Mid-life crisis therapy: Which 80L car to replace my BMW 320D?

Given my track record, it'll probably clock only about 30,000 km in the next decade.

BHPian AbhiJ recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

A Dash of History

It's fair to say that I've been a devout car enthusiast for as long as my memory can recall, a trait I've proudly inherited from my father. The love for vehicles started with our trusty 1996 Daewoo Cielo Automatic and gradually evolved when we introduced a Mitsubishi Lancer SFX to the mix. The crowning jewel, however, was my father's final purchase - a BMW 3 Series F30 320D. Even after a solid nine years, this gem remains an integral part of my collection.

In 2014, following my father's sudden departure from this world, life's relentless demands and monetary restrictions put a momentary damper on my love for cars.

Current State of Play

Now, the occupants of my garage include a 2014 BMW F30 320D, a 2020 Hyundai Tucson Diesel AT, and a 2018 Honda City Diesel MT. The City dutifully serves as the everyday runabout, while the Tucson, with its practicality and comfort, is my go-to for chauffeured rides. However, the BMW, though seasoned, still holds a special place in my heart and hands when the urge to drive takes over.

My professional life calls for an SUV as factory runs aren't exactly friendly to saloons. As I recently celebrated my 40th birthday and find myself in a comfortable financial position, the prospect of a swankier car, budgeted at around Rs 80 lakhs, has become quite a tangible reality.

If I opt for an SUV, it would serve the dual purpose of leisure and work. But let's be real, it's not a necessity. A bit of a sad confession though - while my love for driving still runs deep, my hands-on time behind the wheel has dwindled. Proof? My loyal BMW has only clocked less than 30,000 km over its 9-year tenure.

The Candidates

Option 1: The BMW M340i

Pros:

• Now, here's a machine with promise - a 6-cylinder petrol BMW!
• The engine's growl is pure music to an enthusiast's ears.
• Typical BMW handling - precise, responsive and a joy to manoeuvre.

Cons:

• Given my track record, it'll probably clock only about 30,000 km in the next decade.
• Backseat comrades may not be too pleased with the ride quality.
• With the march of the EV brigade, I wonder if I'm investing in a soon-to-be relic?
• And let's face it, the colour palette is a bit on the humdrum side.

Option 2: The XC40 Recharge

Pros:

• Here's a curveball - it's quicker than the M340i!
• The power delivery is sheer insanity, in the best way.
• Then there's the famed Volvo safety and reliability - a comforting reassurance.

Cons:

• Again, the backseat ride quality is a bit on the stiff side.
• And, let's not mince words, the interior feels a bit yesterday

Option 3: You are missing a great option!

Am I overlooking any other splendid options that might suit my needs? Your insights would be much appreciated!

P.s. I already test drove and ruled out the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6.

Option 4: The "Patience is a Virtue" Approach

Why hurry when we might have some promising contenders on the horizon? The 2024 BMW 5 Series / i5 models were recently announced, and the Volvo C40 is also launching soon. I am also hoping that Hyundai might launch the Dual Motor IONIQ 5 in India sometime soon.

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

You have a very sorted garage. The oldest car is the 320d, but there really is no point in selling an 8-year old BMW that is working perfectly, reliably and giving you driving pleasure. I am sailing the same boat with my '13 530d. We'll get peanuts for our perfectly running cars, so better to use them for a little longer.

As much as I love the M340i, you already have a BMW sedan and very low running. If you decide to buy it, hold off for a few years. Sell your 320d once it has aged, then replace it with an M340i. Even better, a pre-worshipped M340i.

If you have to buy a new car today, it has to be the X3 M40i. An SUV you can drive to your factory without worry, has adaptive suspension (huge advantage) and will be way more practical than the M340i for your purposes.

Are you open to used? You already have a luxury sedan & an SUV. How about a used Mustang? Or a Porsche? Or an ///M car / AMG? A sports car with a luxury sedan (320d), SUV (Tucson) and beater (City) will be quite a garage. I even found a Macan S for you. It is so much fun that you cannot imagine!

Personally, I am in the same shoes as you. Have decided to use my existing cars for longer and hold off on that "special purchase" for 2 - 3 years. Invest that 80-lakhs, make it 1 - 1.4 crores, then go buy something even more special. Am only saying this because you already have a great garage and this 80-lakh spend will be a completely discretionary purchase.

Here's what BHPian revsperminute had to say on the matter:

Why not an X3 40i? It's an SUV which you will be able to use every day, has all the niceties and the same B58 from the M340i. You won't catch me recommending an SUV over a sedan anywhere on this forum but yours is the perfect scenario for the X3.

PS- If you really feel like going all out, a Mini convertible will be super fun to drive

Here's what BHPian Paddleshifter had to say on the matter:

As you have been already owning the 320D, I’d suggest a different car this time (in context of the //M you listed alongwith XC40 recharge). You have mentioned about backseat in your post so you will not be a solo driver I guess. As I have never experienced cars from this segment, I’d refrain from making recommendations and listing my reasons. Secondly, good pre owned options have already been listed above so i am sticking with the new purchase in my post.

I would love to know why you did not consider the Volvo S90, Audi A6, Mercedes E class (slightly above budget) or the Lexus ES300h? All these are nowhere close to being the driver’s car (like the M) but are known to be super comfortable for all pasengers, in their respective territories/ categories. The base of Lexus being the Camry, it shall be super reliable too for more than a decade of ownership.

Here's what BHPian Jatin247 had to say on the matter:

I am of the view that one should definitely have a luxury performance sedan in his garage and M340i is the perfect car to fulfil this gap in your garage. Though it wouldn’t be an upgrade in terms of space as compared to your 320d but every time you will push the accelerator, you will feel the difference.

Spending big bucks and not using the car much is a big disadvantage as you wouldn’t be able to get that value out from the product.

On the other side you should really consider X3 M40i too. It would be a perfect car for factory runs too and with the B58 inside the hood, the performance would be great too.

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.