Luxury Cars – BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine vs BMW 5 Series
Powertrain
Both cars get the same 2-litre twin-scroll turbo-petrol engine but in a different state of tune. The 330Li puts out 254bhp and 400Nm whereas the slightly more expensive 530i Sport delivers 248bhp and 350Nm and both cars are limited to a top speed of 250kmph. When it comes to the 0-100kmph times, despite the power deficit, at 6.1 seconds, the 530i Sport is just 0.1 seconds faster than the 330Li. The two also get an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 330Li gets three driving modes— Comfort, Eco Pro and Sport whereas the 530i Sport gets an additional Sport+ mode.
The standard 3 Series is our benchmark when it comes to the #ThrillofDriving in the entry level luxury sedan segment and the longer Gran Limousine hasn’t strayed far away. Even with the added weight and length, the car is quick and rather fun to drive. When we first got behind the wheel of the Gran Limousine, albeit in the 320Ld Luxury Line, this is what one of our correspondents, Karan Singh had to say: “…if you feared that the added length has taken all that away, you’d be mistaken. You notice almost none of the added length when driving it around town, since it is only 110mm longer, and it holds its line on corners just like the current-gen 3 Series does.”
price
Save the best for the last, they say. So here goes, with a tag of Rs 53.90 lakh, the BMW 330Li M Sport is Rs 2.1 lakh cheaper than the BMW 550i Sport (Rs 56 lakh). The BMW 330Li M Sport Gran Limousine then, is almost as fun to drive as the benchmark 3 Series, is slightly better equipped and is arguably better looking than the 530i Sport thanks to the M Sport styling pack.
Of course, we must also consider the fact that the 5 Series hasn’t received any major updates since its launch in 2017. But as it stands right now, the 330Li offers better bang for your buck. On the other hand, for just Rs 2.1 lakh more, the 5 Series badge carries more prestige. So it all boils down to what you really want — value for money or the badge value?
