BHPian karikaalan recently shared this with other enthusiasts:
Introduction
First car - Hyundai Sonata (pre-loved, 50K) and current Honda Jazz (1L km driven) . In my 30's and looking for a primary car for the next 5+ years. Budget - 65Lakhs (On Road, Tamil Nadu), to commit by April 2025.
Test Driven (in order)
1. Toyota Hilux / Fortuner
2. BMW M340i
3. Hyundai Ioniq 5
4. Mercedes GLA 220d
5. BMW 330i and Skoda vRS (pending
The Problem
Options
1. Wait for the Skoda Octavia vRS and then decide if the 340i is really worth the 35Lakh premium
2. Give the BMW 330i a try - more power than practically usable on Indian roads. G20 has established aftermarket options for eye candy.
3. Stick to Crossovers and pick the Mercedes GLA 220d. Enjoy the peace of mind not having to worry about the road conditions on road trips.
4. Bite the bullet and book the BMW M340i; let the lifetime nagging of going 25L over budget be drowned by the ocassionaly mighty roar of B56. Added bonus of reliving childhood memories by getting a spoiler wing and cruising on the highways play pretend the iconic M3 GTR from NFS Most Wanted!
Current driving pattern - 5km on weekdays. 200km highway drive twice a month and hopefully with the new car replacing current mid distance flight commute with road trips!
Need help being talked OUT OF OPTION 4 as other articles in the forum clearly are inclined in the opposite direction hehe. Mind says spending close to a crore on a 3 series with low GC is not a very sensible option, Body says Money Come Money Go YOLO!!
Beep Beep!
Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:
If you are thinking of an M340i, 25-lakhs is relatively insignificant in the larger scheme of things (i.e. life). For those 400 km of highway driving you have every month, nothing will make you grin wider. Plus, fast turbo 6-cylinders are already a vanishing breed (iconic 530d is dead, 6-cylinder Audis are gone, AMGs are now coming with overstressed 4-pots). Get those big turbo-sixes while you still can.
With the updated M340i and that adjustable suspension, it's become even better as a sporty sedan that is family-friendly too. For me, it is always the "heart" above the "head" & that philosophy has kept me smiling for 47 years.
Go to the BMW showroom NOW. Come back & share an ownership report with us.
Here's what BHPian sunikkat had to say on the matter:
Yeah, ask me about it. I am still finding a reason to hate 340i since 6 months. Last August before buying 330Li I had a test drive of 340i and was floored by it. But then I did the mistake of taking my family for the test drive and after being driven in both, family was totally for 330Li and I had to go for it.
Now for me it’s still a low slung sedan. Understand your plight if you are going for a SUV over a 340i
Finally I found my reason, everyone (friends and family) who got in to my car were appreciative of the interiors, airy feel and the space it offers, whilst I am super happy with the performance of 330Li. I know with 340i, I would have been much more happier, but my family might have dreaded to sit inside that. So it’s a nice compromise. Find yours too if you can.
But I can confidently say if you are looking for outright fun to drive, none of the options that you have selected is going to make you happy. Go for 340i if you can and don’t have much family dependency. The extra money is really worth it.
Here's what BHPian androdev had to say on the matter:
Well, since you are looking for a contrarian view, there are two ways to approach this:
1. Buy a fast family sedan. M340i, vRS, etc. fall into this category.
2. Buy a comfortable family car and buy something pre-owned just for kicks (Bike, Polo GTI, Mini Cooper, Thar 3D, etc. depending on budget and interest)
If most of your usage involves traveling alone with occasional family travel, #1 would be a good option. OTOH, #2 would be better if the usage is mainly family oriented as family members may not appreciate the boy racer in you.
Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.