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2013 BMW 428i vs 2013 Mercedes-Benz E250 Coupe Comparison Test

Now that the 4 Series Coupe is really starting to get its point across, the world is looking for cars to compare it to. Normally, the 3 Series Coupe would've been compared to the C-Class Coupe from Mercedes-Benz but times are changing.
BMW 428i vs Mercedes-Benz E250 Coupe 17 photos
Photo: Auto Motor und Sport
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The problem is, the C-Class Coupe is so bad that the guys from auto motor und sport had to get the E-Class Coupe model and pit it against Bavaria's 4 Series Coupe. So, here comes a brilliant comparative test between the two.

The 4 Series variant was a 428i with the M Sport package. The car has the all-known 4-cylinder, 2-liter turbocharged engine under the bonnet that builds up 245 HP and 350 Nm (260 lb-ft) of torque, of course, hooked-up to the ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox.

The Merc was in E250 form, fitted with a 2-liter turbocharged engine that makes 211 HP and 350 Nm (260 lb-ft) of torque and a 7-speed automatic gearbox. As you can notice, it has the same amount of torque but 34 less HP.

That's not where the differences end though. Whilst BMW's transmission works flawlessly and the engine sounds brilliant, reminding of a V6, the Merc's system doesn't work that well. Actually, the engine sounds a bit strained whilst the gear changes seem a bit clumsy, especially when manually changing them.

On the road, the BMW is more comfortable and yes, they both have adaptive dampers. However, somehow Mercedes managed to ruin what used to recommend the Stuttgart-based company and that's comfort. The E250 is harsher, even in Comfort mode, whilst the BMW simply pulls away.

Inside, the smaller 4 Series offers even more space than the E-Class and that says a lot, but the Benz, with its missing B-Pillar offers a better view, something the 4er doesn't do, at the moment.

Price-wise we have yet another surprise. Fitted with the exact same options, the BMW is EUR2,000 cheaper than the Benz, not that it would make too much difference. These cars appeal more to those that are looking for aesthetics over practicality anyway.

Bottom line, the 428i has the better engine, gearbox, suspension, is more fuel efficient and cheaper than its rival that was doomed by the underpowered and strained engine.

Full Test at auto motor und sport
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