The All-New BMW 335i Takes On The Four Rings Seasoned S4 And Something Weird Happens - BMW And Audi Switch Roles

The BMW 3-Series has always been the benchmark in the entry-level premium sedan category. It is an annual best performer and always winds up besting its rivals with a controlled, dominating victory.

Times are changing, though.

In recent years the competition has heated up significantly and cars like the Audi A4/S4 and Infiniti G37 have unseated the 3'er in showdowns. That said, now it's time for another one.

Though Audi has refreshed the S4 for 2013, this publication used a 2012, which is just as good because the changes are minimal. BMW, on the other hand, has brought to the party an all-new 3-Series -- granted its single turbo powerplant is a carryover.

This is where things get interesting: BMW's 3-Series gets nods for its nicer interior, better fuel efficiency and, predictably, nice powertrain. BUT it receives negative feedback for its muted steering and poor -- in comparison -- stopping distance.

The Audi S4 gets a knock for a less-than-austere interior; however, is applauded for its better stopping distance and MUCH better performance figures. In addition, the Audi received a nod for being more enjoyable to drive.

Say what?! Isn't this reverse of what has been known previously? What happened?

What say you, Spies?


On this episode of Head 2 Head, Carlos Lago pits the new 2012 BMW 335i against it's natural rival from Ingolstadt - the 2012 Audi S4. 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?



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Lamborghini_vs_Ferrari_Racer - 6/18/2012 1:52:34 AM

+7 Boost

Here we go with Autospies again. This is the same dubious road test by Motor Trend uploaded throughout the internet last week, for which Motor Trend has been bashed by Auto-critics for comparing an AUDI with SUMMER PERFORMANCE tires with a BMW with COMPROMISED ALL-WEATHER TIRES. Yes, tires make a big difference in performance. Try drag-racing on Studs.

Lamborghini_vs_Ferrari_Racer - 6/18/2012 1:53:52 AM

+6 Boost

Dear 00R, please do your homework before posting "Sensational" news. The fact is while the Audi is awesomely improved, the BMW is still better on an equal footing(read: tires). Cheaper too.

Agent00R - 6/18/2012 9:12:38 AM

0 Boost

That's one man's opinion.

And the BMW is cheaper when there is nothing in it.

JRobUSC - 6/18/2012 12:46:55 PM

+4 Boost

S4 performance is very impressive, though that's the worst grip and brake results I've seen for a new 3-Series (this was the first one I've seen the new 3 not get at least .90g on the skidpad, for example).

Simply put, BMW needs to step back a bit from their pursuit of every last smidgen of MPG's and remember what made them who they are in the first place. The tires they fitted to this car are a good place to start. That's a "sport line" car and it not only has all-season tires instead of the summer tires they used to come with, but they're low rolling resistance tires on top of it. If they want to put those on the non-sport lines, fine, but not on the sport models. And apparently BMW knows this -- for 2013 you get a choice when ordering of all-season or sport tires. When my Z4 35is is due next year I'll be looking for a 335 M Sport, and you can bet your behind I'll be ordering mine with the summer tires, even if it costs me a MPG or two.

GermanNut - 6/18/2012 12:52:49 PM

0 Boost

Agent00R, in case you have been living under a rock for the last two years, it is not weird at all that the BMW and Audi have somehow reversed roles. Just look at the Audi 2012 A6 taking down BMW's 5 series, the 2012 Audi A8 defeating the BMW 7-series, the 2013 Audi S6 defeating the BMW M5, and the 2012 Audi Q3 defeating the BMW X3.

It is blatantly obvious that Audi has been producing better driving cars than BMW over the past two years. As a result, Audi's sales are growing faster than BMW's globally (Audi will likely overthrow BMW as the best selling premium luxury brand globally either this year or next). Not to mention, Audi is already more profitable than BMW thanks to economies of scale that is enjoys by being a part of the VAG behemoth.

Audi has created a combination of driving dynamics, luxury, quality, technology, and value that are more appealing than its direct rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Monopoly - 6/18/2012 2:10:22 PM

+1 Boost

Quote:
Originally Posted by — GermanNut
"Audi has created a combination of driving dynamics, luxury, quality, technology, and value that are more appealing than its direct rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

And think how impressive Audi automobiles MIGHT really be if they decided to ditch the tired old styling ques from a decade ago & add some new unique exterior/interior flair to their models(the A5 was a good start).

gkearns56 - 6/18/2012 8:01:16 PM

-1 Boost

I couldn't agree more. I owned a BMW and now have new 2012 A6. I think the new A6 is a very nice car and am enjoying it. Each car has pluses and minuses; you can't go work with either one. As long as I don't have to own one of those American made Chrysler cars from the pot smoking UAW members, I'll be happy with either car.

cidflekken - 6/18/2012 1:19:01 PM

-1 Boost

Why would MT be bashed for comparing these two cars? If the all-weather tires came with the BMW and the performance tires came with the Audi, in the same, or relatively same, price class, then how can there be fault? If that's what BMW is offering, then that's what consumers will be getting and they should be informed of the performance differences accordingly. Otherwise, why bother comparing stock models in the same price class at all when you can just mod them all before a comparison.

The other reality SHOULD be that if the BMW is offering all-weather tires, the ride SHOULD be better and more compliant, which, in some ways, should balance out the overall rating of a car. But they don't. The Audi still provides a very good ride with performance tires.

From a safety perspective, the last 328i that MT compared with others in its class took almost 30 feet longer to stop. That's about 3 car lengths. That's a HUGE safety concern for "performance sports sedans", even with 4 cylinder engines. These cars are marketed and designed to be driven vigorously and that difference in braking distance is a concern for me, primarily due to the stock tires.

Lamborghini_vs_Ferrari_Racer - 6/19/2012 2:20:01 AM

+1 Boost

That is actually quite incorrect thinking, the S4 is an S line which is a higher trim line than the 335. It should be compared to the 335is which is the sporty 6-cylinder version. Yes, the price shows it too. S is definitely higher end, the S6 and S8 uptil recently had versions of Lamborghini Gallardo/Audi R8 engines.

I repeat again, S4 - 335is and RS4 - M3. I can go further on if there is an RS4+, then it could be comparable to an M3 CSL/GTS (more or less).

Phantom4 - 6/20/2012 10:28:22 AM

+1 Boost

Thing is the 335 outsells the S4. People who want a six cylinder in a 3 series do not necessarily want quad exhausts, chrome mirrors, and performance bucket seats (not everyone is a 16 year old fantasizing on car blogs, like most people on this site). They just want a normal looking 3 series with some more power. That’s why the 335 makes sense, it gives you 99% of the performance of the s4 without the boy racer looks. And for the minority that want the extra flash and performance they will offer the 335is or M335 models.

bmwM3 - 6/18/2012 2:22:53 PM

+2 Boost

S4 competes with the 335is or M335i when they debut.

pepito66 - 6/18/2012 4:28:38 PM

+3 Boost

Interesting , anyway I keep my BMWs for now and forever.

Lexus - 6/18/2012 6:41:07 PM

+2 Boost

This is Not a fair comparison at all. They should've races it against the BMW 335is and give the BMW performance tire and see what happen. T

josefinahazel - 6/19/2012 12:45:11 AM

+1 Boost

Major company provide what is called "Clearance Auto" reduce the rates for long-time auto insurance customers. They just now reduced my rates! need to save money gas prices is killing my travel

ThierryHenry14 - 6/19/2012 10:59:43 AM

-1 Boost

I have no comments regarding the article...

Its about all the idiots who say its a dumb comparison, but then comments about it again. You guys are the true idiots...

knowitall1985 - 6/19/2012 1:16:53 PM

+2 Boost

I can't wait to see the new IS350. It should perform as well as both of these for less money and better reliability and service.....