BMW against Mercedes, the eternal rivalry, also in relatives: this is the comparison of the BMW M340i Touring vs Mercedes-AMG C 43 Estate
A fantastic straight-six meets a four-cylinder in this duel between the BMW M340i Touring and the Mercedes-AMG C 43 Estate. Two very familiar and quite sporty cars. They have it all, in short, but which one has more of the two?
Engines and behavior of relatives of BMW and Mercedes
As family members, both the Mercedes and the BMW are not only masters of luggage, but also cars with an undeniable sporty undertone. The M340i is in fine form with the straight-six we’ve come to know (and love) from 2019. It squeezes 374bhp out of a three-litre displacement.
In the C 43 works a four-cylinder with 408 hp. Thanks to the belt-start generator and 48-volt technology, it adds another 14 hp in boost mode. Both distribute a maximum torque of 500 Nm to all four wheels. Yes, you read that right: with two less cylinders, the Mercedes yields a few more horses.
Measurements on our test track show that muscle doesn’t always have to lead to success. The M340i accelerates from 0 to 100 in 4.4 seconds, while the C 43 takes two tenths more. The difference in the sprint to 200 km/h is much clearer, here the Mercedes loses almost a second to the BMW.
The Mercedes transmission is much more indecisive in the lower gears than the Bavarian’s ZF automatic, which does a splendid job in all driving situations.
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Same as the chassis. An M Sport suspension gives the M340i firm deflections that, at the same time, leaves enough room in Comfort drive mode for the occupants to barely notice the bumps on rough roads and cobbled streets.
But of course, we are talking about a car with the initials AMG, with a general rigidity of the body that benefits it on the track, as well as its steering: it is not only perfect in feel and firmness, but also in communication and, above all, in precision. .
The BMW complies in these fights but, as usual in the brand, it is somewhat more nervous right from the middle position. Especially at high speeds. At the Contidrom circuit, yes, a very alert M340i managed to gain a 0.56 second advantage, because the Mercedes understeered more.
Now, at this point, you may wonder who would want to go out to a circuit with family cars that cost more than 80,000 euros. They will be few, but therein lies their magic: those who wish, will be able to enjoy them on a closed track (almost) as if they were race sports cars.
On a day-to-day basis: consumption, to take into account
Facing daily use, the question of who consumes less fuel per 100 kilometers will be more interesting. Of course, we also measure that and the result is incredible. The Mercedes’ four-cylinder, which is supported by the starter generator, should be well ahead of its rival’s six-cylinder.
But, far from that, the 340i has surprised us with a measured test consumption of 9.4 liters, while the Mercedes has been much thirstier in the same journey, with 11.2 liters. It must be said that we have tested them in Germany, with highway sections without speed limits.
Interior design of the Mercedes and the BMW
Both have excellent sports seats in front, and in the second row, the levels of space and comfort are comparable. This also applies to the trunk. The BMW (500-1,510 litres) can be attributed to the fact that its separately openable rear window allows access to small items very cleanly. Its rival has slightly less overall space (490-1,510 liters), but more in the double load floor.
The large Curved-Display of the BMW faces the vertical main display in the AMG. What is better? It’s a matter of taste. The Mercedes is governed by touch, the same thing happens in the BMW, but adds the option of the iDrive controller. In both, voice control is excellent.
Factors to decide the purchase
Place 2: Mercedes-AMG C 43 Estate. It prioritizes sportiness, perhaps too much: its fit is very hard.
Place 1: BMW 340i Touring. It’s a finely tuned everyday sports car: it has a better balance between driving dynamics and everyday comfort.
