We recently sampled the new, post-LCI, 2016 BMW 340i with the new B58 3.0 liter TwinPower inline-six engine. We’ve deemed it to be a significant improvement over the, already excellent, previous N55 engine that was so beloved by BMW enthusiasts. The new B58 engine, along with a wide range of chassis, suspension, steering, exterior and interior changes, make the post-LCI 340i a fantastic car and could put the 3 Series back on top of the segment. But now there’s a new competitor in the segment, one that could potentially take the new 340i down — the Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG.
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Mercedes-Benz’s new C Class has been gaining significant popularity lately, for its much higher level of luxury than anything else in the segment and gorgeous looks, both inside and out. Though, it falls down a bit, to cars like the BMW 3 Series and Jaguar XE, when it comes to handling and performance. Apparently, Mercedes was aware of this and wanted to a car that could hang with the big boys. Its latest C450 AMG is that car.
Packing a twin-turbocharged 3.0 liter V6 that develops 362 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, the C450 AMG has quite a bit more power than the 340i. The BMW 340i makes 320 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque, so it’s significantly outgunned in this fight. Now, typically, BMWs have been able to outperform cars while suing less power, thanks to their brilliant delivery of their power and lighter weight. However, this isn’t one of those instances. The Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG is able to rocket to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, four tenths faster than the BMW 340i. Thank the as-standard, 67/33 rear-to-front torque split, all-wheel drive system. Though the C450’s old seven-speed automatic transmission is a bit slow and unrefined, especially in comparison with BMW’s brilliant eight-speed auto, but it’s said that a nine-speed ZF-sourced auto is coming for the Benz.
In terms of driving dynamics, the C450 is much better than the other C Classes, as it’s fitted with sportier suspension, grippier tires and that aforementioned all-wheel drive system that sends most of its power to the rear, like all other 4Matic AMGs. Though, the steering has still been called a bit more numb than the BMW’s, especially at the limit.
In terms of looks, the C450 AMG is even better looking than the standard C Class, which is to say very good. I wouldn’t know if I could say that it’s better looking than the 340i without having them together at the same time, but it is a very good looking car. On the inside, however, the C450 AMG is better looking than the 340i, as it’s better looking than basically everything else in the segment. We still don’t care for the column shifter, though. Those belong in old Buicks, not sporty AMGs.
With all of that power and performance, good looks and a great interior, the new Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG makes a strong case against the BMW 340i. Is it a better car? We can’t know for sure without driving them back to back, but it’s definitely getting closer. On paper, the Benz is certainly faster and can hang with the BMW, in terms of performance. But in practice, we’d be surprised if it was more fun, which is the most important factor of a sports sedan.
[Source: Car and Driver]
Well, I test driven a C450AMG a few weeks ago. It is very fast and the tires are glued to the ground. However, you will not feel the joy of driving a fun car. A manual shifter might be better though. I decided not to get one because (1) don’t like the small gear knob on the dashboard (2) need to push very hard on the pedal to accelerate. Not at all near the driving fun of a bimmer, even an Audi is more intuitive and fun to drive.
Thanks for the input. We haven’t driven it so it’s good to get input on it.
I don’t agree. I drove the 435i (my first choice) then the c450, and the c450 feels better to me. I purchased the c450. I prefer the shape of the BMW, but the interior of the c450 is in another class.
not really 340i is a weapon
I am one of those BMW fans that made the switch. I have been driving my C450 now for just over a month, replacing my 09 335i M sport. I test drove the 340xi before I made my decision. I have no clue which of the two is faster, they are both very rapid sports sedan, and being my daily driver, a tenth faster year or there is irrelevant. I absolutely love the car, I couldn’t tell any real difference in handling between the 2 cars, but the interior of the Benz, and the pops and crackle from the exhaust was what swing my decision. I still love BMW, but I have no regrets, as the C450 just happen to be a nicer package, at least for me, this time around
A Mercedes has this strange way of just making you feel good. Don’t worry about numbers, and G-force, just enjoy a really well built machine and if you wanna go fast, it can do that too. I think MB owners live longer. LOL
I ain’t gonna lie the 3’s interior looks dated and cheap next to the C Class’ one. Other than that the 3 might actually win pretty much anywhere else.
BMW 340i will drive way better.
I actually don’t think the 3’s interior is dated, because it’s sporty. It’s simple, everything is as it should be with good materials and everything feels nice. For me, it’s just personal: you have to make the choice between a sporty, yet refined interior (3 Series) or an interior that’s not sporty, but classy and at least as refined. But I just think the interiors of Mercedes are too bling-bling, BMW’s interiors are more simple, but as I said: as it should be (at least for me).