Upgrading my C class

onzlo

Hi All,

I've a 2 year old c class C180 diesel with the AMG kit. I usually upgrade every 2 years and its getting close to the 162 reg now. I've test driven an A4,a 3 series and the new small Jag. I'm fairly impressed with the beemer and the jag but I thought the Audi was a bit to similar to the old one.

I'm wanting to get away from Merc this time so I'm wondering which of the usual crowd of small "exec" cars would be a nice alternative. Something a little more fun to drive while still being a motorway cruiser.

My usual commute is about 100kms. ~16 of which are on twisty roads and the remainder on the M9/M7/M50. My budget would be about €50k (with the trade in)

kerten

Lexus IS ?

bazz26

What about the BMW 420d Gran Coupe?

onzlo

The Lexus IS is a lovely looking car, but I don't think the real world mpg of a hybrid could match a diesel for the mileage I do.

I never even thought of the 4 series! I may go on the hunt for one to test drive

Duke O Smiley

Volvo S60? The R Design is a fairly nice looking car imo.

420d is a nice shout also, I'm just wondering though are they much of a different drive compared to the 320d?

R.O.R

A4 3.0Tdi quattro is a shade over 50k before delivery or paint in SE spec. 218ps should make it a lot more fun to drive than a C180d.

Few little bits missing, but leather, Nav and xenons standard. Much more of a sleeper than a C-Class AUG.

drunkmonkey

bazz26 wrote: »

What about the BMW 420d Gran Coupe?

430d Gran Coupe?

drunkmonkey

Could also throw caution to the wind and go for a Ghibli diesel.

bazz26

Not for 50k. Cheapest new 430d GC is 60k before you add any decent extras to it.

Dr.Rieux

Would you go for a high spec Passat/Superb? Or Golf GTD?

166man

Volvo S60 is a good shout.


Wonder when the Alfa Giulia is going to hit these shores... That looks like it's going to be a cracker.

onzlo

Thanks for all the replies!

I've had a look at the 4 series grab coupe. Its a fine looking machine. I'll probably have a look at one next week in the metal.

Isn't the ghibli more of a 5 series size car?

For the Passat/superb/ golf gtd, they're a fine car but I don't think they're for me.

I'll have to look for a Volvo. Is the auto box any good in them?

jsd1004

BMW 330E?

jsd1004

jsd1004 wrote: »

BMW 330E?

I think diesels days are numbered, oil burners will be outlawed in a lot of cities soon.

bazz26

jsd1004 wrote: »

I think diesels days are numbered, oil burners will be outlawed in a lot of cities soon.

Shouldn't be a huge problem given that diesels aren't intended for city driving anyway.

grogi

onzlo wrote: »

The Lexus IS is a lovely looking car, but I don't think the real world mpg of a hybrid could match a diesel for the mileage I do.

I never even thought of the 4 series! I may go on the hunt for one to test drive

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/realmpg/bmw/3-series-f30-2012/320d-automatic
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/realmpg/bmw/4-series-f36-gran-coupe-2014/420d-automatic
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/realmpg/lexus/is-2013/300h

Mileage is virtually identical. But petrol is still pricier...

bazz26

The IS300h's performance is a bit underwhelming to be honest. 223bhp from a 2.5 litre lump + electric motor, 0 to 60 in 8.3 seconds and top speed of 124mph. I know figures aren't everything but I'd expect a bit better from that setup.

logie101

what about a high spec Mercedes GLA? Either 220d or 250 petrol. Fine looking car and plenty of BHP over the 180d C class.

Or recapture your youth and go for a GTI golf. Seriously go and test drive one its a lot of fun and very easy to live with.

Oafley Jones

bazz26 wrote: »

The IS300h's performance is a bit underwhelming to be honest. 223bhp from a 2.5 litre lump + electric motor, 0 to 60 in 8.3 seconds and top speed of 124mph. I know figures aren't everything but I'd expect a bit better from that setup.

The IS is more about comfort than anything. The reputation for reliability is what really sells them. They're not short on power, but they just feel sedate. Claimed mpg is bollox though. Not a fan of the just announced facelift.

XsApollo

I was in the Jag XE r sport the other day for a test drive,
Lovely car and it would be my Pick of the bunch
Looks lovely and something different than the usual A4 and BMW.
It will be the next car that I buy.

Oafley Jones

XsApollo wrote: »

I was in the Jag XE r sport the other day for a test drive,
Lovely car and it would be my Pick of the bunch
Looks lovely and something different than the usual A4 and BMW.
It will be the next car that I buy.

It's different but I was disappointed with the XE, thought it was poorly finished and just looked out of proportion. Don't think much of the new XF either, evidence of the bean counters there as well. Loved the previous model.

XsApollo

Oafley Jones wrote: »

It's different but I was disappointed with the XE, thought it was poorly finished and just looked out of proportion. Don't think much of the new XF either, evidence of the bean counters there as well. Loved the previous model.

Yea the fit and finish is not on a par with the 3 Germans but i don't think it was bad, being a lover and owner of Saabs that was never a sticking point for me :-P

I loved the interior and with the right wheels in sport trim i think it looks the business.

onzlo

Hi Guys. Sorry I haven't been replying, was away all weekend.

I'm not too keen on the IS or the Merc GLA tbh. I'm going too look at a 4 series tomorrow. Hopefully they are as nice in the metal. I may have another look at the Jag tomorrow. I'm fairly keen on the 4 series though

onzlo

Right. So after quite a bit of deliberation. I went with a 320d M-Sport in Estoril Blue with red leather interior. It was a smashing car to drive and I got quite a good deal on the trade in. Thanks for all the suggestions lad and ladies!

carsfan2

That's known as the "superman" colour combination in bmw forums.
Will look stunning.
Well wear.