I looked at the Audi A4 and A6, Mercedes C300d and even a used BMW 3 Series and 5 Series, and I think none of them would have been the right car for me.
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Update after 2500kms:
So got a long weekend and went for a quick Kerala trip in my new BMW 330Li. The main purpose was to do vehicle pooja from Guruvayoor temple as I had done for all my previous cars.
With this trip, the Odo stands at 2600 kms and I have completed the much-awaited break-in period.
Before getting into the detailed observations based on my 1 month and 2600 kms experience, a brief background about my decision process.
Before I start I really want to call out the salesperson Sreehari (Mobile 8951765491 – @Mods: hope it doesn’t violate the rules here) from Deutsche Motoren. He is the best sales guy I have ever interacted and he is very helpful even after the sales. Really recommend him to prospective customers.
My Octavia TDI MT (2016 Ambition model) was running perfectly fine at around 1 lakhs kms. It had a stage 1 tune, Bilstein B6 suspension, 17-inch wheels and a few other mods. I have been evaluating many cars across segments (for the sake of checking) and none of them really felt like an upgrade. There was actually no reason for changing other than the itch of a new car and the most important factor of safety. Since mine was an Ambition it came only with 2 airbags and this was always playing in the back of my mind. Finally decided to take a plunge. Seriously Octavia was a gem of a car.
Now being a BMW guy since childhood I always wanted a 3 series, so to that extent, my choice was less. Still I checked Audi and Mercedes.
Audi
A4 did not even feel like an upgrade to Octavia and the A6 (though could have had it at around 330Li price) did not get me excited. Also, it’s more luxurious and formal than being sporty. Also, I did not need such a big car.
Mercedes
I liked the C300D when it was available earlier, but though the interiors looked very upmarket there were many hard surfaces which I did not like much. Also still the fun to drive was missing compared to the 3 series. Did not check 220D or 200P. Also missed checking the new 300P, but I was sure wouldn’t have gone at that price for the engine which is on par with 330Li.
Others
No other cars were even in contention as I wanted a brand this time and was not okay with BYD or other electric cars which have faster 0 to 100 and are available at much lower prices and VFM. As such I am not ready to put that much money in an electric car at this stage. Also after owning a European, I don’t think I can go to a non-European brand ever as my primary car.
BMW
That’s where the confusion kicked in. My choice was always 330i. Considering the extra money that I have to pay for a new car over Octavia, I did not feel the value and wanted to try a used car. I wasn’t very keen on buying directly from dealers or did not have the patience to check OLX and meet multiple owners to find the right one. As such there were hardly any 330i available in Bangalore and even if it was priced very high.
Finally decided to check with BMW dealers directly. Again 330i / 330Li’s were not available. Checked a 320 Ld 2021 luxury line with 17k kms which was quoted at 48 lakhs which I could negotiate to 45 lakhs. However, the 17 inch alloys and the luxury line trim were a turn-off. I was sure I would spend another 5 lakhs extra on that car including insurance to at least get it to my level of satisfaction.
And that’s when I realised with the offers going on in August for limited stock with the dealer I could have a new 320Ld for ~ 20 lakhs extra which I felt was more value. Since my preference was always petrol this time, decided to go with 330Li. Then I compared MSport and MSport Pro and I was totally sold on MSport Pro though it costed apprx. 3 lakhs more for the added features.
Meanwhile, I also checked a 2021 model 27k kms run 530D MSport with one of the premium dealers in Kerala. They were quoting 67 lakhs for this TN-registered car. From a performance wise I found 530D and 330 Li more or less the same (also the earlier test drive reports of Autocar suggest the same) but 530D has much better snob value and luxury. And the biggest advantage of the Diesel economy. But spending 65 lakhs (after negotiating) for a 3-year-old car was not something the family would approve too as they always wanted a new one. Another issue is it’s a TN registration which I will be using in Bangalore.
With all these rejections one would think the decision was easy. But no, here comes the biggest confusion in the form of M340i. After booking 330 Li, I started pondering more about M340i. With the then-discounted price, for another 11 lakhs I could have had M340i. Now that’s another beast, once in a lifetime car which is on another level of performance. But the mistake I made was I took my family for a test drive and everyone was just hung on 330Li for the space, more premium-looking interiors and the colour theme and that huge panoramic sunroof.
Finally have to give in to 330Li, as I also found 340i lower even for my taste and the stiffer suspension which would have made my family crib in all the drives. Also, I don’t take the car for tracks and day by day highways are getting restricted on speed. In fact while selling my Octavia I had around 12k fine in Kerala for overspeeding (there the speed limits are even low). With this, I wouldn’t be able to explore the potential of 330Li itself, let alone 340i. Also, I started with a budget of 40 lakhs and extended it to the new 330Li, with 340i another 11 lakhs needs to be extended which would have been a bigger burden. But still… hope I made the right decision there.
Now coming to the experience of living with 330Li for 1 month. Few of the earlier dislikes have changed now.
Likes:
- The performance of this engine is simply mind-blowing. It reaches insane speed in no time and without even realising. It definitely feels like an upgrade on performance from my tuned Octavia.
- Well, I never thought I would say this as I always loved stiffer ride of cars, but this one is so smooth with some underlying stiffness. Everyone who got into the car is in praise of the ride quality.
- The high-speed stability and handling is excellent. I expected it to be compromised, but does well like a proper BMW.
- I just love the interiors, the bigger screen, cognac leather trim (real leather) soft touch points every where etc. Feels proper luxury.
- Steering feels great to hold too.
- Panaromic sunroof is another thing I would have missed in 340i
- It’s very spacious, mainly at the back, though I never sit there. Family is happy. In fact I felt this is more spacious than 530D that I checked, might be wrong.
- The MSport Pro elements, dark grey upholstery, blackened exteriors (with zero chrome), alloy wheel design etc. make the car a looker.
- More than enough features that I could ever ask for.
- No need to mention it here, but the build quality is as expected from any German car.
Dislikes:
- Boot space, after being used to Octavia, this was a major concern on the last trip. Mainly due to the auto close of the boot which requires proper packing. Need to get more disciplined on packing here.
- On some of the expansion joints, car tends to float a bit for a second. I believe this was managed better in 330i and my Octavia with B6 suspension. Something to look for in future.
- The front seat seems to be a bit narrow. I feel Octavia had wider front seats and was more comfortable. The rear seats are really good.
Neutral:
- The mileage even on highways is around 10, might be to do with the driving. Makes a big difference coming from a diesel Octavia. But then I had signed for this knowingly.
- The absence of rear sun blinds is no more a concern now considering the VKool sunfilm is doing a great job. But still, it’s a big miss.
- Lack of ventilated seats is a miss, but then not a concern for me. Also, I like the plain leather seats than perforated that come with ventilated seats.
With all the things mentioned and based on my priorities, I think I got the right upgrade for my Octavia. There is no other car that would have made justice. The only other car I felt I could have considered is the 340i, mainly when I see one on the road. But I think for my use case 330Li makes more sense. If I had to go for a decision again now, I would have still gone for the 330Li as I am absolutely in love with the luxury feel which was missing in the 340i and also the only other car in my garage is an i20 IVT which means bimmer is my main car for long drives, where family wouldn’t have been happy with 340i. So some reasons to convince me.
Couple of pics for now. Indeed, what a beauty
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