The Superb’s success in the Rs 20 lakh+ division implies it has attracted some of the German car makers like Mercedes-Benz and BMW who have introduced cheaper versions of their executive saloons.
The BMW, 320d Corporate Edition, costing Rs 29.24 lakh on-road, Mumbai, is about Rs. 8 lakh cheaper than the standard 320d Highline.
It is a car devoid of a sunroof, use normal halogens in lieu of bi-xenon headlamps, a little different looking 16-inch alloys, false leather in lieu of premium hides and a single CD player in place of the six-CD changer.
Yet, it is quite fast off the block, including 4.5 seconds to 60 kph and just less than 9 seconds to 100 kph. While it functions effortlessly, ride quality is slightly stiff and interior room is a bit congested as against the Superb, but the best part is that behind the wheel has all the features available.
Mercedes-Benz also offers the C220 CDI Executive Edition that offers nearly the same set of characteristics lacking in the Highline 3 Series, except that the seats are now totally physically adjustable.
At Rs 31.43 lakh, on-road Mumbai, it is about Rs. 6 lakh cheaper than the standard C220 CDI Avantgarde, but not as cheap as the BMW. It is a slightly more comfortable internally and though it isn’t as fast as the BMW, it provides better ride characteristics.