Premium govt sedans have come a good distance. It began out as reasonably priced vehicles which have been then modified to be barely fancier and have extra luxurious. In an age of high-riding SUVs, the three-box automobile has created a distinct segment for itself, particularly in India the place you might be undeniably spoilt for selections. You might have the BMW Three Sequence which is extra sport-inclined, the A4 from the model with the 4 rings for its pleasant driving expertise, and the S60 is synonyms with its excessive security requirements. Then there’s additionally the brand new C-Class, which is undoubtedly Mercedes-Benz’s most vital mannequin within the nation. Now, in case you have about Rs. 50 lakh to spend on certainly one of these premium govt sedans, then which one ought to it’s? Properly, that is precisely why we’re right here as we speak that will help you make this choice.
Exterior
An ideal premium govt sedan should be each luxurious and sporty to not point out it should be handsome. The Volvo S60 impresses us with its quintessential European look that’s each subtle and classy. A gorgeous hood, the familial Volvo grille, modern LED headlights, and Volvo’s signature Thor’s hammer LED DRLs, what’s to not like? The C-Class with its edgy and aggressive face, sharper bumper, and that stimulating star-studded entrance grille, maintains a method that chauffeured house owners cannot ignore.
An ideal premium govt sedan should be each luxurious and sporty to not point out it should be handsome.
Photograph Credit score: Apoorv Choudhary
The A4 is similar previous fifth-gen mannequin beneath however does not come off as outdated. Its brawnier nostril, angrier eyes, and a number of creases on its physique make it very placing. And in order for you a sports activities sedan in its truest type, then the 330Li M Sport will fulfill your proverbial style buds. It’s aggressive but enticing and is the longest within the section but exudes that posh saloon feels.
Design is, after all, subjective, and lots of would have their very own valuations.
Photograph Credit score: Apoorv Choudhary
Now, design is, after all, subjective, and lots of have their very own valuations however all these vehicles, regardless of the badges look splendid within the rear-view mirror however for us, it is the S60 that has our hearts pulsating.
For us, it is the Volvo S60 that has our hearts pulsating.
Photograph Credit score: Apoorv Choudhary
Tech & Inside
Whereas talking of Rs. 50 lakh vehicles it’s completely vital to be as stunning and swanky on the skin as on the within and all these vehicles are a illustration of simply that. The cockpit of the S60 leaves an enduring imprint. The White and Beige theme is properly completed, the match and end are top-notch, and the 9-inch Sensus touchscreen is crisp, responsive, and controls all of the options contained in the cabin. However shouldn’t be essentially the most handy to make use of whereas driving. The white Nappa Leather-based upholstery appears stunning however might be tough to keep up. The entrance seats are wonderful providing unparalleled coziness.
Whereas talking of Rs. 50 lakh vehicles it’s completely vital to be as stunning and swanky on the skin as on the within and all these vehicles are a illustration of simply that.
Photograph Credit score: Apoorv Choudhary
The cabin of the C-Class is all about luxurious. The brand new technology mannequin will get a brand new Avant-Garde format. Every thing is knitted for sophistication. The 11.9-inch vertical centre display is beneficiant and homes all in-car controls. The 12.3-inch instrument panel is fancy and customisable. The steering touch-pad controls are flush and work nicely with a flick of a finger. The supplies used look fabulous. Upholstery may be very wealthy, however seats miss out on air flow.
All vehicles get an electrical sunroof, however we have been impressed with the glass panes on the 3GL (top-left) and the C-Class (backside proper).
Photograph Credit score: Apoorv Choudhary
The cabin of the A4 may not excite you and a few would possibly even really feel that it’s the least spectacular. However there are just a few notable components. The 10.1-inch touchscreen nonetheless appears contemporary. Really feel may be very perceptible, and really straightforward to make use of. It will get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In contrast to the S60 and the C-Class, the temperature right here is managed by way of a rotary knob. Different creature comforts are additionally button oriented. However the A4 is equally premium according to what you count on from a automobile on this section.
The BMW 330Li M Sport (top-left) has the most important boot within the section.
Photograph Credit score: Apoorv Choudhary
The cabin of the three Sequence Gran Limousine M Sport may be very nicely completed. Ambient lighting on the rear door trim is a pleasant contact. The newest technology of the BMW iDrive 7.Zero interface works nicely on the 12.3-inch touchscreen. Materials high quality is admirable with the sensible utilization of plastic, leather-based, and steel. The rear AC vents with straightforward controls would make anybody on the again comfortable! You additionally get wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and a 360-degree digital camera. Fairly tech-laden!
Ambient lighting on the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C200 is the very best within the section.
Photograph Credit score: Apoorv Choudhary
Rear Seat Area
However most prospects would decide to be pushed in these vehicles slightly than drive them for essentially the most a part of the day that’s.
| Dimension | Volvo S60 T4 Inscription | Mercedes-Benz C200 | BMW 330Li M Sport | Audi A4 Expertise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 4,761 mm | 4,751 mm | 4,819 mm | 4,762 mm |
| Width | 2,040 mm | 2,033 mm | 2,068 mm | 2,022 mm |
| Peak | 1,431 mm | 1,437 mm | 1,441 mm | 1,433 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,872 mm | 2,865 mm | 2,961 mm | 2,819 mm |
| Boot Area | 442-litre | 455-litre | 480-litre | 460-litre |
If rear area consolation is your precedence, look no additional than the three GL. The rear doorways are 110 mm longer than the common Three Sequence means getting out and in is straightforward. Due to its stretched footprint, the 3GL has a extra spacious again seat than the remaining. The legroom is ample, the headrest and central armrest make issues snug, and 480-litre of boot area shouldn’t be a compromise.
If rear area consolation is your precedence, look no additional than the BMW 330Li M Sport (high left).
Photograph Credit score: Apoorv Choudhary
The opposite three are undoubtedly spacious, get computerized local weather management, particular person charging ports, and the works, however the 3GL is a bang for the buck.
Engine/ Gearbox
We drove all of the vehicles back-to-back and have been happy with the number of drives every automobile supplied.
| Mannequin | Volvo S60 T4 Inscription | Mercedes-Benz C200 | BMW 330Li M Sport | Audi A4 Expertise | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,969 cc | 1,496 cc | 1,998 cc | 1,984 cc | |
| Gasoline | Petrol | Petrol | Petrol | Petrol | |
| Energy | 188 bhp @5,000 rpm | 201 bhp @ 5,800 rpm | 255 bhp @5,000 rpm | 188 bhp @4,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 300 Nm @1,700 – 4,000 rpm | 300 Nm @1,800 – 4,000 rpm | 400 Nm @1,550 – 4,400 rpm | 320 Nm @1,450 – 4,200 rpm | |
| Transmission | 8-Pace Computerized | 9-Pace Computerized | 8-Pace Computerized | 7-Pace DCT | |
| Drive sort | Entrance-Wheel Drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-Wheel Drive | Entrance-Wheel Drive |
The A4 is powered by a 2.0-litre 40 TFSI unit growing 188 bhp and 320 Nm. Now, this unit could really feel low on energy however that does not make the automobile sluggish. After all, it is no rocket ship nevertheless it will not slack behind both. Regardless of the preliminary bottom-end lag, the A4 is fast. Engine refinement is spectacular and the quick-shifting DCT may be very alert. Beneath onerous acceleration although, you would possibly end up asking for extra. However in comes the paddle shifters to your rescue and make the drive pleasant.
The BMW 330Li M Sport is essentially the most authoritative and the quickest automobile right here.
Photograph Credit score: Apoorv Choudhary
Volvo’s 2.0-litre engine is essentially the most relaxed on this section. It has the identical output because the A4 however not like the Audi energy supply right here is extra linear with hardly any sense of urgency. Which isn’t in any respect unhealthy however will not fulfill the fanatic inside you. The 8-speed torque converter is clean shifting and prioritises consolation.
The C200 has the smallest unit on this section however packs in sufficient punch, much more than the S60 and the A4. The low-end torque is noticeable and is kind of up for the job regardless of what you throw at it. It’ll maintain as much as various speeds nicely and excursions simply as fortunately because it commutes, the mild-hybrid system additionally has an enormous function to play right here. The 9-speed computerized is superb and is flawless in Regular Mode. If you would like extra from the engine, then swap to both Sport or Sport+ drive modes. The C200 is clean, quiet, snug, and simple. Simply the way in which it ought to be.
The BMW 330Li M Sport’s (high left) 8-speed torque converter is a thoughts reader and all the time retains you in the fitting gear.
Photograph Credit score: Apoorv Choudhary
The second you speed up the 3GL M Sport, you realize, it is sport on. With 255 bhp and 400 Nm of torque from its 2.0-litre turbo petrol motor, the 3GL is essentially the most authoritative and the quickest automobile right here. The four-cylinder unit is free-revving and affords a scorching efficiency. To not point out, that the refinement ranges are class-leading, and the shifts are silky clean. In Sport mode, the throttle response turns into sharper, and the gearbox turns into extra alert. Not that it is essentially wanted as a result of the three’s 8-speed torque converter, is a thoughts reader and all the time retains you in the fitting gear. It doesn’t matter what!
Gasoline Effectivity
And if effectivity is what you are in search of, then the A4 will impress you with its claimed determine of 17.42 kmpl intently adopted by the most recent C200 because of the 48V delicate hybrid system. Volvo’s S60 is the least environment friendly petrol providing on this section, whereas the BMW is not fairly the drinker you’ll take it to be.
| Volvo S60 T4 Inscription | Mercedes-Benz C200 | BMW 330Li M Sport | Audi A4 Expertise | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14.08 kmpl | 16.9 kmpl | 15.Three kmpl | 17.42 kmpl |
Journey & Dealing with
The Volvo S60 sits on a agency suspension however that does not translate into an thrilling expertise. Its corner-carving abilities aren’t top-notch and if pushed onerous then the large 1,700 kg machine shows fairly a little bit of physique roll. There’s an evident vibration felt throughout the cabin at low speeds, one thing you will not respect from the rear seats however shortly settles down as soon as the automobile picks up velocity.
There’s an evident vibration felt throughout the cabin of the Volvo S60 at low speeds, one thing you will not respect from the rear seats.
Photograph Credit score: Apoorv Choudhary
The Audi A4 has a pointy distinction in its dealing with in comparison with the S60. Steering is extra direct and even turns shortly, be it in site visitors or on corners. Physique roll is negligible and can all the time encourage you with its nimble and supple journey high quality. Be it from the entrance or on the rear.
Steering is extra direct on the Audi A4 and even turns shortly, be it in site visitors or on corners.
Photograph Credit score: Apoorv Choudhary
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class might be essentially the most sorted automobile on this section. It has phenomenal management over undulating roads. Steering is fast, direct and in tighter corners, it hurls itself with poise. And the rear-wheel-drive set-up helps you get pleasure from corners much more. However higher brakes would’ve additional enhanced that have.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class might be essentially the most sorted automobile on this section.
Photograph Credit score: Apoorv Choudhary
Leaving everybody behind is the 3GL, once more, with its sharp steering, exact dealing with on corners and the rear-wheel-drive set-up solely makes it pleasant. To not point out the grin it leaves on you for the remainder of the day.
BMW 330Li M Sport with its sharp steering, exact dealing with on corners, and the rear-wheel-drive set-up makes the drive pleasant.
Photograph Credit score: Apoorv Choudhary
Verdict
Now, for the all-important govt choice. All of the vehicles are a dominating drive. So, choosing one was all the time going to be onerous. However for the sake of being goal, let’s wind again shortly. When it comes to design, the reply is easy, it’s the Volvo S60 for us. In general cabin really feel, though all of the vehicles are equally luxurious, supply ample area, and are loaded with tech, we really feel each the C-Class and the three Sequence GL M Sport are worthy of this honour. When it comes to general engine refinement, gearbox response, journey & dealing with; there isn’t any more sensible choice than the three GL. However every part boils right down to the pricing.
The Audi A4 and the Volvo S60 are each nice merchandise, little doubt.
Photograph Credit score: Apoorv Choudhary
| Mannequin | Volvo S60 | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | BMW Three Sequence GL | Audi A4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Costs (ex-showroom) | Rs. 45.90 lakh | Rs. 55 lakh- Rs. 61 lakh | Rs. 54.50 lakh- Rs. 56.90 lakh | Rs. 40.49 lakh- Rs. 48.99 lakh |
The Audi A4 and the Volvo S60 are each nice merchandise, little doubt. The S60 is available in a single petrol variant whereas the A4 has a base Premium trim which is equally knitted and a completely loaded, top-spec Expertise trim however they do not tick all of the bins for a buyer who’s most likely getting into the posh area for the very first time. And so, it actually comes down to those two- the three GL and the C200. On one facet, you will have the proper driver’s automobile, it is essentially the most spacious, most participating, and combines sportiness and luxurious masterfully. You additionally get a diesel to select from which is intently priced to its petrol sibling.
The BMW 330 Li M Sport is the proper driver’s automobile, is essentially the most spacious, most participating, and combines sportiness and luxurious masterfully.
Photograph Credit score: Apoorv Choudhary
Then again, we’ve got the most recent C-Class. It has every part that you’d need from a brand new automobile and can even stand out if you drive into your high-rise condominium and even if you step out for a social outing. However every part that you just want is concentrated on the entrance not significantly useful should you can be chauffeured round. It is a well-rounded product little doubt, however the excessive price ticket it carries does not actually justify what it affords. And that is the place the 3GL makes a case for itself and rightly so, wins this showdown of the manager class!
