If I’m not wrong, almost each and every car enthusiast right now wishes to own a luxury car. However, with a greater brand value, host of features, quality components and proper fit and finish comes a hefty price tag that might be an issue for first-time buyers. To counter this problem many luxury carmakers have now started introducing as many as possible entry-level offerings to their buyers. Earlier, German cars used to be the parameter while choosing a luxury car. Meanwhile, in recent times even the British, as well as the Swedish carmakers, are no less with the level of quality and refinement they offer. Confused whether which entry-level luxury car you should opt for? Well, we have figured it out for you.
Audi A4
Audi has recently introduced the facelifted Audi A4 in India. The German carmaker earlier discontinued the luxury sedan just because of the stricter BS6 emission norms. However, it is now updated and looks more premium than ever. With that aggressive design language, the all-new Audi A4 is now available with multiple features such as automatic headlamps, 3 zone climate control, memory function for the driver’s seat, 30 color ambient lighting, cruise control and wireless smartphone charging among others. Apart from this, there are two big screens on offer. The first one obviously is reserved for the 12.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster. Meanwhile, the second one is there for the floating 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Android Auto as well as Apple CarPlay.
Audi A4 is available in two variants – Premium Plus and Technology. Where Technology is the top-spec variant and is available with additional features on offer. Under the hood, both the variants come with a 2.0L TFSI turbocharged petrol motor that is capable to churn out a massive 190HP.
Coming to the safety features, the all-new Audi A4 packs 8 airbags, ABS, ESC, Traction Control (TC), parking sensors, auto hold assist and tyre pressure monitor as standard.
Key Specs
- Engine – 1998cc (Petrol)
- Mileage – Upto 17.42kmpl
- Power – 190BHP (Petrol)
- Torque – 320Nm (Petrol)
- Transmission – Automatic Only.
Positives
- Ride Quality
- Refined petrol engine
Negatives
- Absence of diesel engine
- AWD (Quattro) not available
Ex-Showroom Price, New Delhi: Rs.42.34 Lakh to Rs.46.67 Lakh
BMW 3 Series
BMW 3 Series is present in the global market since 43 years. Meanwhile, in 2019, the luxury sedan received its seventh-gen updates with a more mature look. Even in terms of refinement, BMW has done a commendable job on the 3 Series as the updated car now feels more agile in a calm and composed manner. Right now, it is available with the BS6 compliant – 255BHP, 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a 188BHP, 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine.
Feature-wise, it comes packed to the brim with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, gesture control, wireless charging pad, voice command, ambient lighting, 3-zone climate control, auto LED headlamps, launch control, powered front seats, etc.
Multiple safety aids such as 6 airbags, launch control, ESC, tyre pressure monitoring system and rearview parking camera are available on the BMW 3 Series.
Key Specs
- Engine – 1998cc (Petrol), 1995cc (Diesel)
- Mileage – 16kmpl to 19kmpl
- Power – 255BHP (Petrol), 188BHP (Diesel)
- Torque –400Nm (Petrol), 400Nm (Diesel)
- Transmission – Automatic Only.
Positives
- Interior feels premium
- Punchy engines
Negatives
- Boot space not appropriate
- Complicated instrument cluster
Ex-Showroom Price, New Delhi: Rs.42.60 Lakh to Rs.49.90 Lakh
Mercedes Benz C-Class
Mercedes Benz C-Class is still one of the best entry-level luxury sedans as it comes with a powerful diesel engine. So if you are someone who is looking for that extra punch alongside practicality then this might be the best option for you. The C300d variant is the top-spec variant that comes with a 1950cc turbocharged diesel motor that can churn out a massive 254BHP of power and 500Nm of torque. However, the pricing still remains one of the major issues as the top-spec variant goes up to Rs.54.25 Lakh.
Also, there are many high-end performance cars that fall under the C-Class category, including the C300 Cabriolet, Coupe C43 AMG and C63 that goes up to Rs.1.39 Crore (ex-showroom, New Delhi). Returning to the rival of the entry-level sedan, the Mercedes C-Class comes with a host of features including adaptive LED headlamps, 2-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, hands-free park assist, 7 airbags, etc. among others.
Key Specs
- Engine – 1991cc (Petrol), 1950cc (Diesel)
- Mileage – 11.9kmpl to 12.6kmpl
- Power – 201BHP (Petrol), 194BHP (Diesel)
- Torque – 280Nm (Petrol), 400Nm (Diesel)
- Transmission – Automatic Only.
Positives
- Solid build quality
- Refined petrol engine
Negatives
- Diesel motor not so refined
- Expensive when compared to its rivals
Ex-Showroom Price, New Delhi: Rs.41.30 Lakh to Rs.54.20 Lakh
Volvo S60
Volvo has always been a benchmark for safety and the all-new Volvo S60 proves that again. Built on an all-new SPA platform with the latest design language, the recently launched luxury sedan has scored a 5-star rating at the Euro NCAP. Further, it is also said that the Volvo S60 takes inspiration from its elder siblings – the S90 and XC90.
Now let’s go on to the features, it is offered with a 12.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster, 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Harman Kardon surround sound system, 4-zone climate control, wireless charging pad, LED headlamps with DRLs and automatic wipers among others. Meanwhile, safety aids such as 6 airbags, adaptive cruise control and tyre pressure monitoring system are also available with the all-new Volvo S60.
Apart from all this, the engine that powers the Volvo S60 is still a 1969cc turbocharged petrol unit. It churns out a massive 190HP alongside a peak torque of 300Nm. However, performance-wise, it seems to be a bit weak when compared to its rivals as the car takes around 9.35 seconds to go from standstill to 100kmph.
Key Specs
- Engine – 1969cc (Petrol)
- Mileage – Upto 14.08kmpl
- Power – 190BHP (Petrol)
- Torque – 300Nm (Petrol)
- Transmission – Automatic Only.
Positives
- 5-Star Euro NCAP rating
- Refinement levels too high
Negatives
- No diesel engine on offer
- After-sales service
Ex-Showroom Price, New Delhi: Rs.45.90 Lakh Onwards
Jaguar XE
British cars are a wholesome package of premium with elegance and even the Jaguar XE manifests the same. In the year 2019, Jaguar launched the facelifted XE with gazillions of cosmetic tweaks and features on offer. There are two engines available on the Jaguar XE including a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine and a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine. In terms of features, it comes with sleeker LED headlamps, DRLs with integrated indicators, powered front seats, automatic wipers, powered sunblinds, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a wireless charging pad. Further, the infotainment system on the updated SE is now compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Apart from all these, there are multiple safety features that come with the Jaguar XE as standard. The list includes 6 airbags, ABS, tyre pressure monitoring system, rear view camera, traction control (TC), hill start assist as well as handsfree parking. However, only people who are truly a Jaguar enthusiast goes for this car as this is one of the most competitive segments in India.
Key Specs
- Engine – 1997cc (Petrol)
- Mileage – Upto 13kmpl
- Power – 246.7BHP (Petrol)
- Torque – 365Nm (Petrol)
- Transmission – Automatic Only.
Positives
- Proper feel and feedback from the steering wheel
- Overall design
Negatives
- Diesel engine not available
- Less rear-seat space
Ex-Showroom Price, New Delhi: Rs.46.64 Lakh to Rs.48.50 Lakh
As we know sedan segment has really lost its charm in India, these are some of the luxury offerings that still come with that WOW factor. Here’s ending your hunt for the luxury sedan that you can buy with a tight budget. Do let us know your favorite entry-level luxury sedan below.