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Explore BMW 3 Series [2016-2019] price, features, specifications, variants, colours, pros & cons, key highlights, images, user reviews, and FAQs at AutoX. 

BMW 3 Series [2016-2019]

A proper driver’s car

<p>My 3-Series has been performing very well over the past few years and I am yet to face a problem with it. Everything from the driving experience to the after-sales set-up has worked out really well.</p>


My favourite

<p>3-Series is my favourite BMW, as it is most affordable, and the 2.0-litre diesel engine delivers smooth and instant performance. But my dream is to buy M3.&nbsp;</p>


E90 is best

<p>The E90 is my all-time favourite luxury sedan. Its steering feel superb on the road, and the engine is fantastic. I also like the design of the car. Planning to pick up one in used market. &nbsp;</p>


RightHandDriving

1995 CC

1998 CC

<p>The 21st edition of the Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) awards named the <a href="https://www.autox.com/new-cars/volkswagen/golf-gti/">Volkswagen Golf GTI </a>as Premium Car of the Year 2025. The <a href="https://www.autox.com/new-cars/toyota/camry/">Toyota Camry</a> finished as first runner-up, while the <a href="https://www.autox.com/new-cars/bmw/ix1/">BMW iX1 </a>took second runner-up. Other models in the Premium Car category included the <a href="https://www.autox.com/new-cars/bmw/x3/">BMW X3,</a> <a href="https://www.autox.com/new-cars/mercedes-benz/amg-g-class/">Mercedes-Benz G-Class</a>, <a href="https://www.autox.com/new-cars/mg/cyberster/">MG Cyberster</a>, <a href="https://www.autox.com/new-cars/skoda/kodiaq/">Skoda Kodiaq</a> and <a href="https://www.autox.com/new-cars/skoda/octavia-rs/">Skoda Octavia RS</a>. Also, the Indian Car of the Year title for 2026 was announced, with <a href="https://www.autox.com/new-cars/maruti-suzuki/victoris/">Maruti Suzuki Victoris</a> winning the award, followed by <a href="https://www.autox.com/new-cars/skoda/kylaq/">Skoda Kylaq</a> and<a href="https://www.autox.com/new-cars/mahindra/xev-9/"> Mahindra XEV 9e</a> as runners-up.</p><p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.autox.com/news/car-news/mahindra-xev-9e-named-icoty-2026-green-car-of-the-year-kia-carens-clavis-ev-bmw-ix1-lwb-runners-up-122496/">Mahindra XEV 9e Named ICOTY 2026 Green Car of the Year</a></p><p>The results were finalised after an evaluation by the ICOTY jury. The panel, which also included  <em>autoX </em>Founder and Editor-in-Chief Dhruv Behl and Consulting Editor Ishan Raghava.</p><h2><strong>ICOTY 2026: Volkswagen Golf GTI Named Premium Car of the Year</strong></h2><p>Launched at Rs 53 lakh (ex-showroom) in India, the <a href="https://www.autox.com/new-cars/volkswagen/golf-gti/">Volkswagen Golf GTI </a>brings a familiar shape to the market. The design follows the Golf line with a hatchback body, flat roof and straight shoulder line. The front features a slim grille with the GTI stripe linked to the headlamps, while the rear uses a simple tail-lamp layout and twin exhaust outlets.</p><p>
      
    <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/11/Volkswagen_Golf_GTI_autoX_Awards_2025-1763119451849.webp" alt="Volkswagen_Golf_GTI_autoX_Awards_2025.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;"></p><p>Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 261 bhp and 370 Nm. The engine is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The Golf GTI accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds.</p><h2><strong>ICOTY 2026: Selection of the Winner</strong></h2><p>ICOTY follows a defined voting system to select its winner. Each jury member receives 25 points to distribute across the nominated cars, with a maximum of 10 points allowed for any single model.</p><p>
      
    <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/12/Volkswagen-Golf-GTI-(4)-1766075744998.webp" alt="Volkswagen Golf GTI (4).jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;"></p><p>The process also requires every juror to assign points to at least five competing vehicles. This rule ensures that the evaluation covers a wider range of models in contention.</p><h2><strong>ICOTY 2026: Jury Members</strong></h2><p>The ICOTY 2026 winners were selected by a jury of 19 judges from automotive publications. The panel represented print, digital and broadcast media.</p><p>
      
    <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/12/ICOTY-Premium-Car-2026-1765959266923.webp" alt="ICOTY Premium Car 2026.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;"></p><p>-Pablo Chaterji (Chairman), Motoring World</p><p>-Aatish Mishra (Secretary), Evo India</p><p>-Dhruv Behl, autoX</p><p>-Ishan Raghava, autoX</p><p>-Yogendra Pratap, Auto Today</p><p>-Dipayan Dutta, Auto Today</p><p>-Aspi Bhathena, Car India</p><p>-Sirish Chandran, Evo India</p><p>-Kartik Ware, Motoring World</p><p>-Kranti Sambhav, Overdrive</p><p>-Rohit Paradkar, Overdrive</p><p>-Vikrant Singh, Carwale.com</p><p>-Arpit Mahendra, TOI Auto</p><p>-Kushan-Mitra, The Print</p><p>-Abhay Verma, Turbocharged</p><p>-Bob Rupani, Exploration Drives with Bob Rupani</p><p>-Sagar Bhanushali, CarWale</p><p>-Gaurav Davare, Car India</p><p>-Tushar Kamath, CarDekho Group</p>

ICOTY 2026: Volkswagen Golf GTI Wins Premium Car Title; Toyota Camry, BMW iX1 Finish Close Behind

Volkswagen Golf GTI wins Premium Car of the Year 2025 at ICOTY, followed by Toyota Camry as first runner-up and BMW iX1 in second place.

<p><strong>-Despite the new features, the BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase’s ex-showroom price remains unchanged at Rs 73.35 lakh.<br>-The 5 Series LWB is available exclusively in the 530Li variant.<br>-It competes against the Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB and Audi A6.</strong></p><p>BMW India has updated the 5 Series Long Wheelbase (LWB) with the Panorama Glassroof Sky Lounge and the feature-rich Driving Assistant Plus package. What’s noteworthy is that the Bavarian automaker&nbsp;has rolled out these features without altering the ex-showroom price of Rs 73.35 lakh. With this update,&nbsp;the 5 Series LWB solidifies its position in the competitive luxury sedan market against rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB and Audi A6.&nbsp;</p><p>It also boosts its appeal with improved rear-seat comfort and advanced driver assistance. To recap, <a href="https://www.autox.com/new-cars/bmw/">BMW</a> launched the 5 Series Long Wheelbase last year alongside&nbsp;the CE 04, the new <a href="https://www.autox.com/new-cars/mini/cooper-s-convertible/">Mini Cooper S</a>, and the <a href="https://www.autox.com/new-cars/mini/countryman-electric/">Mini Countryman EV</a>. The sedan is offered exclusively in the 530Li variant. While already on sale in China, India marks the first right-hand drive market to receive this model.&nbsp;The new 5 Series LWB is also BMW’s second long-wheelbase sedan in the country, following the 3 Series Gran Limousine.</p><h2><strong>BMW 5 Series LWB: Here’s What’s New?</strong></h2><p>
      <br></p><div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/12/BMW-5-Series-LWB-New-Glass-Sunroof-1765637995437.webp" alt="BMW 5 Series LWB New Glass Sunroof.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    <p><br></p><p>Visually, the most significant enhancement on the 5 Series Long Wheelbase is the Panorama Glassroof Sky Lounge, which surpasses the experience of a conventional panoramic roof.&nbsp;It comes with an integrated printed graphic and LED lighting elements that work with the car’s existing&nbsp;ambient lighting, enabling dynamic effects and colours to change in sync with the selected driving modes.&nbsp;The new Panorama Glassroof Sky Lounge fills the spacious Long Wheelbase cabin with natural light, enhancing its open, airy atmosphere, while also creating a premium ambient light display that&nbsp;elevates the sedan’s sense of luxury. </p><p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.autox.com/reviews/car-reviews/2025-mercedes-benz-e-class-vs-bmw-5-series-lwb-comparison-review---the-long-game-119752/">2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs BMW 5 Series LWB Comparison Review - The Long Game</a></p><p>In addition, BMW has bolstered the 5 Series Long Wheelbase’s active safety credentials with the all-new Driving Assistant Plus package. Drivers benefit from Active Cruise Control with Stop &amp; Go, which not only&nbsp;regulates speed and following distance but can also automatically detect and stop the vehicle&nbsp;for stationary obstacles. Other key features include lane-change warning, front-collision warning,&nbsp;rear-collision warning, and cross-traffic warning. These functions are intuitively managed via steering-mounted controls.</p><h2><strong>BMW 5 Series LWB: Engine</strong></h2><p>The BMW 530Li M Sport Long Wheelbase retains its proven mechanical setup, featuring a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system&nbsp;and an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission driving the rear wheels.</p><p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.autox.com/news/car-news/top-5-premium-cars-of-2024-bmw-5-series-lwb-mercedes-benz-e-class-lwb-porsche-panamera-and-more-119430/">Top 5 Premium Cars of 2024: BMW 5 Series LWB, Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB, Porsche Panamera and More</a></p><p>The engine generates 255bhp and 400Nm, with the mild-hybrid system contributing an additional 11bhp and 25Nm.&nbsp;The sedan accelerates from 0–100km/h in just 6.5 seconds.</p>

BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase Gets an Update for India: Here’s What’s New

The BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase (LWB) has gained new features such as Panorama Glassroof Sky Lounge, and the advanced Driving Assistant Plus.

<p>BMW India has rolled out the updated iX1 Long Wheelbase with new colour and upholstery choices, and bookings are now open at authorised dealerships across the country. The SUV continues to be assembled at the brand’s Chennai plant, keeping production local for the Indian market. BMW has kept the technical setup unchanged but added more exterior and interior options for buyers who want a bit more freedom when configuring their EV. </p><p>The idea is to give customers extra personalisation without touching the drivetrain or performance numbers.&nbsp;The updated paint line-up now includes Night Dusk Blue metallic, joining Carbon Black, Mineral White, and Skyscraper Grey. This takes the exterior palette to four shades. </p><p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.autox.com/reviews/car-reviews/bmw-ix1-lwb-review---zeal-appeal-119944/">BMW iX1 LWB Review - Zeal Appeal</a></p><p>The SUV continues with the same dimensions at 4,616mm in length, 1,892mm in width, and 1,656mm in height, along with a 2,800mm wheelbase and 203mm ground clearance. </p><h2><strong>BMW iX1 LWB: Interior</strong></h2><p><a href="https://www.autox.com/new-cars/bmw/">BMW</a> has added two Veganza upholstery choices inside the cabin. The plant-based material sits in place of leather. Smoke White with Atlas Grey offers a dual-tone layout across seats, door trims, dashboard, and speaker surrounds. Castanea delivers a single-tone finish for users who want a cleaner layout. Both trims come with a 3D stitching pattern. Ambient lighting with multiple colour modes helps set the mood during night drives.</p><p>
      
    <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/12/BMW-iX1-LWB-Night-Vegan-Interior-1764928615938.webp" alt="BMW iX1 LWB Night Vegan Interior.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;"></p><p>BMW iDrive 9 runs the infotainment system through a 10.7-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>BMW iX1 LWB: Powertrain</strong></h2><p>Power continues to come from BMW’s fifth-generation eDrive system. A rear-mounted motor generates 204bhp and 250Nm, supported by a 66.4kWh battery pack. The SUV completes 0-100km/h in 8.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 180km/h. BMW claims a driving range of 531km under MIDC conditions. The <a href="https://www.autox.com/new-cars/bmw/-ix1-lwb/">iX1 LWB</a> also offers adaptive recuperation and one-pedal driving for easier energy recovery in traffic.</p><p>Charging hardware includes an 11kW AC charger that completes a full charge in 6.3 hours. A 130kW DC fast charger handles 10-80 per cent in 29 minutes. Bidirectional charging lets users power external devices. Safety tech includes six airbags, ABS with EBD, dynamic stability control, tyre pressure monitoring, parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera.</p><p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.autox.com/reviews/car-reviews/bmw-m5-first-drive-review---thug-life-119759/">BMW M5 First Drive Review - Thug Life</a></p><p>Prices start at Rs 49.90 lakh ex-showroom for the iX1 xDrive30. Rivals include the <a href="https://www.autox.com/new-cars/mercedes-benz/eqa/">Mercedes-Benz EQA</a>, Audi Q4 e-tron, and Volvo XC40 Recharge.<br></p>

BMW iX1 LWB Gets Night Dusk Blue Makeover and New Cabin Trim

Night Dusk Blue joins the iX1 LWB’s paint options, while new Veganza dual-tone and single-tone trims refresh the cabin with added personalisation for buyers.

<p>BMW has confirmed that the production of the Z4 will end in March 2026. Instead of letting&nbsp;its beloved roadster discontinue silently, <a href="https://www.autox.com/new-cars/bmw/">BMW</a> is honouring its legacy with&nbsp;a limited-run Final Edition. The special edition, featuring several exterior and interior upgrades, will be available for order in late January 2026.&nbsp;While its launch in India has not yet been confirmed,&nbsp;the standard Z4 will&nbsp;continue to be offered here in two variants: the <a href="https://www.autox.com/reviews/car-reviews/2019-bmw-z4-m40i-review-first-drive-106088/">M40i</a> and the Pure Impulse Edition.&nbsp;</p><p>The M40i is priced at Rs 87.90 lakh, while the Pure Impulse Edition, equipped with a&nbsp;six-speed manual gearbox, carries a price tag of Rs 92.60 lakh. Both are ex-showroom figures. For now, BMW hasn't announced an&nbsp;immediate successor to the Z4. Here's how the<a href="https://www.autox.com/new-cars/bmw/z4/"> BMW Z4</a> Final Edition stands out as a fitting&nbsp;farewell for the roadster.</p><p>
      <br></p><div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/11/BMW-Z4-Final-Edition-Rear-1764316928793.webp" alt="BMW Z4 Final Edition Rear.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    <p><br></p><h2><strong>BMW Z4 Final Edition: What's Different?</strong></h2><p>While the overall shape remains familiar, the Final Edition gets subtle design tweaks that help it standout. The most eye-catching feature is the exclusive&nbsp;Frozen Matt Black paint, accentuated by the M High-gloss Shadowline trim, though buyers can still&nbsp;choose from the standard palette of BMW Z4 colours at no extra cost. To enhance the sporty appeal, the M Sport brakes come finished in High-gloss Red on the Final Edition.</p><p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.autox.com/news/car-news/mg-cyberster-vs-bmw-z4-spec-comparison-whats-different-121346/">MG Cyberster vs BMW Z4 Spec Comparison: What's Different?</a></p><p>The standard layout remains, but the cabin now exudes a more performance-focused vibe, with red contrast stitching across the dashboard, center console, doors, and M Sport seats finished in Vernasca leather or Alcantara.</p><p>
      <br></p><div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/11/BMW-Z4-Final-Edition-Interior-1764316948869.webp" alt="BMW Z4 Final Edition Interior.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    <p><br></p><p>The M Alcantara steering wheel, adorned with matching red seams, further adds to the car’s sportiness, while engraved door&nbsp;sill plates complete the look.</p><h2><strong>BMW Z4 Final Edition: Powertrain</strong></h2><p>The Final Edition is offered across the BMW Z4 lineup, including sDrive20i, sDrive30i, and the range-topping M40i. Globally, the sDrive20i packs a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol unit that produces 194bhp and 320Nm. Meanwhile, the sDrive30i also has the same engine, but it is tuned to deliver 254bhp and 400Nm.</p><p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.autox.com/reviews/car-reviews/bmw-z4-vs-m340i-comparison-review---naughty-40ies-119756/">BMW Z4 vs M340i Comparison Review - Naughty 40ies</a></p><p>The top-spec M40i boasts a 3.0-litre inline-six turbocharged engine that generates 335bhp and 500Nm. All variants come with an 8-speed automatic transmission, with the M40i additionally offering a 6-speed manual.</p>

BMW Bids Farewell to the Z4 With All-Black Final Edition

BMW has yet to announce how many Z4 Final Edition units will be produced, but it has confirmed that orders will open for a limited period by the end of January 2026.

<p>Production of the BMW F 450 GS ADV has begun at TVS Motor Company’s Hosur facility, taking the long-running BMW–TVS partnership into a new phase.  With the G 310 GS discontinued, the F 450 GS ADV now steps in as the new base model in BMW’s GS adventure range. It uses a 420cc parallel-twin engine that produces 48bhp at 8,750rpm and 43Nm at 6,750rpm. BMW aims to use local manufacturing to expand its adventure lineup, strengthen its India presence, and support growing demand across global markets.</p><p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.autox.com/news/bike-news/bmw-vision-ce-concept-showcased-at-iaa-2025-for-city-riding-without-a-helmet-121669/">BMW Vision CE Concept Showcased at IAA 2025 for City Riding Without a Helmet</a></p><p>The <a href="https://www.autox.com/new-bikes/bmw/f-450-gs/">BMW F 450 GS </a>ADV now serves as the new entry point into the GS family and is aimed at riders starting their journey in the adventure space. The parallel-twin engine layout supports smooth and predictable power delivery across varied conditions. By moving away from the <a href="https://www.autox.com/new-bikes/bmw/g-310-gs/">G 310 GS</a> platform, BMW shifts its focus to a slightly larger base that fits broader market needs and offers more flexibility in day-to-day use.</p><p>
      
    <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/11/BMW-F-450-GS-(1)-1762317924611.webp" alt="BMW F 450 GS (1).jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;"></p><p>Production at the Hosur plant follows systems refined over years of collaboration between <a href="https://www.autox.com/new-bikes/bmw/">BMW</a> and TVS. Both brands continue to align on manufacturing standards, with BMW drawing from TVS’s established production capabilities. This structure allows the companies to meet demand in India and export markets while maintaining a steady and scalable workflow</p><p>
      
    
      
    <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/11/BMW-F-450-GS-Engine-1762317917675.webp" alt="BMW F 450 GS Engine" style="width: 100%; height: auto;"></p><p>The production-spec version of the F 450 GS ADV was first shown at EICMA 2025. BMW confirmed the motorcycle’s engineering details and design, signalling a clear direction for the brand’s middleweight adventure lineup. The model is expected to attract riders who want a simple, balanced motorcycle that can handle highway runs and unpaved routes while staying true to the GS identity.</p><p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.autox.com/news/bike-news/bmw-f-450-gs-production-model-revealed-at-eicma-2025-with-new-420cc-twin-cylinder-engine-122091/">BMW F 450 GS Production Model Revealed at EICMA 2025 with New 420cc Twin-Cylinder Engine</a></p><p>BMW has not revealed the launch date or pricing for India. Updates are expected as production continues to grow. The BMW–<a href="https://www.autox.com/new-bikes/tvs/">TVS</a> partnership remains central to BMW Motorrad’s global manufacturing plan, and the F 450 GS ADV is set to play an important role in strengthening BMW’s position in the expanding adventure motorcycle segment.</p>

BMW F 450 GS ADV Production Begins at TVS Plant in India

BMW F 450 GS ADV production begins at TVS Hosur plant, marking a new step in the BMW–TVS partnership as the motorcycle replaces the G 310 GS in the GS lineup.

<p>
    The team at autoX is no stranger to the X1 – be it in its petrol, diesel, or electric guise. Regular readers will recall we extensively tested the standard iX1 in our four-way comparison against the Kia EV6 GT, Volvo XC40 Recharge, and Hyundai Ioniq 5. So, it’s fair to say that we have a solid benchmark to measure its performance against most of its rivals.</p>
<p>However, BMW may have just checkmated the competition of that list with the new iX1 LWB. It gets more space and as an added bonus, it’s assembled right here in India. That not only makes it a lot more affordable than its ICE and electric counterparts but also its aforementioned rivals.</p>


<h2>BMW&nbsp;iX1 LWB Design &amp; Dimensions:&nbsp;Same Platform, Bigger Package</h2>

<p>Let’s start with design and styling – an inherently subjective part of any review. If you liked the aesthetics of the standard (and now discontinued) iX1, you are going to love the new iX1 LWB. If not, well….I’m sorry but this one looks pretty much the same.</p>

<div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
    <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/02/1740141909426-j23d-BMW-iX1-LWB-Front-Three-Quarter.webp" alt="BMW iX1 LWB-Front-Three-Quarter.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
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<p>While the overall silhouette remains largely unchanged, the iX1 LWB has grown in length to 2,800mm – an increase of 116mm overall, with the wheelbase alone accounting for 108mm. While all that extra length has been added behind the B-pillar, its proportions still look balanced. Like a GQ model, it doesn’t suffer from an awkward long-legs-short-torso look – in fact it looks rather handsome.</p>

<p>Most of the design elements from the standard model have been carried over. However, one practical upgrade is the rear doors, which now open at a wider angle, making ingress and egress much easier for rear passengers. In terms of overall size, the iX1 LWB has now become closer to the previous-generation X3 – precisely the positioning that BMW was aiming for.</p>

<div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
    <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/02/1740141835830-hlvf-BMW-iX1-LWB-Rear-Seat-Space.webp" alt="BMW iX1 LWB-Rear-Seat-Space.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
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<p>As a result, what you now get is the widest and tallest cabin in the segment, offering ample legroom to lounge and relax. Even with two passengers over six feet, neither will have any reason to complain. That said, the under-thigh support is a bit of an issue due to the tall footboard – an unfortunate byproduct of the ICE-to-EV conversion process. To further enhance the rear-seat comfort, BMW has increased the legroom by 109mm and even extended the seat cushion length by 15mm. While features remain similar and aplenty, I do wish BMW had gone a step further by adding separate AC blower controls and sunblinds – it would have been a perfect finishing touch for an otherwise well-appointed cabin.</p>



<h2>iX1 LWB Driving Experience: Single-Motor Performance</h2>

<p>Now, while the iX1 LWB gains extra space, it sacrifices a bit of performance. To make the price tag more appealing, BMW has opted for a single-motor setup instead of the twin-motor configuration of the standard iX1.</p>

<div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
    <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/02/1740141822845-90ht-BMW-iX1-LWB-Rear-Three-Quarter.webp" alt="BMW iX1 LWB-Rear-Three-Quarter.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
</div>

<p>Essentially, the iX1 LWB now gets a front-wheel drivetrain with a 66.4kWh battery pack, producing 204bhp and 250Nm of peak torque. When you step on the throttle pedal, there’s a noticeable shove but not as instantaneous and explosive as offered by the twin-motor setup of the standard iX1. However, thanks to the FWD configuration, it feels lighter and more nimble – it behaves more like a lukewarm hatchback than an all-out luxury electric SUV.</p>

<p>There is less understeer, and the dynamics feel sharper than the twin-motor version’s. In relentless Indian traffic, it’s light, agile, and easy to throw around, making it surprisingly fun to drive in everyday conditions.</p>

<h2>Why the BMW iX1 LWB Makes Sense for Families</h2>

<p>If Dominic Toretto were more practical, lived in India, and needed an everyday runabout for the family, I’d ask him not to overlook the iX1 LWB. It offers significantly more space, making it a better and more well-rounded family SUV. And since it’s now assembled in India, it has a price tag of ₹49 lakh (ex-showroom). A luxury family SUV with a BMW badge on the bonnet that costs less than most rivals? That‘s a dream come true for many. And the best part? Despite its practicality, the iX1 LWB doesn’t compromise on BMW’s signature driving excitement.</p>


<iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BGt7lamIJNo" title="BMW iX1 LWB 2025 India | First Drive Review | This Changes Everything | EV SUV | autoX" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>

<p>[tabs]</p>

<p>[tab title="<strong>BMW iX LWB</strong>"]</p>

<p><strong>Engine:</strong> Single-Motor </p>

<p><strong>Transmission:</strong> Single Speed FWD</p>

<p><strong>Power:</strong> 204bhp </p>

<p><strong>Torque:</strong> 250Nm</p>

<p><strong>Range:</strong> 531km (MIDC)</p>

<p><strong>Price:</strong> ₹49 Lakh Ex showroom</p>

<p><strong>X-Factor:&nbsp;</strong><em>More space, sub-Rs 50 lakh price tag, and a BMW badge – enough said!</em></p>

<table cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
    <tbody>
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            <td>
                <p><strong>Pros &nbsp;</strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>
                    •&nbsp; Handling, Space &amp; BMW Badge Value</p>

            </td>
            <td>
                <p><strong>Cons</strong><br>
                    • Manual Steering Adjustment, No Rear Sunblinds </p>
            </td>
        </tr>
    </tbody>
</table>

<p>[/tab]</p>

<p>[/tabs]</p>

BMW iX1 LWB Review - Zeal Appeal

BMW X1’s electric LWB iteration is here to spice things up, offering X3-like space with a price tag of ₹49 lakh. Is it too good to be true?

<p>I’m a massive BMW M fan, and within that quite rapid niche, I’m very specifically an M5 fan! </p><p>But, while I was looking forward to driving the new 717 horsepower M5, I was also a little concerned – since it’s now also carrying the weight of a small electric motor and battery pack. So, it would certainly be fast, but would it still be athletic?</p><h2>A Brief History of the BMW M5</h2><p>But first, a quick crash course on the history of the M5.</p><div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/11/BMW_M5_E28_autoX-1763455467204.webp" alt="BMW_M5_E28_autoX.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    <p>The original – the E28 – is a legend! It created the category of super sedans in the 80s. BMW took a regular four-door sedan &amp; plonked their motorsport engine from the M1 in it and a brand-new era of sport sedans was born. Yes, it was a bit soft and wallowy, but it’s also super engaging to drive.</p><div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/11/BMW_M5_E34_autoX-1763455660128.webp" alt="BMW_M5_E34_autoX.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    <p>The second-gen, the E34 – made famous in that incredible car chase in the film Ronin – is an amazing car to drive. It’s not that fast by modern standards, but there’s a goodness in the way it goes down the road. The throttle pedal is long &amp; progressive – that was the traction control of the era. You controlled the power delivery not through fancy electronics but with your right foot.</p><div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/11/BMW_M5_E39_autoX-1763455817387.webp" alt="BMW_M5_E39_autoX.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    
  <p>The third-gen – the E39 – is one of my favourite cars of all time. Under the hood, it had a 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8 that made 400 horsepower. It was super luxurious and incredibly playful – the perfect combination for a daily driver and a car in which to cross continents.</p><div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/11/BMW_M5_E60_autoX-1763456029678.webp" alt="BMW_M5_E60_autoX.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    
  <p>The fourth-gen – the E60 – had a monster 5.0-litre V10 that was taken straight out of an F1 car. Perhaps one of the most incredible engines of all time. Sadly, it was plagued by a single-clutch SMG gearbox that was clumsy and just couldn’t keep up.</p><div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/11/BMW_M5_F10_autoX-1763456257676.webp" alt="BMW_M5_F10_autoX.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    <p>The F10 grew bigger, more luxurious and even more powerful thanks to a pair of turbos. It was monumentally fast, but it was just too heavy and unwieldy for my liking. The F90 was more of the same, although I never drove the famed CS model. </p>
  <h2>BMW M5 G90 Hybrid Performance: Power Meets Weight</h2><p>You would think that the G90, the latest M5, with hybrid tech, at two-and-a-half tonnes, would be just too heavy to be fun to drive. But, with 717bhp &amp; 1,000Nm, and zero lag in power delivery, thanks to the electric motor, it’s an absolute blast from behind the wheel.</p><div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2024/12/BMW-M5-Launched.jpg" alt="BMW M5 Launched" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    <p>It’s more luxurious and better kitted out than ever, but it’s also incredibly fast and fun to drive. And, with an all-electric range of 69 kilometres, you could argue that it’s just that little bit more responsible than before too. I thought it would be numb and forgettable, instead it turned out to be super-fast, engaging and incredibly desirable.</p>
  <p>100km/h comes up in just 3.5 seconds, so you know that power is stupendous. But, crucially, so is the chassis and body control. Yes, on quick weight transfers, you do feel the sheer heft, but other than that it’s incredibly easy to hustle around the racetrack. Thanks to the four-wheel drive, you can just point-and-shoot. It simply hunkers down and goes looking for less able prey to harass out of its way. And with that big, black snout (which is illuminated at night for added effect), you can bet that it clears a path with no trouble at all.</p><div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/01/1738237643646-032a-BMW-M5-steering-wheel.webp" alt="BMW M5-steering-wheel.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    
  <p>The best part of this M5 isn’t that you can actually use it as a track car, it’s the fact that it’s incredibly comfortable, luxurious and spacious while also being insanely fast at the same time. Frankly, it’s a good thing that you won’t be taking it to a track on a regular basis. My assumption is that, with the traction control system working overtime to keep all that power and weight in check, your brake pads are likely to be toast sooner rather than later.</p>
  <p>So, you’re better off using the M5 as a fast and luxurious road warrior. You’ll be able to outgun pretty much everything else, and you can do it safe in the knowledge that no one else on the road would be foolhardy enough to get in your way. If that isn’t thug life, I don’t know what is…</p><div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/01/1738237604391-knvp-BMW-M5-Rear-View.webp" alt="BMW M5-Rear-View.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    
  
  <p>[tabs]</p>

<p>[tab title="<strong>BMW M5</strong>"]</p>

<p><strong>Engine:</strong> 4,395cc Twin-Turbo V8</p>

<p><strong>Transmission:</strong> 8-Speed AT AWD</p>

<p><strong>Power:</strong> 717bhp </p>

<p><strong>Torque:</strong> 1,000Nm</p>
 
<p><strong>Fuel:</strong> Petrol-hybrid</p> 

<p><strong>Price:</strong> ₹1.99 Crore Ex showroom</p>

<p><strong>X-Factor:&nbsp;</strong><em>Still the fastest &amp; most capable luxury sedan in the world.</em></p>

<table cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
			<p><strong>Pros &nbsp;</strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>
			•&nbsp; Insanely fast &amp; luxurious </p>

			</td>
			<td>
			<p><strong>Cons</strong><br>
			• Fast, yes, but also ridiculously complicated &amp; heavy </p>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<p>[/tab]</p>

<p>[/tabs]</p>

BMW M5 First Drive Review - Thug Life

The brand new BMW M5 is a 717-horsepower thug, and it’s in no mood to pretend otherwise! But what happens when you take a thug to a racetrack?

<p>This Bavarian duo couldn’t be more different – one is a four-door family sedan, and the other is a two-door sports convertible. Yet, they share a common thread – both are powered by one of the greatest turbo petrol engines of all time – BMW’s B58 3.0-litre six-cylinder powerhouse.</p><p>Objectively speaking, it doesn’t make much sense to compare the M340i and Z4 M40i, for they are built for entirely different purposes. However, that ‘M’ badge…well, that’s where the trouble lies. Why, you ask? Well, because that badge signifies that both vehicles have been primarily designed to offer one thing – sheer driving pleasure. So, putting their purposes aside, the question is – which of the two is the more engaging 40i?</p>
  <h2>BMW M340i Review – The Ultimate Sleeper Performance Sedan</h2><p>Guess which one’s more expensive between the two? Yes, you’re right – it’s the Z4. Now, guess which one is more powerful and quicker? Well, nope, you’re wrong this time. It’s the M340i!</p><p>
      <div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2023/05/BMW-M340i-Front-Three-Quarter.jpg" alt="BMW M340i Front Three Quarter" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    </p><p>Would it be fair to say that the M340i is the most complete performance car under a crore? I’d say it is. The M340i is the kind of product that isn’t about asking what you get for your money, but what is it that you don’t? You get my drift? There’s virtually everything that it brings to the table – high performance, impeccable dynamics, four-door practicality, and the latest tech. Plus, when you’re not aiming for the 1/10ths, it’s a luxury sedan par excellence. And the icing on the cake is its phenomenal pricing. The first time I drove the M340i, about four years ago, I called it ‘the bargain M3’. Even after all these years, that statement still holds true.</p><p>Now, BMW has tweaked the M340i to make it more user-friendly in India, but it retains the sleeper soul of the original. In short, the star of the show is still the B58 engine, pushing out nearly 370 horses and 500Nm of twisting force. Cutting straight to the chase, the B58 is an absolute firecracker of an engine. Push the pedal to the metal and this engine propels the M340i from a standstill to license-cancelling speeds in no time.  What’s more, it can do the 0 – 100km/h sprint in just 4.4 seconds, which not only makes it the fastest accelerating Made-in-India ICE vehicle, but that’s also half a second faster than the legendary V8-powered E90 M3. That’s quite something.</p><p>
      <div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/01/1738235868131-ortc-BMW-M340i-Taillight.webp" alt="BMW M340i-Taillight.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    </p><p>There’s no denying though that it’s not a real M car – which means it often gets slagged, mostly by trolls, on the internet for featuring an M badge. But if you ask me, it feels like an M car 80% of the time. That’s no way a bad deal because while it has the go of an M car, it’s not constantly on edge. In fact, with just a press of a button it turns into a docile luxury sedan. More so in the latest version, since it now gets the M Adaptive Suspension as standard. As a result, the ride isn’t jarring all the time – it’s supple, quiet, and absorbent on bad roads. It feels like a proper luxury sedan – until you turn to Sport or Sport Plus modes. Then all hell breaks loose!</p><p>When you’re blasting down a straight, the M340i – with its all-wheel drive or xDrive system – is blistering fast and sticks to the road like a leech. The grip, traction, and stability – all impeccable. Around corners, it’s much the same story. It corners like it’s being driven on rails. The new flat-bottom M steering wheel is direct and precise, and the nose darts around turns without missing a beat. What’s more, the overall composure and adjustability of this chassis is simply remarkable. Classic BMW traits.</p><p>
      <div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/01/1738235837048-oxv8-BMW-M340i-side-profile-dynamic.webp" alt="BMW M340i-side-profile-dynamic.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    </p><p>But you might argue that it’s not rear-wheel drive. Well, no, it’s not. But, this is still a BMW at heart, which means that the xDrive system unashamedly favours the rear axle.  So, while cornering hard, you can always sense the car being pushed and rotated from the back. The handling is delectable, period.</p>
  
  
  
  <p>If there’s one slight criticism I have, it’s that the M Adaptive Suspension in the LCI version has made it a little too plush – even in the sportiest of settings, there’s a bit more boy roll compared to the old car. It’s still incredibly sharp for a four-door family sedan, but it doesn’t seem to be fully committed to the cause. Let’s just say that it’s now easier to live with on a daily basis on our roads, and I completely understand why BMW chose to do that.</p><p>On the flip side, what has become better, surprisingly, is the noise. This thing is markedly louder than the outgoing version. I distinctly remember being underwhelmed by the whole experience of the previous model  – even while driving at the speed of sound, it always felt a little muted inside. But not this one – it growls. It pops and bangs on the overrun, and you don’t have to stick your ear to the exhaust – it’s easily audible in the cabin. Now, of course, you might argue that this is nothing but BMW’s infamous piped-in noises coming through the speakers. However, I rolled down all four windows, stuck my head out, and noticed that it was very much a genuine noise coming straight from the exhaust pipes.</p><p>
      <div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/01/1738235910090-1qap-BMW-M340i-steering-wheel.webp" alt="BMW M340i-steering-wheel.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    </p><p>What makes life feel even better in the M340i is its interior. This isn’t a stripped-down performance car on that front – it’s a full-on luxury car instead. You get BMW’s latest iDrive 8.5, along with the new-age Curved Display with two screens. There are all the creature comforts that you get in a regular 3 Series, meaning it’s opulent and tech-laden. Plus, the new Vernasca black leather upholstery, combined with contrast blue stitching and a heavy dose of carbon fibre, is so tastefully done.</p><p>The M340i is irresistible, and of that, there’s no doubt. But can it better the Z4 – a two-door sportscar with limitless headroom – as the ultimate driving machine? If you ask me, it’s got its work cut out!</p>
  
  
  <h2>BMW Z4 M40i Roadster Review – Open-Top Thrills</h2><p>The moment you jump into the Z4, especially after experiencing the M340i, you realise the difference between a performance car and a sports car. In the Z4, everything feels more serious. You sit low, almost on the floor, the seats are narrow, the overall sense of space is tighter, and every control is more driver-focused. The dashboard is tilted towards the driver, the M steering wheel – it’s perfectly round here – is smaller and has a thinner rim, and the pedals are relatively closer to each other.</p><p>
      <div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/01/1738235979507-46rw-BMW-Z4-M40i-steering-wheel.webp" alt="BMW Z4 M40i-steering-wheel.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    </p><p>Now, one important thing to note is that tech and gadgets here are a generation behind what you get in the M340i. So, no curved displays or big screens. What you get instead is the old iDrive 7 with two 10.25-inch screens – one for the infotainment and the other as a driver display. Compared to the M340i, this interior does feel outdated, but we’re not here to play with screens – not on this occasion, at least.</p><p>Because the Z4’s cabin feels a generation older, it has a more analogue and old-school charm of the two. Plus, it comes with a proper gear lever, instead of the soulless toggle button / shifter of the M340i. Now, let’s move to the juicier bits. The Z4 does not have an M avatar and thus the M40i is the top-spec version of the roadster that money can buy. Although, if you happen to be anywhere else in the world, there’s something called the Toyota Supra for you, which is based on the same platform as the Z4 – but that’s a story for another day.</p><p>In terms of the hardware, the Z4 M40i gets more or less the same kit as the M340i – M Adaptive Suspension, M Sport Differential, M Brakes, and, of course, the B58 firecracker.  However, there’s a catch. The Z4’s B58 is offered in a lower state of tune in India, producing 335bhp and 500Nm. A bit of a downer, considering BMW offers it in a more powerful state of tune in global markets. There’s a manual transmission on offer, too, but in India, it’s only offered with the 8-speed ZF auto, the same as the M340i. On the upside, it can still crack 0 – 100km/h in 4.5 seconds, and unlike the M340i, it’s a pure front-engine, rear-wheel drive machine.</p><p>
      <div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/01/1738236134428-2mf9-BMW-Z4-M40i-Motion.webp" alt="BMW Z4 M40i-Motion.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    </p><p>If you stomp on the A-pedal in the M340i carelessly, its AWD and long wheelbase ensure that you’re well taken care of. But do the same in the petiter RWD roadster, and it won’t hesitate to throw caution to the wind, resulting in a furious wheel spin and fishtailing. Sure, the traction control and electronics reign it in before you end up embarrassing yourself, but it does send a warning to your senses. It’s lively but in a fiery way.</p>
  
  
  <p>Once the Z4 gains traction, though, it takes off with blistering speed. There’s no dearth of performance, as it picks up pace quickly, all while making glorious noises. And that difference of 0.1s hardly matters, especially when the roof is down, the sun is shining on your receding hairline, and you feel the full force of Delhi’s filthy air against your face. That’s what a convertible does – it creates a sense of occasion even in such dystopian times.</p><p>Surprisingly, the Z4’s exhaust produces understated noises. Even with the roof down, it’s not as loud. However, the induction noise is deeper, and the pops on the overrun are bassier. Put the roof back up – it takes only 10 seconds to open or close the roof – and it becomes even more muted. However, if you do a rev battle at a standstill, it’s the Z4 that produces a throatier and louder noise.</p><p>In the handling department, the Z4 is every bit a sports car, and then some. The nose is sharp, and it’s more agile for obvious reasons. Despite being RWD, the traction is phenomenal. It never loses composure around corners regardless of how hard you push it. There’s some movement at the back when you turn the TC off, but to break traction and slide – and to catch the tail back again – you would have to be a driving god! It’s unshakeable. This is also down to its tyres. While both the M340i and Z4 feature 19-inch staggered set, the latter gets fatter tyres – 255/275 vs 225/255 at the front and rear. The wider contact patch makes all the difference.</p><p>
      <div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/01/1738236143534-9g8z-BMW-Z4-M40i-vs-BMW-M340i-side-profile-dynamic.webp" alt="BMW Z4 M40i vs BMW M340i-side-profile-dynamic.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    </p>
  <p>Then there’s the suspension. The Z4 has a stiffer setup, and you can feel it when you’re pushing it around corners. However, its roadholding isn’t as impeccable as the M340i, for the Z4 tends to hop and skip when the surface isn’t silky smooth. There’s also a lot of side-to-side movement, and it feels excessively rigid in its Sport modes. The steering is direct, but it’s got an artificial heft unlike the M340i, which feels better weighted and consistent through and through. It’s a similar story with the gearbox. The ZF 8-speeder is identical in both vehicles, but it offers snappier shifts, especially in manual mode, in the M340i.</p><p>Much like the M340i, the Z4 can go from being a rowdy machine to a gentle luxury car in no time. Despite having a soft top, the noise insulation is impressive, and the overall refinement is simply brilliant. What’s more, in Comfort mode, the suspension is supple and the ride isn’t bone jarring. In fact, for a sports car, it’s surprisingly easy to live with, even on Indian roads. Even the ground clearance is decent. The only thing you have to deal with is the attention it garners  – it’s an outright head-turner.</p><h2>BMW Z4 vs M340i – Which 40i You Should Buy?</h2><p>Having driven both the 40is to my heart’s content, I can convincingly tell you that there’s no loser here. They are both fantastic driver’s cars, with a lot of character and charisma. That said, if you put a gun to my head, along with a crore in my bank account, I’ll give you a clear winner in terms of sheer thrills. It’s the M340i. Not only is the B58 drivetrain livelier, louder, and more engaging in the M340i, but it’s also more playful in terms of driving dynamics. The fact that it happens to be a four-door practical sedan and considerably more affordable than the Z4 only makes the whole deal sweeter.</p><p>
      <div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/01/1738235940255-dmnn-BMW-Z4-M40i-vs-BMW-M340i-Front-Three-Quarter.webp" alt="BMW Z4 M40i and M340i" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
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    </p><p>As for the Z4, it may not be an outright driver’s delight as the M340i, but it has a greater sense of occasion for sure. And in terms of performance and handling or sheer driving thrills, it trails the M340i only by a whisker or so. But that’s precisely it – it trails its four-door siblings, and not leads. So, from a driver’s perspective, it’s the M340i, which is the better 40i of the two. This also means that, for me, the M340i is now also the most exciting car under a crore, in addition to being the most complete.</p>

<p>[tabs]</p>

<p>[tab title="<strong>BMW M340i</strong>"]</p>

<p><strong>Engine:</strong> 2,998cc  6-Cylinder</p>

<p><strong>Transmission:</strong> 8-Speed AT AWD</p>

<p><strong>Power:</strong> 369bhp </p>

<p><strong>Torque:</strong> 500Nm</p>
 
<p><strong>Fuel:</strong> Petrol</p> 

<p><strong>Price:</strong> ₹74.90 Lakh Ex showroom</p>

<p>[/tab]</p>

<p>[tab title="<strong>BMW Z4 M40i</strong>"]</p>

<p><strong>Engine:</strong> 2,998cc  6-Cylinder</p>

<p><strong>Transmission:</strong> 8-Speed AT RWD</p>

<p><strong>Power:</strong> 335bhp </p>

<p><strong>Torque:</strong> 500Nm</p>
 
<p><strong>Fuel:</strong> Petrol</p> 

<p><strong>Price:</strong> ₹90.90 Lakh Ex showroom</p>

<p>[/tab]</p>

<p>[/tabs]</p>

BMW Z4 vs M340i Comparison Review - Naughty 40ies

Two BMWs. One heart. Different beats. One’s a stealthy four-door missile, the other a wild drop-top. But when it comes to pure thrills, which 40i truly delivers?

2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs BMW 5 Series LWB Comparison Review - The Long Game

Can the long-legged 5 Series stretch the E-Class LWB to its breaking point? There was only one way to find out – a head-to-head battle.

<p>
717bhp and 1,000Nm, paired with hybrid efficiency and a properly luxurious cabin – all the ingredients for the perfect modern day M5. Or is it?</p>

<p>You see, the M5 has always been able to combine ultra-high performance with everyday usability, along with more than a smattering of luxury. The hybrid tech in this generation, though, has meant that the M5 has gained more than half-a-tonne in weight over its predecessor – tipping the scales at a substantial 2,435kg. That certainly hasn’t blunted its straight-line speed though. After all, the wallop of those 717 horses means that it achieves 100km/h in a scant 3.5 seconds. The trouble comes when you attempt to hurl those two-and-a-half tonnes around the short loop of the BIC. Despite the four-wheel drive, the M5 appears reluctant to pivot around its axis and put its power down unless its pointed dead straight. There’s a very apparent resistance mid-corner owing to its mass, which can be seen in its lap time. That’s not to say it’s not entertaining. You can turn off the all-wheel drive and simply smoke the rear tires in two-wheel drive mode, as you see here. That’s the beauty of having inherent BMW dynamics and over 700 horses.</p><p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.autox.com/videos/bmw-m5-track-drive-perfect-super-sedan-for-india-buddh-international-circuit-2024-autox-119253/"> BMW M5 Track Drive | Perfect Super Sedan for India? | Buddh International Circuit | 2024 | autoX</a></p>

<p>As a road car, and a stupendously fast luxury car, the M5 still fits the bill but its weight means it’s not quite the precision instrument of old. In this avatar, it’s more of a hammer. It looks imposing, and it goes like stink but it can’t hide the weight of that 18.6 kWh battery pack. Perhaps BMW should have taken a page out of the Porsche GTS playbook, which has a 1.9 kWh battery that keeps the turbos always on boost – that way it enhances performance without any penalty in weight. Of course, the M5 will be far more efficient on the highway, and it’s perhaps the perfect car in which to crush continents.</p><p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://youtu.be/gkFiJ_N9wck?si=k2dtUxv9R7epjtcR">BMW M5 Track Drive | Perfect Super Sedan for India? | Buddh International Circuit | 2024 | autoX</a></p>

<p>If the fastest Autobahn cruiser was the brief, then the M5 has nailed it. But the M5 legacy is a tough one to live up to. This generation is faster, yes, but certainly not as agile as before…
</p>

<p>[tabs]</p>

<p>[tab title="<strong>BMW M5 (Lap Time: 01.06.1)</strong>"]</p>

<table cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" width="100%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<th scope="col">PARAMETERS</th>
			<th scope="col">POINTS</th>
			<th scope="col">SCORE</th>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">QUALITY</th>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>4.5</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">COMFORT / SPACE</th>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>4</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">REFINEMENT</th>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>4</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">DESIGN</th>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>3</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">DRIVETRAIN</th>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>4.5</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">RIDE &amp; HANDLING</th>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>3</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">PRACTICALITY</th>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>4</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">X FACTOR</th>
			<td>20</td>
			<td>14</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">LAP TIME</th>
			<td>15</td>
			<td>11.6</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">VALUE FOR MONEY</th>
			<td>30</td>
			<td>7</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">TOTAL</th>
			<td>100</td>
			<td>59.6</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<p>[/tab]</p>

<p>[/tabs]</p>

BMW M5 at autoX Awards: Best Cars of 2025 Ranked

The new BMW M5 is a very quick luxury sedan. It looks imposing on the road and delivers strong performance with serious pace.

<p><em><strong>BMW's best-seller has just been given a makeover, and it is all set to reach the Indian shores in the middle of 2019. Here's a glimpse of what to expect.</strong></em></p>

<p>I’m afraid that I have to begin this review with a disclaimer. You see, I’ve owned three generations of the BMW 3 Series over the years – an E30 325is from the ’80s, an E36 325i from the ’90s, and a current (but soon to be previous) generation F30 328i. So, it’s safe to say that I’m more than a little emotionally involved here!&nbsp;</p>

<p>Right, disclaimer over, now let’s get to this machine – this is the latest version of BMW’s best-selling car of all time. And to say that the 3 Series has been a successful model for BMW would be a massive understatement. After all, they’ve sold 15 million units over the past 40 years. This is the car that every sports sedan around the world is measured against. But, of late, that single-minded focus seemed to shift somewhat.</p>

<p><img alt="BMW 3 Series Front View" src="/uploads/2018/12/BMW-330i-M-Sport-019.jpg" style="width: 642px; height: 336px;" /></p>

<p>In a bid to appeal to an even wider spectrum of potential buyers, the 3 Series grew softer and more accommodating. And, in doing so, it opened the door for other brands to try and steal the sports sedan crown. Alfa Romeo, with the Giulia, and Jaguar, with the XE, have recently introduced incredible driving cars that push BMW’s best seller further than ever before. So, BMW has responded with this – the brand new 7th generation 3 Series.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a bid to secure its crown, BMW claims that this is the sportiest 3 Series that they’ve ever made – and that’s music to my ears! Even in an age where SUVs rule, the 3 Series is very important for the brand – and for all cars for that matter. Think of this as the flag bearer for sedans then. According to BMW, this remains the heart and soul of the brand. So, naturally, expectations were running high when I landed in Portugal to try out this all-new machine.</p>

<p><strong>Bigger nose, and just about everything else</strong></p>

<p>Styling wise, the new 3 looks very much like the latest 5 Series from the front – which is to say that is has a very prominent double kidney grille that looks butch and imposing. It’s a little too large for my liking, but the rest of the car looks pretty good – and unmistakably like a 3 Series.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As expected, this generation has grown in just about every direction. It’s 16mm wider and 76mm longer – 41mm of that is in the wheelbase, so you get more legroom in the back. But it’s also 55kgs lighter than the previous generation. The front track is 43mm wider, while the rear track is 21mm wider, which means that it should grip the road better than ever before. And, of course, it retains its trademark 50/50 weight distribution font-to-rear. All of which means that it should be every bit as dynamic as ever. And, to that end, they’ve also stiffened the chassis considerably.</p>

<p><img alt="BMW 3 Series Rear View" src="/uploads/2018/12/BMW-330i-M-Sport-054.jpg" style="width: 642px; height: 336px;" /></p>

<p>Now, I can attest to the fact that the current generation 3 Series isn’t exactly made of jelly, and yet BMW engineers say that they’ve made the mounting points for the front suspension (the strut mounts and wishbone mounting points) 50% stiffer than before. Now you don’t have to be a mechanical engineer to deduce that a stiffer and lighter chassis should mean that this truly is the most dynamic 3 Series ever made.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But before we put the pedal to the metal – metaphorically speaking anyway, in this case, it would be depressing a rubber pedal and sending electrical pulses to a control unit – let’s take a closer look at all the tech that BMW has packed into this machine.</p>

<p><img alt="BMW 3 Series Interior" src="/uploads/2018/12/BMW-330i-M-Sport-084.jpg" style="width: 642px; height: 336px;" /></p>

<p><strong>‘Hey BMW, I’m bored’</strong></p>

<p>All you have to do is get into the new 3 Series, and say, ‘Hey BMW, I’m bored,’ and your very own ‘Intelligent Personal Assistant’ will respond by saying, ‘We can’t have that,’ or something a little more ‘Germanic,’ after which it’ll promptly select ‘Sport’ mode to get your pulse racing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The new 3 Series has the 7th generation of BMW’s operating system, which comes with your very own Siri or Alexa-like assistant. Except BMW goes one step further. You can even rename your assistant to whatever suits your fancy. All you have to do is say, ‘Hey BMW, change your activation word,’ and you can rename your BMW Galadriel (she’s an Elvin Queen) if you so choose.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There’s some serious tech under the skin too. BMW claims that the 3 Series comes fitted with Stage 2 autonomous tech – making it the only car in its segment to come so equipped. All this fits with BMWs attempt at future proofing the 3 and making it competitive in a world of Tesla Model 3s.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Our test car came fitted with BMW’s brand new digital instrument cluster and latest iDrive system. Now, a trademark of the 3 Series right from its inception is its pair of large round gauges for the tachometer and speedometer. And while I’m a hardcore traditionalist, for the most part, I have to admit that I really like the new instrument cluster. It looks great, is very intuitive and, with the speedo and tach moved to the two corners, it frees up space in the centre for a host of information. Meanwhile, iDrive continues to be best-in-class by a mile, and the head-up display is excellent as well.</p>

<p>But, all is not well. You see, the personal assistant couldn’t really understand my accent and the autonomous driving tech felt like it was still in the pilot stages of its development. As far as voice commands go, I don’t know why automakers don’t just go to the likes of Apple, Google or Amazon and buy voice recognition modules from them. In terms of autonomous tech, stage 2 means that, technically, it should be hands-off (wherever the regulations allow). Of course, the reality of India means that you’ll never use autonomous technology on our roads anyway, but even if you could I wouldn’t feel comfortable surrendering control to this collection of ones and zeros just yet – at least not until all the kinks are worked out.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The good thing is that BMW will provide over-the-air updates via an app, which means that you can keep your car updated as the system continues to evolve – so there’s hope yet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the question remains – is this the best driving 3 Series ever?</p>

<p><strong>All grown up </strong>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>To begin with, the two models that will come to India by the middle of 2019 are the 320d and the 330i. Both cars retain their 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder motors. The diesel motor produces 188bhp and 400Nm of torque, while the petrol produces 255bhp and 400Nm. But BMW hasn’t just carried these motors over from their previous avatars. The diesel now comes with a pair of turbos – a low-pressure turbo that works at slow speeds and a high-pressure turbo that kicks in at higher levels of boost. The result of this clever bit of engineering is that there’s absolutely no turbo lag whatsoever.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Previously, in the 320d, there would be a little bit of lag before the turbo would kick in and the resulting surge of power would pin you in your seat ever so slightly. Now, the power delivery from the diesel is more progressive and linear. All models of the new 3 also come with acoustic glass windshields that insulate you from the outside world. Our test cars even had acoustic glass on the front doors – which meant that you couldn’t hear any diesel clatter at all. In fact, I challenge anyone to tell, from behind the driver’s seat, that there’s a diesel motor under the hood of the 320d – it’s that quiet and refined. But it’s also a little less entertaining. It feels more mature and grown up – more like a taut 5 Series rather than the most sporty 3 ever.</p>

<p>The 330i, on the other hand, feels like a different animal altogether. Power delivery is more urgent of course. And in Sport mode, the engine note is ‘enhanced’ and pumped into the cabin. The 8-speed ZF gearbox – which, for me, was already the best gearbox in the world for anything less than a supercar – is even quicker and more responsive. And the grip levels are simply insane.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the mountains of the Algarve region, where we were testing these cars, you could simply carry any speed into a corner and the new 3 Series would just grip and go. So-much-so that you could hear a little bit of tyre squeal from outside the car, but on the inside thanks to the acoustic glass, there was absolutely no sense that you were taking 90-degree bends at ludicrous speeds – other than the scenery rushing past at great speed of course. But, while the new 3 Series is so much more capable than ever before, it also appears to have become a victim of its own excellence. You see, the beauty of the 3 Series has always been its ability to involve the driver in the experience, and allow the person behind the wheel to access its limits and revel in the inherent sweetness of the chassis. All that inherent loveliness is still there of course, but the limits are so high now that you have to be doing ridiculous speeds to experience it. Fortunately, we did just that on the Portimao circuit – one of the most entertaining and challenging tracks in the world – in the M340i xDrive.</p>

<p>Now, the 340i, with its 369-horsepower 3.0-litre turbo inline-six motor will never come to India, but it allowed us to get closer to the limits of this machine. And what I can tell you is that the new 3 feels sharper and more responsive than ever before, but just not as willing to engage. And that’s where I think BMW has missed a trick. You see there are plenty of SUVs that are more luxurious and – with even wider rubber at all four corners and bigger motors – even more grippy and powerful. This was an opportunity for BMW to prove, once and for all, that vehicles that are lighter and lower to the ground offer a superior driving experience because they engage you in a manner that a big, lumbering SUV simply can’t. What BMW has done, instead, is make a 3 Series that’s – well – better in every way! It’s more luxurious, refined, tech-laden and faster than ever. Objectively I just can’t fault it, but emotionally I just didn’t connect with it. But you can’t blame me, I issued a disclaimer right at the very beginning of this review remember.</p>

<p><img alt="BMW 3 Series Sport wheels" src="/uploads/2018/12/BMW-330i-M-Sport-062.jpg" /></p>

<p>Would I mind driving one every day? Absolutely not. I would choose the 330i in a heartbeat – but without the stiffer suspension and 19-inch rims of the M-Sport variant. A 330i on 18-inch wheels would be the perfect daily driver if you think about it. Well, unless your heartstrings are so fragile so as to be pulled by a machine with four wheels and a kidney grille for a nose that is…</p>

<p>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYP4zRZ-qDo</p>

<p>[tabs]</p>

<p>[tab title="<strong>2019 BMW 320d</strong>"]</p>

<p><strong>Engine:</strong> 1,995cc / In-line 4 Cylinders / Turbocharged</p>

<p><strong>Fuel:</strong>&nbsp;Diesel</p>

<p><strong>Transmission:</strong>&nbsp;8-Speed Automatic / Rear-Wheel Drive&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Power:</strong> 188bhp @ 4,000rpm</p>

<p><strong>Torque:</strong> 400Nm @ 1,750-2,500rpm&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Acceleration: </strong>0-100km/h – 6.8 seconds</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>X-Factor:&nbsp;</strong>Better in every way, and immensely capable – but not necessarily more fun to drive than before!&nbsp;</p>

<table cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
			<p><strong>Pros &nbsp;</strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
			•&nbsp;Immense grip levels<br />
			•&nbsp;Modern &amp; refined cabin</p>
			</td>
			<td>
			<p><strong>Cons</strong><br />
			• Not involving to drive</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<p>[/tab]</p>

<p>[tab title="<strong>2019 BMW 330i</strong>"]</p>

<p><strong>Engine:</strong> 1,998 / In-line 4-Cylinders / Turbocharged</p>

<p><strong>Fuel:</strong>&nbsp;Petrol</p>

<p><strong>Transmission:</strong>&nbsp;8-Speed Automatic / Rear-Wheel Drive&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Power:</strong> 255bhp @ 5,000-6,500rpm</p>

<p><strong>Torque:</strong> 400Nm @ 1,550-4,400rpm&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Acceleration: </strong>0-100km/h – 5.8 seconds</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>X-Factor:&nbsp;</strong>Better in every way, and immensely capable – but not necessarily more fun to drive than before!&nbsp;</p>

<table cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
			<p><strong>Pros &nbsp;</strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
			•&nbsp;Immense grip levels<br />
			•&nbsp;Modern &amp; refined cabin</p>
			</td>
			<td>
			<p><strong>Cons</strong><br />
			• Not involving to drive</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<p>[/tab]</p>

<p>[/tabs]</p>


BMW 3 Series Review, First Drive

What we have here is the latest iteration of BMW's best-selling hot-shod sedan of all time - the BMW 3-series. Slated to launch in the middle of 2019, we had a chance to drive this impeccable machine on the alluring roads of Portugal. Here's our extensive review.

BMW 3 Series [2016-2019]

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