by "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
Published 03/24/2017 at 13:28
by "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
Published 03/24/2017 at 13:28
Tags: Passenger impressions.
STARS: 1
It didn’t feel more luxurious than my Kia. However, I will say that the leather felt durable. And, where most all cars will switch to hard plastic on the lower door panels, dash panels, etc, this beemer had padded material. So, maybe you’re not paying for luxury so much as for quality?
This is all ignoring performance, of course, because I didn’t drive it. Felt like it would be good to drive, though. ;)
"itschrome" (itschrome)
03/24/2017 at 13:30, STARS: 1
Yeah man. Like you can get some very nice bimmers but people seem to forget they aren’t all luxury cars. they are just really well built cars. generally any ways haha.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/24/2017 at 13:33, STARS: 1
I mean, I’m American, but in Europe, aren’t three series considered a normal sedan in a class with the Mondeo, etc. instead of a luxury car?
"rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S" (rb1971)
03/24/2017 at 13:36, STARS: 2
I’d say it’s going to be more luxurious but not on a linear scale. All luxury goods (and many other things in life) obey the asymptotic curve of performance.
Meaning that while your Kia may be a B- or C+ in luxury (or a C, I don’t know which one you have), and a base 3 series may be a B or B+, moving from say C to C+ is much less expensive than moving from C+ to B-, etc. So once you get to a 7 series (A or A+ for luxury) you’ve paid many multiples of the C car even if it’s only say 3x as luxurious. And then moving from the A or A+ cars to the A+++ cars like a Bentley is a whole ‘nother level, even though a 7'er and a Bentley are really pretty close in any kind of real world luxury.
"itschrome" (itschrome)
03/24/2017 at 13:37, STARS: 1
yeah basically. it’s the same here it’s just the perception is differnt and you’re less likely to find a base base model on a lot here because we have this notion of BMW as a “Luxury” and “performance” brand. but never mind the cloth seat clad small diesel stripper models that cover Europe and the rest of the world. it’s like how a E class is like a entry level luxury car here and a taxi in Africa. it’s all like just perception man..
"feather-throttle-not-hair" (feather-throttle-not-hair)
03/24/2017 at 13:37, STARS: 1
Yeah i’m pretty sure thats correct. They get way weaker base engines than we do too. Here, all 3-series’ are pretty powerful even with their 4 cylinder. I dont think that’s the case in europe.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/24/2017 at 13:37, STARS: 0
Makes sense.
"404 - User No Longer Available" (toni-cipriani)
03/24/2017 at 13:43, STARS: 0
“Well built”
https://bmwtechnician.com/2016/08/07/n20-timing-chain-issue/
I’m building a repair fund as we speak in case this happens.
"itschrome" (itschrome)
03/24/2017 at 13:43, STARS: 0
I Said generally...
"TylerJ" (TylerJ)
03/24/2017 at 14:19, STARS: 0
Hey, I’m actually qualified to respond to this. My sister has a ‘12 Optima in the highest trim with the turbocharged engine. I have a ‘12 328i. I’ve driven both on long road trips and I think I can give a fair comparison.
I will admit that the ride comfort in the cars is *almost* equal but leaning towards the Optima. The handling definitely goes to the BMW though (well, duh) because the Optima feels like there is nothing on the other side of the steering wheel (besides torque steer). All those reviewers of the F30s that say the steering feels numb should take a spin in other vehicles. I could turn the wheel of the Optima with my extended pinky while holding a tea cup in the same hand and not spill any tea. Of course, this is probably the feel that people buying optioned up Kias want. Different markets and all.
Interior quality is, as you mentioned, quite close. Both are nice places to be for a short or extended period of time. Now, my sister’s car is optioned with more stuff than my Bimmer. She has air conditioned seats and a backup camera while I just have heated seats and good ol’ fashioned mirrors. As others have mentioned, the materials in the BMW are just a bit nicer. My sister’s Optima is definitely nicer inside though than a X1 I’ve ridden in. That was disappointing for me since I’d always loved BMWs and that was the first BMW I’d ever been in.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/24/2017 at 14:46, STARS: 1
I think diesels are the more common engine as well.
"Rico" (ricorich)
03/24/2017 at 15:22, STARS: 0
In Europe most cars that people pine for here in the States (3 series, 5 Series, E Class ETC) are often taxis.
"If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent" (essextee)
03/24/2017 at 15:23, STARS: 1
Don’t forget, the 3-Series is supposed to be the “affordable” BMW. It’s never gonna be as luxurious as the higher numbered models.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/24/2017 at 17:37, STARS: 1
And that amuses me.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/24/2017 at 17:41, STARS: 0
Oh, of course. I guess I just thought there would be a bigger distinction between even the base luxury model and more plebeian marques. Then again, modern materials science has allowed common cars to improve to where they approach the luxury brands much more closely.