On this episode of MotorTrend’s Head 2 Head, Carlos Lago pits the new 2012 BMW 335i against its competitor from Audi, the S4. The new F30 3 Series went on sale this Spring and the highest offering at the moment is the 335i model. Powered by the award-winning N55 3.0 liter straight-six, the 335i outputs 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft (407 Nm) of torque. In a previous straightline test, MotorTrend clocked the 335i from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and 1/4 mile in 13.3 sec @ 103.9 mph.

The 2012 Audi S4 received a big engine upgrade last year. The sporty four-door sedan is now powered by a 3.0-liter six-cylinder, using supercharging, intercooling, and direct injection to boost its output to 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. 0 to 60 mph numbers range from 4.7 to 4.9 seconds, with a top speed limited to 155 mph. Gas mileage is rated at 18 mpg city, 28 highway.

335i sells in the United States for $43,275, a slight increase over the previous E90 model ($42,050), but with more standard options. The 335i is offered with a standard package and M Sport package, as well as three new lines: Sport, Luxury and Modern. These will provide an extensive customization program for customer by offering more upfront options.

Audi set a base price of $47,300 for the S4 which comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission.

The 3 Series has long enjoyed its reputation as the benchmark of European sports sedans. But does the more powerful S4 finally have what it takes to end BMW’s reign?

Let’s have a look.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Nr3YrHMuLgw