This 320 would go up against the IS250, the ATS base 2.5 (which is a dog), and the MB C250. In terms of pricing and what it offers just about all of these are neck and neck. So are you bashing BMW or the base model segment?
Yes, the Infiniti Q50 comes in just a little more expensive but in every class of vehicles there's always another brand that offers more for cheaper.
This.
The 320 falls right in line with most the other base offerings of the other makes. It becomes expensive when you option it up, but then, you could always opt for a less optioned 328 for the same $$$. Pick your poison.
And again, you can get a nicely equipped (IMO) RWD 320i for about $38,900 MSRP. That is really not THAT expensive. Sure, maybe some would prefer the Q50. But maybe you just love German cars OR (more sensibly) you must have a manual transmission. Then what are your options? Not the Q50.
Repeat: I would never buy this car. BUT if you had the following buying constraints:
- Must be new
- Must be ~$40k MSRP or less
- Must be sedan
- Must be RWD or AWD
- Must be stick
(not an unimaginable set of buying criteria)...
...this thing could certainly come out on top.