I have a Bernina Activa 131 that I bought new back in 2000. She is indestructible! Sews a beautiful stitch and can handle tough, thick fabrics.
Then I made a mistake and got lured into buying a BL Ellure Plus. The convenience features are great, but I don't think it's as sturdy as the Bernina, plus it's very quirky about thread, and I had a terrible time with buttonholes.
Stick with an older machine!
My BL has embroidery, too, but I think it's wasted on me.