in the city. Also, runs best on pricey high-octane petrol
• Steering feel from the EPS is missing (it's precise though)
• Unusually tall floor hump makes things uncomfortable for the 5th occupant
• Concerns about long-term reliability & Skoda’s ill-famed service network

Skoda Superb

What you'll like:

• Well-priced for all it offers
• Timeless, elegant styling. Fit, finish & build quality are top notch
• Amazing rear seat comfort. Beats luxury cars costing twice as much
• Classy cabin is practical & user-friendly. Cavernous 625 liter boot!
• Terrific petrol engine mated to a fast gearbox
• Loaded with features & technology. Equipment list runs pages long
• 5 star safety rating & kit - 8 airbags, ESP, TC, ABS + EBD, EDL and lots more

What you won't:

• Diesel is gone! No clue when VW-Skoda will bring their BS6 diesels here
• DSG is known for breakdowns. Old Superb's long-term reliability was overall poor
• Skoda's scary after-sales service. Dealer network doesn't understand customer service
• Starting to show its age now. Feels bland compared to newer competition

Link to Facelift Thread & Official Review

Toyota Camry Hybrid

What you'll like:

• An extremely well-rounded luxury sedan. Lots of road presence due to its sheer size too
• Spacious, comfortable & well-equipped cabin. Ideal for self-driven or chauffeured owners alike
• High-tech and environment-friendly hybrid powertrain mated to a butter-smooth CVT automatic
• Terrific fuel efficiency! 15 km/l or more in the city
• Compliant ride quality with sorted road manners
• Loaded with kit (amazing sound system, ventilated front seats, reclinable rear seats, head-up display)
• Top-notch safety ratings. Equipment includes 9 airbags, ESP & more
• Toyota’s bullet-proof reliability and superb after-sales service. Camrys age very well

What you won't:

• Weird front styling isn't to everyone's taste. You'll either love it or hate it
• Expensive! The VW Passat & Skoda Superb are both priced noticeably lower
• Not as much fun to drive as its German competitors (although it's no longer boring either)
• A couple of missing essentials (rpm counter, folding rear seat...)
• Back seat is better suited to 2 adults, rather than 3
• Just a single trim. No choice of variants at all

Link to Official Review