Why i "downgraded" from BMWs & Mercs to a Honda City e:HEV

Both vehicles solve the same purpose at the end of the day. Everything that the Honda does, the Lexus does better. Does that justify the Rs 57 lakh premium?

BHPian Kevinrevvz recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Preface:

Well, this is gonna be one of the odd comparisons you’ve come across, I request the mods to move it to the appropriate thread if necessary. I used to own quite a few “premium” cars over the last decade such as a Mercedes E270 CDI, BMW 525i, Mercedes S350 and BMW 530d. Recently, however, I’ve switched to more modern and more “mainstream” cars such as an MG ZS EV and my most recent acquisition, a 2023 Honda City ZX e:HEV.

I’ve come to the realization that I haven’t been missing much from the German luxury experience. Sure, I miss the snob value of the badge and the intangibles of high-end luxury but I definitely don’t miss the unpredictable reliability and the tens of lakhs spent in maintenance. In fact, I’ve been quite impressed by how peppy and drivable the ZS EV’s instant torque felt in comparison to the F10 530d it replaced. I quite enjoy the ADAS tech and stellar efficiency on my City e:HEV.

This led me to wonder how my City e:HEV stacked up against its more “premium” cousins. The immediate step up for a Hybrid sedan would be the Toyota Camry Hybrid followed by it’s luxury sibling, the Lexus ES300h. Thanks to my friend and fellow Bhpian MitSus for sharing his beautiful Lexus. Here are my thoughts.

Honda City e:HEV ZX:

1. Cost: ₹25L on-road Cbe
2. Performance: 8.4s 0-100 (stopwatch)
3. Average Efficiency: 20Kmpl

Pros:

• Technology: More modern technology and features such as connected tech and ADAS.
• Maintenance Costs: Cheaper to run and maintain

Cons:

• Lack of Exotic Image: Mainstream appeal
• NVH: NVH levels are not on par with true luxury makes.
• Quality: Quality of materials, however, best in the segment, is no match for the mighty Lexus.

Lexus ES300h:

1. Cost: ₹82L on-road Cbe
2. Performance: 8s 0-100 (stopwatch)
3. Average Efficiency: 18Kmpl

Pros:

• Brand Image: The Lexus Brand commands respect
• Looks: Looks imposing and menacing
• Space: Way more spacious and luxurious cabin
• Audio Quality: Mark Levinson’s audio on the Luxury variant deserves a special mention
• Build Quality: Lexus quality control, build quality and paint quality is unparalleled
• Intangibles: Attributes that can’t be shown on paper. Includes quality of materials, NVH, ride quality and attention to detail.

Cons:

• Expensive: Several times more expensive to buy. Relatively more expensive to maintain.
• Technology: Technology feels a decade old and surprising omissions of modern-day gizmos such as ADAS or connected tech.

Equivalent Attributes:

1. Driving Feel: Both powertrains feel similar and possess similar acceleration and efficiency figures.
2. Problem solved: Both cars solve the same purpose. To be a comfortable, reliable, efficient and effortless daily commuter.

Summary:

Both vehicles solve the same purpose at the end of the day. Everything that the Honda does, the Lexus does better (Technology an exception), but how much better you ask? The difference is in the intangibles.

The Lexus looks better, is more spacious, has better ride quality, better material quality, better NVH and just a more premium and luxurious feel overall.

Does that justify the ₹57L premium? Sensibly, no. Emotionally, yes. The Lexus, across all aspects, is better in terms of intangibles but as far as absolute tangibles, the difference is not substantial.

On the contrary, the Honda City e:HEV provides everything that the Lexus ES300h does, albeit at a relatively lesser grade.

This cements the fact that mainstream cars have come a long way since the last decade and the value for money factor is better than it ever was.

For the well-to-do gentlemen or women who demand the finer things in life, sure the Lexus is all the indulgence one would desire but for the average Joe, you’re not missing out on much, getting the brilliant value package that is the Honda City e:HEV.

Here’s what BHPian androdev had to say on the matter:

Excellent post. We have a lot of similarities in our ownership and our journey. I am still keeping the old W221/F10, etc. only because the resale value is a pittance and the cars are not giving any problems as of now (barring the expected expensive air suspension replacement).

I have no plans or means to replace them with their equivalent new models so I too pondered on this subject of finding cars which give me 80% of the luxury car experience at 20% of the cost (sans the snob value, of course). All my earlier cars were brought new but over the last few years I have become more open to buying used cars especially as I now feel confident of identifying which car models are reliable and how to evaluate a used car. Spending so much time on team-bhp must come to some use That’s how I ended up with a used Camry Hybrid – has the basics of a good luxury sedan but comes with Toyota’s low cost of ownership.

Here’s what BHPian revsperminute had to say on the matter:

Wonderfully written, your views on the Honda City are spot-on.

A simple, honest car that won’t ever do you wrong. I also have a trusty 2018 CVT in my garage and trust me, I think the whole family is attached more to that car than any of the luxury marques in our garage.

Frankly speaking, no mass-market car appeals to me besides the Honda City. Pure envy looking at your shining clean-green hybrid machine. You’ve just pushed me one step closer to finally buying a new one.

Keyword: Why i "downgraded" from BMWs & Mercs to a Honda City e:HEV