Be it pandemic outbreaks or new automotive trends, China always seems to be at the forefront of it all. Take the leg-stretching long-wheelbase luxury sedans, for instance. The Chinese were the first to demand the 'L' badged cars, and over time, they've become so popular that they are now spreading to other parts of the world, including India.
A case in point is the 3 Series Gran Limousine or the 3 GL, which debuted in India in 2021. Fast forward to 2023, the stretched 3 Series has now received a mild makeover. The bigger news, however, is that BMW has now done away with the regular 3 Series.
With the 3 GL as your only option in the regular 3 Series line-up, it seems that BMW now cares and caters more to the needs of backseat occupants than hardcore sports sedan purists - at least, on paper. And it's truly punching above its weight on this front. The question, however, is - is it worth saving a few lakhs by opting for this stretched limo instead of a tailor-made luxury sedan that's got all the bases of luxury and comfort covered? We brought the sleek Lexus ES300h into the scene to find out.
PRESTIGE VS PIZZAZ
Modern Lexus designs are all sharp and snazzy, and the ES300h is a living example. It's got sharp angles and creases, along with a heavy dose of bling. Its sleek headlamps, signature 'Spindle' grille, classy dual-tone alloys, and coupe-like roofline make it stand out from the regular crowd of German Luxo-barges, and how! Plus, with an impressive length of almost five metres in length, it has a regal appearance, which makes it look more special than its peers and a lot more special than the 3 GL.
This story is from the February 2023 edition of autoX.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 2023 edition of autoX.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
GOOD OLD DAYS...
Is the old Marc Marquez finally back? The race in Jerez surely gave flashes of it...
Prancing Off-Road
The SUV trend has even caught on with Ferrari, which is evident with the introduction of the Purosangue. However, does a Ferrari of this type really make sense?
Ahead of the Curve
There's not one but two new GT variants available with the Volkswagen Taigun now, meaning there's one for everyone!
SPACE WARS
There are plenty of budget-friendly seven-seat MPVs on the market, but what if you desire ample space without compromising on style?
GOING BIG
The 3XO makes big promises on all fronts - from features and safety to styling and value proposition. But does it deliver on these promises?
HAMMER TIME
The new Gurkha 5-door comes with updated styling, improved performance, and better features. So, do these changes make it the practical 'proper' off-roader we've all been waiting for?
MOUNTAIN GOAT
With a mid-life facelift, the Jeep Wrangler has received several noteworthy upgrades. But does it truly live up to the reputation of being unstoppable
SUPERSPORT TRILOGY
We embark on a 300km journey on three of the finest supersport twins in the world. Which one would reign supreme at the end?
SECOND WIND
Bajaj is once again stirring the pot with the updated Pulsar N250. But has it nailed the recipe this time around?
PASSION & Precision
A brand new V12 supercar! In this era of downsizing & electrification, that's about as rare as seeing a total eclipse and the Northern Lights on the same day. But if the V12 remains the heart & soul of the automobile, well, then, Ferrari is its saviour.
