Two halves of a whole

These cars represent quintessential sedans that reflect their brand's philosophies but should you pick the BMW 2 Series over the Mercedes A-Class Limousine? The choice is more difficult than you'd imagine

- Abhik Das

Entry-level is generally perceived as a cheaper alternative or the bare basic option from a particular line of products and cars, among other things, also get classified similarly. An entry-level car, however, still demands a decent sum of money be invested into owning one although it also means that one can, at the very best, expect minimum componentry, with just about adequate features offered with the given product. These models of cars either sell in large numbers if they're incredibly affordable as basic people movers or find themselves lost as more premium products usually are demanded closer to their top-spec trims. But what if I told you that entry-level can also be top-spec, can be more than adequate, and can stir your emotions just as well as the best that the brand can offer?

The two cars in contention in this road test are prime examples of this. Looking at either of the brand's product portfolios in India, these two cars feature at the bottom of the list but they're far from being entry-level offerings. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class Limousine and the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe imbibe everything the two brands stand for. Driving dynamics are what BMW cars are best known for and sheer comfort defines most Mercedes cars and, that's exactly what the 220i and A200 are.