BMW 320d Highline

So, should you buy one? Well, if you have got Rs 30

Published on Sep 08, 2009 07:00:00 AM

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The interiors are familiar, and the quality of the materials and design continue to impress. This car is feature-rich, especially the Highline version that has the latest version of BMW's iDrive with dedicated short cut keys and a 'back' button. It is more intuitive to use, and the simplified graphic interface is nicer too.

You pay in excess of Rs 30 lakh for this car and expect loads of space for that price. Sadly, the huge transmission tunnel and limited width makes it a four-seater at best. But while space may be limited, comfort for individual passengers isn’t. Six-foot drivers will have nothing to worry about for there’s enough headroom to keep them happy.

The 320d’s simplistic and elegant dashboard feels nice. The switches and plastics, buttons, seats and steering wheel are all lovely to touch, with impeccably finished surfaces. Only the one-push wiper stalk takes some getting used to. The BMW’s cabin seems like it’s been designed to keep distractions to a minimum and get on with the job of driving hard.

While this car is all about the driver's seat, many will choose to enjoy it from the rear seat too, which is the most comfortable in its class. Still, legroom is only decent, headroom is slightly cramped. There’s enough thigh support and even small things like the door pads are impressive. At 460litres bootspace is adequate.