[seamasters]

Full review @ http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Drives/...14-CAR-review/

So, who wins? The Audi costs most, yet at the end of day two it is the least loved of the three cars. It still looks stunning, its interior still feels special, and it’s still the coupe to beat against the stopwatch in a straight line. But it tells you plenty about this segment of the market that those qualities aren’t enough to win. So, BMW or Mercedes? If we were talking convertibles here, I would jump at the E400, simply because the 4-series cabrio will adopt the ungainly retractable hardtop from the outgoing 3-series. The Benz has a lot of other things going for it, too. Perceived quality, for instance, style at least from certain angles, packaging (biggest boot, most rear legroom), a great engine and that magic carpet ride. On the debit side, ho-hum ergonomics, a rather steep asking price, the absence of four-wheel drive and not much else. Sure, the neatly balanced and admirably competent 435i is even more fun to drive. But in the mirror of the BMW, the E-class looms larger than expected.

Having said that, the BMW is more affordable, and although it doesn’t look quite special enough inside and out to justify that trumpeted 4-series badge, number four-three-five is again the pacesetter when it comes to having fun from A to B. And back. And forth again.

Full review @ http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Drives/...14-CAR-review/

[Bluelondon]

Not a very detailed review but nice to see the 4 series making its presence felt so soon.

[AKRAPOVICOWNS]

"..the Audi is still arguably the most attractive of the three. The proportions are spot-on, the design strikes a perfect balance between elegant and extrovert, and the build quality teaches the rivals a lesson or two.."

I'd love to know which lessons are those.

[StealYourFace]

The non m sport 435i is still a pretty good looking car, but that front bumper does the looks no favors. And the much maligned backwards 7 on the front fender needs to be monochromatic in order to make it less awkward.

Nice read.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by StealYourFace

The non m sport 435i is still a pretty good looking car, but that front bumper does the looks no favors. And the much maligned backwards 7 on the front fender needs to be monochromatic in order to make it less awkward.

Nice read.

Agreed! That non M-Sport front bumper is horrible.

[Mako]

shouldn't they be comparing a M435i (which doesn't exist) or at least the M Sport package for appearance reasons to the S5 and a C class coupe and not E Class?

[M4Trojan]

Originally Posted by Mako

shouldn't they be comparing a M435i (which doesn't exist) to the S5 and a C class coupe and not E Class?

my thoughts exactly. Since when does the E class compete with a 3/4 series?

[twin fed]

And shouldn't it be an A5 not an S5??

[Matski]

The most fun to drive of the 3. Would be nice if it was quicker and better looking, but crucially, the BMW is the best drivers car. That's the main thing I guess.

[Matski]

Originally Posted by twin fed

And shouldn't it be an A5 not an S5??

In the article it does say that the cars fitted with PPK, LSD and a few other goodies.. it's not basic 435i.

[x5love]

Originally Posted by Mako

shouldn't they be comparing a M435i (which doesn't exist) or at least the M Sport package for appearance reasons to the S5 and a C class coupe and not E Class?

They state at the beginning how it's not a perfect match for the comparison. The S5 is actually the perfect comparisson for the 435 (or better yet, the 435is if there was one). The M4 competes against the RS5.

As for the E Class Coupe, it's based on the C class, if it were based on the E Class itself, it'd go up against the 6 series. The C class coupe is more of a 2 series competitor.

Does that make sense?

[fecurtis]

Originally Posted by twin fed

And shouldn't it be an A5 not an S5??

An A5 is too heavy/slow. An A5 would be comparable to a 428i (both have 2.0L boosted four cylinders). S models are most comparable to the higher trim BMW's (so an A4 would compete with a 328i, S4 would compete with a 335i, and an RS4...if it were still sold in the US would compete with the M3). In this instance, an A5 is comparable to the 428i, S5 to the 435i, and RS5 (which IS sold in the US) to the M4.

I have no f***ing clue why a E Class coupe is in this comparison. I guess because it's technically built off the C Class frame.

[wdeerfield]

interesting. surprised they didnt get a msport though. then it would have won in looks overall. surprised also that its cheaper.

[aajami]

Originally Posted by twin fed

And shouldn't it be an A5 not an S5??

The A5 matches more evenly with the 428i.

[BC87]

Originally Posted by M4Trojan

my thoughts exactly. Since when does the E class compete with a 3/4 series?

In reveiws s4 is usually compared with the 335...s5 vs 435...s6 vs 550i. As for the e class no idea why it's there.

[auf Deutsch]

Originally Posted by Matski

In the article it does say that the cars fitted with PPK, LSD and a few other goodies.. it's not basic 435i.

A 435 with PPK gets you a much better result of 5.1 seconds 0-60/0-100kph.

[Techjunkie666]

+1 You do get a lot more for the money with the Audi. I made the switch from M3 to RS5 and love the interior. Of coz the RS5 feels a little heavier but still a fun car and no cheap plastic trim or creaking noises like my M3.

That being said, I might still get a M4.

Originally Posted by AKRAPOVICOWNS

"..the Audi is still arguably the most attractive of the three. The proportions are spot-on, the design strikes a perfect balance between elegant and extrovert, and the build quality teaches the rivals a lesson or two.."

I'd love to know which lessons are those.

[hellrotm]

The new C-class is going to be a potent package with their new twin turbo V6.

[Powaup]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

Agreed! That non M-Sport front bumper is horrible.

Doesn't look as bad when you see it in person

IMO

[Presario]

Yeah, the non M-sport version looks dull compared to the S5. Don't know why they didn't get one with it. Nice read though.

[Powaup]

The 4 series is so much fun when you put it in sport+ ! lets you breakout the rear end so easily

[Powaup]

Originally Posted by auf Deutsche

A 435 with PPK gets you a much better result of 5.1 seconds 0-60/0-100kph.

LSD!??