Audi and Mercedes Remain Unable to Overtake the BMW M340i Even After Six Years

Germans make some of the world's best luxury sedans. This is true for compact, midsize, full-size, and especially sports sedans. They've been doing it for more than half a century, and ask anyone in this writer's vicinity in Europe, and they'll also tell you these are the best cars in the world. However, one German brand has consistently been making the fastest ones – not just the fastest in general, but also the fastest models at their respective price points.

In 2019, BMW released the new M340i, powered by the now-revered B58 turbo straight-six . Not even a true "M" car, this entry-level sports sedan could rocket to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds (or 3.7 with BMW's xDrive AWD) and beat all of its competitors, including those from Audi and Mercedes-Benz at its ~$50,000 price point. Fair game, but the German brands have been working hard to introduce new and more powerful sedans to beat BMW's low-end offering for more than 5 years since then. It seems their efforts were futile.

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  2025款宝马M340i

  Starting Price (MSRP)

  $57,600

  Engine/Motor

  3.0-Liter Turbo I6

  Horsepower

  382 hp

  Torque

  368 lb-ft

  Drivetrain

  RWD, AWD

  Transmission

  8-Speed Automatic

  0-60 MPH

  3.8 Seconds

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  2024款梅赛德斯-AMG C 43 4MATIC

  Starting Price (MSRP)

  $60,700

  Engine/Motor

  Hybrid 2.0-Liter Turbo 4-Cylinder + electric motor

  Horsepower

  435 hp

  Torque

  365 lb-ft

  Drivetrain

  All-Wheel Drive

  Transmission

  9-Speed Automatic

  0-60 MPH

  4.6 Seconds

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  2025款奥迪S5

  Starting Price (MSRP)

  $59,195

  Engine/Motor

  3.0-Liter Turbo V6

  Horsepower

  349 hp

  Torque

  369 lb-ft

  Drivetrain

  AWD

  Transmission

  7-Speed Dual-Clutch

  0-60 MPH

  4.3 Seconds

In their most recent drag race video, Carwow showcased the BMW M340i xDrive facing off against its toughest competitors for 2024: the Mercedes-AMG C43 and the new Audi S5. The hybrid Mercedes boasts greater power and luxury compared to the M340i. All three vehicles feature all-wheel drive and have starting prices close to $60,000. Notably, the BMW M340i is a 2019 model, while both the Audi and Mercedes are fresh off the production line.

The Ultimate Luxury Sports Sedan Face-off

Quarter-Mile Race Outcomes

If you've seen the headline, you’re already aware of the outcome. Sorry to disappoint Audi and Mercedes-AMG enthusiasts, but the BMW M340i absolutely dominates both in a standing quarter-mile showdown.

Interestingly, the most powerful vehicle in the range – the C43 – turned out to be the slowest. This is likely attributed to its heft, as it weighs approximately 300 lbs more than the BMW, as noted by Carwow. Additionally, it is equipped with a unique 9-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G automatic transmission that isn't quite as responsive as the one found in the M340i. The AMG "Race Start" launch control follows suit, leading to a less-than-stellar 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds. The Audi S5 put in a commendable performance, particularly given the significant weight disparity, but ultimately could not surpass the M340i. Carwow reports that the tested Audi S5 is around 600 lbs heavier than the M340i.

Reasons Behind the Impressive Speed of the BMW M340i

Often dubbed "budget M3" or "M3 lite," the magic of the M340i starts and ends with its choice of powertrain: the legendary B58 turbo inline-six mated to a ZF 8-speed automatic. The engine, which also powers the Supra to a 3.9-second 0-60 mph time , feeds all four wheels with a healthy 382 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque. However, in typical BMW fashion, this figure is vastly underrated. The M340i makes close to its advertised 382 hp at the wheels.

The B58 utilizes a new closed-deck block design to make it more durable and reliable than the N55 it replaces. This not only allows the engine to operate reliability with a large twin-scroll turbocharger but also to be easily tuned to produce double its advertised factory power output. As a result of its reliable performance, the B58 is now famous among tuners and enthusiasts and has earned numerous awards and a spot in "WardsAuto's 10 Best Engines" lists multiple times.

The transmission the M340i's B58 engine is mated to is no less impressive. The gear shifts in the M340i's new ZF-sourced automakers aren't just lightning-quick but also famously smooth and generally considered an improvement over BMW's bumpy old dual-clutch transmission. As a result, the xDrive AWD model launches to 60 mph in an impressive 3.7 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. With the limiter removed, owners are consistently able to exceed 186 mph.