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We have tested the model, its capabilities, and put it through an extreme ordeal. How the car reacted to the most challenging terrains, everything has been mentioned in detail in this article.
BMW 320 LD. (Photo: Shahrukh Shah/ News18)
The German carmaker, BMW, has been dominating multiple segments for decades, thanks to impressive engines and cutting-edge model technology. Despite leading the charts for years, a few products in its fleet did not get the attention they deserved, and the 320 LD (diesel) is surely one of them.
The model was launched in 2023 at a starting price of Rs 62.00 lakh (ex-showroom). Ever since its release in the Indian market, the vehicle silently raised the bar, and made the the brand proud for many reasons.
Introduction
It has already been two years since the vehicle entered the market. Why are we suddenly talking about it now? Well, the story is quite interesting! We have tested the model, and its capabilities, checked the claims made by the brand, and put it through an extreme ordeal. How the car reacted to the most challenging terrains, everything has been mentioned in detail in this article.
Before diving into this detailed article, we suggest that if you are planning to purchase a car and have a budget of Rs 65 lakh to Rs 70 lakh, this article might help you make a wise decision. So, scroll it to the end and know this German slightly better.
Engine, Power and Mileage
We must talk about the engine and performance first as looks can wait for a while. The BMW 320Ld comes with a 1,995 cc, 4-cylinder, twin-turbocharged diesel engine. It generates a maximum output of 190 horsepower and 400-newton meters of torque. These figures might not look as impressive as some of its rivals, but the way it delivers the power is what makes it stand out from the crowd.
The unit is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, which offers seamless shifts, making every journey smooth and effortless. Deti Kitna hai? Well, on paper, the company claims a certified mileage of 19.61 kilometres per litre (kmpl), and it depends upon the driving style and road conditions. However, we ended up getting more than 25 kmpl. Shocked? Don’t be surprised as we didn’t experiment much with the sports mode and mostly stuck to eco mode while maintaining a decent speed.
Is it Fast?
The company says that it can go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.6 seconds. Well, again, there is no doubt about it, as we have verified the claim ourselves.
It comes with a top speed of 235 km/h. To make it more convenient for the customers, the car has been treated with multiple driving modes, making it perfect for every road condition on every mile.
Handling
It is the area where the real magic begins. The handling is as smooth as butter, largely thanks to its rear-wheel-drive enhancements and impressive chassis. The 320Ld offers a planted driving experience and hugs the road with confidence.
The multi-functional steering wheel feels perfectly weighted and gives confidence while cornering at higher speeds or overtaking. Even on long journeys, it serves as the perfect companion, preventing hand fatigue and feeling comfortable enough for all-day driving.
Looks and Road Presence
Talking about the looks now. The moment one lays eyes on the BMW 320d, one surely will feel that it has been introduced to serve some serious purpose. With its iconic signature kidney grilles at the front, sleek LED headlight setup, sharp edges, smartly sculpted bonnet, and aggressive road presence, the model checks all the boxes in terms of exterior appeal.
From the side, it gets body colour door handles, decent-sized cladding, and stylish ORVMs with integrated indicators. The diamond cut 225/45 R18-inch alloy wheels and fully LED treatment at the back are what make it look aesthetic in the segment.
The 320d’s design has evolved, and all the updates and changes show BMW’s DNA. Even though I spent most of my time behind the wheel, I often found myself stepping out just to admire its charm from the outside for a few minutes.
Interior
The 320 LD can be considered a blend of comfort and premiumness. It comes with a mate finish dashboard, complimented by a robust 10.25-inch digital cluster, and a 12.3-inch digital infotainment system. The unit supports all the wireless car connect technology, including Apple, Android and Auto CarPlay.
The cluster is customizable, allowing the driver to choose between a classic speedometer view, direct navigation data, or information-rich display. The iDrive system remains the star of the show as it offers quick response times and intuitive controls.
Unfortunately, the seats are not ventilated and do not come with a massaging function. To compensate for this, the company has used high-quality plastic with leather upholstery and brushed with metal accents.
Features and Safety
If one is willing to spend a fortune on a car, they have the right to expect a wide range of advanced and trending features. The 320 LD has a decent list of features such as electrically adjustable with heated exterior mirrors, premium class ambient lighting, gesture control, wireless charger, multiple charging ports, a massive panoramic sunroof, regenerative braking system, high-quality rear view camera with dynamic guidelines and whatnot.
As far the safety features are concerned, it gets multiple airbags, speed alert, rear middle three-point seatbelt, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), Seat belt warning, blind-spot monitoring to autonomous emergency braking, cruise control, lane-keeping assist, parking sensors among others.
Here’s What We Feel
After driving it for more than 1500 kilometres, the BMW 320 LD changed our perception of sedans. We can confidently say that it is one of the power-packed high-performance yet most fuel-efficient models in the company’s line-up. It offers a combination of comfort, luxury, practicality, and power.
In a world where many luxury sedans make a hole in the pocket, the BMW 320 LD sits at the top and does not ask for an eye-watering price tag. The car does not scream for attention, instead, it turns heads automatically with its sophistication and classy stance.
As we mentioned at the start of the article, if you have a budget of Rs 65 lakh to Rs 70 lakh, and looking for a value-for-money sedan, then the BMW 320 LD could be the wise choice.
