It’s hard for me to believe, but it’s been almost three years with my 2016 BMW 228i xDrive, meaning its lease-end is fast approaching. I’ll just say that I’ve loved this car and enjoyed every minute of ownership with it. It has been a car that’s fit me like a glove — in personality, lifestyle, and what I want in a car. It is also a car that’s been very meaningful to me, providing me with a refuge and an unwavering sense of confidence through a lot of rocky times and life changes these past three years. It is a car I know I’d be content with for a little longer, but I’ll just stop you there and say that buying it out doesn’t make financial sense. So where do I go from here?
The 2018 BMW 540i xDrive that I co-leased with my mom as somewhat of an extra car for an absolute steal is still a proud member of the family. Yet it’s a car that honestly feels a bit “too nice” for me, and Mom’s become quite smitten with it. I’d be totally fine taking its over fully and driving it daily, but it’s a car that makes more sense for Mom at this time, and thus and she’s decided to do so.
Knowing when my lease was coming up gave me a lot of time to decide on my next car, and I’ll be honest when I say I began seriously looking last fall. Although I’m the resident BMW guy/Bimmer boy, no longer being a corporate employee of BMW North America sadly meant no more Center Employee Leases (which are unreal, btw) so I did explore all the options.
Among the cars on my list for consideration were the: Audi A4 sedan, Audi Allroad, Audi A5 coupe, Mercedes-Benz C300 coupe and sedan, Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 coupe and sedan, another BMW 2 Series (230 and M240), the all-new BMW 330, BMW X3, Range Rover Evoque, Volvo S60 and V60, Volvo XC60. Keep in mind that this was just my list — ultimately only a few of these cars were serious contenders, and therefore ones I test drove.
Reasons for weeding out many of these models simply came down to cost. The Volvos were leasing out horribly, as were the Audis with the exception of the A4. The C43, while actually a surprising value for the money, was still more than I “wanted” to pay for a car I still wasn’t entirely in love with. As for the 2 Series, and M240 also was very expensive, and beyond that, I found it hard to justify spending more for a 230 than my current 228 lease for essentially the same car that hasn’t received any significant updates apart from its minor LCI.
Rounding out my list of finalists were:
The 2019 Audi A4 45TSFI Quattro
Pros: Performance-focused handling, front seat comfort, top-rate interior material quality
Cons: Stale-feeling interior, lack of personality, disappointing wheel choices
Now in its fourth year of its current B9 generation (not that many would easily be able to tell it apart from its predecessor), the Audi A4 was the car I had the lowest expectations for. After all, it is a front-wheel drive-based car with Audi’s ever-FWD-biased Quattro all-wheel drive, and my experience with newer Audis including the TT roadster and Q5 have been less than satisfying.
Let me stop you now and just say that it was the A4 I found most impressive from a driving perspective. The example I test drove had the Sport Package with the upgraded sport suspension, which undoubtably helped its surefooted feel. If there was any body roll during sharp turns and quick maneuvers, I couldn’t detect any. Steering felt satisfyingly heavy and it’s high-revving 2.0-liter turbo 4 felt a lot more power than it’s rated at.
Technology-wise, the A4 comes with all the expected convenience and safety tech. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster is impressive, if not a bit too busy and distracting. Seats are very comfortable and supportive, and everything you touch has a quality look and feel. I especially liked that its leather-wrapped steering wheel and console gear-shift selector had a thick, meaty feel.
In spite of this, I found it hard to totally warm up to the Audi. Could it be its cold personality, or lack of personality at that? As premium as its interior looks and feels, it’s a sobering, unexciting place to be. I was also disappointed that Audi replaced my preferred choice of color, Gotland Green, with yet another shade of grey, and that opting for the more attractive 19″ wheels requires summer tires.
The 2019 BMW 330i xDrive
Pros: All-new for 2019, latest tech, impressive handling
Cons: Derivative styling, lack of color choices, a bit boring
The all-new BMW 3 Series was the car I was most eager to drive and the car I wanted to like most, as after all, it’s a BMW. I am happy to report that from behind the wheel, it’s a much more invigorating driving experience than its somewhat dialed-down predecessor. Its steering is heavy and communicative, its torquey engine provides lightning fast acceleration, and the stiffness in its chassis can be instantly felt in its unwavering Teutonic grace through turns and road imperfections. If BMW lost their ways with the F30 3 Series, then they definitely got them all back with this G20.
Beyond that, the new 3 series offers oodles of technology goodies, including its unique digital gauge cluster display, the latest version of BMW iDrive, laser light high beams, Gesture controls (which I’ve come to appreciate in the 5 Series), and an autonomous reversing assistant that “remembers” your forward path for getting out of tight spaces you’ve gotten yourself into.
I guess my main negatives for this car was that I didn’t feel that same emotional connection to it as I did with the 2 Series and the 5 Series. Although it’s car that is pretty damn close to perfect, it’s certainly not as playful and intimate as the 2, nor is it as comfortable and luxurious as the 5. Could it be that it feels a bit too much of an amalgamation of the same from other modern BMWs?
Then there’s also the fact that selecting the M Sport package cuts your choice in exterior color in half AND there are no new and/or exciting leather and trim choices. Maybe I’m getting too nitpicky here, but I guess I just wanted to be more “in love” with the new 3 Series than purely “just satisfied”.
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic
Pros: Expressive design inside and out, high-degree of customization, available as a coupe
Cons: Disappointing acceleration, choppy ride quality, lots of cheap interior bits
Around since the 2015 model year in North America for the sedan, and 2016 for the coupe, the Mercedes-Benz W205 C-Class has been getting rave reviews for its “mini-S-class” styling and opulent interior ever since. I’ve never really seen myself as a Mercedes guy, but given that one of my best friends, Zach, just started working there and said they were leasing out ridiculously well, I thought it was worth a look.
What most excited me about the C-Class was that it was available as a coupe. Sure Audi offers the A5 and BMW the 4 Series, but those models are larger and more expensive, whereas the C-Class coupe is the closest in size to my 2 Series. I didn’t rule out the sedan either though, as I actually like its proportions a bit better than the somewhat “hunchback”-like coupe. Unlike the A4 and 3 Series, the C300 offers buyers with a plethora of paint and wheel options, with fewer restrictions depending on other packages selected.
For all the buzz though, I found the C300 most disappointing. Even with sport suspension and steering, I found the steering overly light and artificial, handling was sloppy and ride quality harsh, and acceleration sluggish. The seats and seating position were the least comfortable, headroom was the worst, and the column stalk gear-shifter feels inappropriate in a sports sedan/coupe.
Most significantly, I found the C-Class to feel very cheap. Mercedes must have spend the money on interior design and not the quality of its materials, as the plastics and vinyls feel more like they belong in a base model Volkswagen. Maybe I’m being too overly critical of this car, but I guess I just had higher expectations as the C-Class has been showered in overwhelming praise the past few years. Undoubtably, a C63 and even a C43 are much better, but they require going up quite a bit in payment.
The 2019 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
Pros: Most affordable, representing the brand I sell, something completely different
Cons: Inferior tech, ill-suited front seats, least performance-oriented
My last finalist is somewhat of a curveball, but given that I work for Land Rover, considering a Range Rover Evoque wasn’t totally out of the question. I’ve been able to drive the Evoque many times, particularly for long distances, and definitely developed a fondness for it. Although it came out for the 2012 model year, it still looks contemporary and avant-garde, and its looks haven’t been copied by other small CUVs.
For a CUV, the Evoque’s handling is satisfyingly sporty and agile. It’s turbo I4 makes similar power to the others, providing reasonably quick acceleration, while steering has a nice weighted feel. There’s obviously more body roll given its higher center of gravity, but ride is firm and controlled, and higher ride height and thicker tires mean it provides more shelter from pot holes.
Of course, there’s no denying that the 2019 Evoque is old… I mean, it’s been around since the 2012 model year. The tech and user interface, while it has received updates over the years, is far less user friendly than in the Germans. The center stack, with its hard plastic buttons, looks and feels its age. Having driven it on long journeys, I can say that at least for me, the front seats are overly firm and lack the lateral support of what I’m used to from BMW. Then there’s also the fact that we’re already selling the redesigned, more luxurious and tech-forward 2020 models alongside remaining 2019s.
Yet the 2019 Evoque is still a car I like, and the fact that Land Rover was offering some crazy employee leases on remaining 2019s was highly appealing. I mean, getting a $55K well-optioned Evoque for $300/month with no money down is hard to pass up. We’ve also had this red Landmark Edition in our showroom for a few months now that stares me down daily. Coincidently, it happens to be our last 2019 left.
Appropriately enough, the day of completing this article also happened to be the day I took delivery of my new car. What did I go with? Stay tuned as the choice may surprise you.
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A lot of intriguing, entertaining choices. You have good taste. But I sense a twist ending coming: Kia Stinger or Morgan 3-wheeler, perhaps?
+1 on the Morgan idea, why do the same thing all over again?
Goggles, flying helmet and silk scarf FTW Brendan!
Brendan, I seriously hope you went Evoque at $300 a month. That’s crazy! Not only that, but I remember you wanting to purchase a home with your Partner from a pervious article. Save as much money on the house as you can (aka start saving) because there are always surprises even after the most through inspection. I’ve only bought two in my lifetime, and at this point, I’m all about being shrewd and finding a good rental where it isn’t my responsibility. It’s not impossible to find a good home, but it usually is the exception, appearances be damned. I wish you the best in your home search, you deserve it!
Thanks for the advice! Indeed, saving has become a big priority lately for that eventual first home. The reason why I passed up the opportunity to move out sooner into an apartment… that would be more expensive per month than my expected mortgage payment!
A Tesla.
You’re not fooling me with this list, we all know you saw the light and got a nice thrifty Ecosport 🙂
The default reigning Trifecta of entry level sport sedans and an Evoque–one of those is an outlier!. Being the newest and Rwd biased, the BMW would catch my attention first though I prefer the styling of the Audi inside and out. What did you think of the 330i’s interior compared to the F30? I don’t like the look of the new digital gauges at all.
I agree on the Mercedes having far more style than substance inside. It makes an arresting visual impression that fades when you start interacting with it.
2020 Land Rover Defender First Edition.
You’re buying a house … you need a truck. Because, America. Buy a cheap used beater truck and that may leave enough left over for a Morgan. Or, stay loyal to your employer and get on the list for the new Defender. Seriously, there are some interesting choices here and what I like is that none of them would show up anywhere close to my own list. Every car has a story, and similarly, every contributor here at CC has their own automotive tastes, which makes it so much fun to read.
a cheap used beater truck
You don’t know Brendan yet, I’m a assuming? 🙂
If BMW made a pickup, perhaps.
I was joking, of course. I actually feel like I have gotten to know Brendan very well from his posts, at least automotively. But I wouldn’t put it past BMW to offer a pickup some day. Obviously Mercedes (Daimler Benz) has been a truck company since almost the beginning, but I still suffer cognitive dissonance when I watch the World Cup mountain bike series, which is sponsored by Mercedes featuring the X Class pickup. Not just a Mercedes pickup, but pretty much a badge-engineered Nissan Navara.
Every “cheap used beater truck” that I have purchased cost me Big Bucks in the long run.
You made the only sensible choice and got the Allroad. (Pat’s A6 4.2 won you over and the Allroad is uncommon enough to be interesting.)
*Or you took over the A6 for now until you buy the house and THEN go whole hog on whatever, lease cost be damned.
That’s definitely an appealing thought 🙂
Does Mom still have the GLK as her personal car, when she’s not driving the co-leased 5 Series?
Meanwhile, my mom and I could never share a car. Apart from living in different states, she really wants a new Murano—and will probably get one—and I…don’t.
Yes she does! It’s about to hit 100K!
I love the design of those. It’s so classic.
You really should consider the Kia K900. If you can get past the badge, it is a great luxury car. I own a 2017 and love it….KIA today is not the Sephia you rented 20 years ago. All KIA models are lots of car for the money.
Cool cars but no 3 pedal option?
Unfortunately my ankles are too weak from years of long distance running (which I still do nearly every day) to have a manual as my daily. For a fun older car, however, manual is a near-must!
I can’t believe the lease is already up on your 228 Xdrive! It seems like you got it just yesterday… I still think the 2 Series remains the best expression of the legendary BMW “feel” currently available, but I can see why you wouldn’t want to just swap out your car for a new, but basically unchanged version of the same product.
Pity about the new 3 Series. I have to agree with your assessment that the car’s role in the BMW line-up is no longer very clear. It’s a far cry from the days when the 3 was the embodiment of the brand, especially the E36, E46 and even E90 models.
Perhaps I’m channeling my own bias here, since (sadly) I no longer feel BMW’s gravitational pull like I used too, but I’m guessing you went with the Audi. That brand has quietly become the “go-to” choice for tastefully executed, dynamically compelling products that arguably offer the most “traditionally German” attributes now on the market (as in thoroughly engineered, highly rational, timeless design).
BMW lost me after they chose to challenge MB for the “German Luxury Car” title.
C’mon guys, we all know that Brendan could no longer resist one of those Ram pickups that Jim Klein featured for us recently!
3500 CrewCab 6.7l Cummins Power FTW! 1000 lb-ft of torque even exceeds the Death Star’s tractor beam!
That’s what I’m talkin’ bout! ‘Murcan as the 4th of Juu-Ly.
Well, except for the “Hecho En Mexico” part. 🙂
See, I’m not the only one proposing a pickup, though I guess we’re not talking beaters now. With FCA and Renault potentially hooking up, the Euro-cred of the RAM will go up another notch. Perhaps they’ll even start offering an Alfa branded truck.
It wouldn’t be the first one! Alfa’s had some very interesting utility vehicles over the years.
My guess is either a 2020 Evoque or an Alfa Giulia?
An Alfa certainly sounds possible.
Practicality wins out… He and his partner want to buy a house. So here’s my guess…
He either a) continued to Co-Own with his Mom on the other Bimmer, driving it more and NOT getting another car… yet… OR…
b) He went with the smart employee choice. If he works for Land Rover now, representing the brand is likely important, so WHY would he be driving the competition to work? With that $300 payment on an Evoque? – Sounds like a no-brainer to me. That’s less than my monthly payment on a 2016 Honda Civic! (Granted I have a nicer one and don’t do that whole lease thing.)
I have to admit that I’m biased. I’ve been a long-time BMW guy and when my current 5 Series goes away, I expect to get another. Having said that, the Audi’s are beautiful, and IMHO have the most luxurious interiors. Very much the Gentleman’s Express.
Still, in the end, if I had a chance to get into a new Evoque on reasonable terms, I would jump on it. They’re very, very handsome, and I think they styling remains fresh.The only reason I would even have a question in your situation is because of your comment about the seats. If you are going to spend any amount of time at the wheel, thats’s a big deal. Hmmmm…. is there a way to invisibly soften them up with a visit to an upholstery shop?
Hopefully something sensible like a Toyota Camry. All the cars listed above are all expensive lemons after their warranty is out, and leasing is anti-equity (if there is any at all in the car biz).
To each and there own. You personally might see the sensibility in a Toyota Camry if a car is purely your object of transportation to get from point A to point B, and little else. Plenty of folks do for sure.
I personally see a car as a lot more than that. It’s an object of experience, something that makes for an engaging and entertaining driving experience, and self expression. I like getting in my car every day, whether it be driving to work or running errands and smiling, because I’m genuinely looking forward to driving it.
I like being so happy to drive my car that I’ll go for a drive with no specific destination in mind, purely for the enjoyment of driving it. To me, a car is a like a favorite article of clothing you wear because you look good in it and it makes you feel good.
You might not understand this and are more than welcome to share your experiences that may differ. Just don’t criticize anyone else’s life choices because they are his or her own life choices.
P.S. Unless you buy some exotic or rare collectors car, there is no positive equity in a car. It’s a depreciating asset no matter how you purchase or lease it. To me, that’s why it’s important to gain the most enjoyment from it, to offset monetary depreciation.
+1. As another commenter stated below, I too have no desire to own any of the cars you describe, Brendan, but I completely identify with and admire your enthusiasm and knowledge. And I’m not sure I’d describe a Camry as sensible for you … what’s sensible about something you wouldn’t like?
+2 ^THIS^ “what’s sensible about something you wouldn’t like?”
Exactly. And if you genuinely like to drive, and Brendan clearly does, you get what you want.
My wife tried (and successfully) talked me out of trading my 2007 Mustang for a new one, and buying a “more sensible car” for my commute and keeping the old girl to enjoy. I did that, but she was trying to talk me into something lame like a Corolla (and this is meant as no offense to Corolla drivers… to some INCLUDING HER, a car is a point A to point B appliance).
So I reluctantly went shopping. Hyundai – No thanks. Mazda 3… Ok, I liked that, but it just wasn’t me. Chevy Cruze? – Really? The engine shuts off a a traffic light? WTF?
Now I did end up with a 2016 Civic, but unlike most cars today, it came as a Coupe, had a very rev-happy turbocharged engine, and was simply a hoot to drive. Was it more expensive than the other choices? Yes. But at least I didn’t feel I was settling.
Again, Brendan genuinely likes to drive. You get something that makes you happy doing just that. My wife hates to drive and is not a car person. To her, performance is just not important. When I told her I wanted to look at the Honda Civics, she was delighted. Little did she know I already did my homework and realized that they were plenty fast enough for this old man. And if you must insist, they do make a Type R. While mine only tops out at 126 (governor limited), the Type R will do 170. The fastest FWD vehicle ever to run the Nürburgring.
Point is there’s something for everyone. You buy (or lease in his case) what you want.
I feel that the Evoque would be the obvious and practical choice.
But from what I’ve got to know of Brendan through his writing he is very much a person who joyfully carves his own path in the world so I would not count anything out. Including the fact that he said the above were the list of finalists. I didn’t see anywhere where he said he actually bought one of them!
Well, Brendan, once again, you’ve managed to write in an engaging manner about vehicles I could care less about, personally, and kept me reading until the bitter end. Thanks!
I think you ended up with a low-mileage diesel Chevette that an elderly relative had stuck away in a garage for years because you decided you hate car payments….:-D……
Man, you REALLY dug deep for that one!!
If he doesn’t go with the Evoque out of financial and employer considerations, my money is on the Audi. Classiest of the bunch.
My brother and his family has lived in Massachusetts 35 years. He loves it there, as do I. The folks living in this part of the country try so hard to make a visual statement in everything they do. So does he.
His ride stops traffic, creates powerful emotions, gets attention and is talked about constantly there in the Springfield area. The Volvos, the Land Rovers, the BMWs, the Mercedes, the Fiats and the Smart cars proliferated around towns in New England scatter when he arrives.
He drive a new Dodge with a MAGA sticker on the back! His ride is especially noted in Northampton and Provincetown.
(For those who don’t know – In Massachusetts, the unconventional is the norm across the US, between Cleveland and Salt Lake.)
I would say, but I happen to know! (Thanks to your amazing and often quite amusing Instagram!). I will however say that it seems like a stylish choice!