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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

 
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