Sporty coupes aren't a booming segment within the local market, but that doesn't mean there aren't some impressive options within the segment. Today, we are comparing the entry-level BMW 4 Series with two rivals in the form of the Audi A5 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but which one would we choose? Today's trio features similar powertrains and performance, but which one would we choose?
Related: Which new BMW 4 Series is better: diesel or petrol?
BMW 420i coupe M Sport
Powertrain and performance
Powering the 420i is a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 135Kw and 300Nm, sent through the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic. Fuel consumption is claimed at 6.4 L/100km, and the 0-100km/h is set at 7.5 seconds.
Standard equipment
The 420i M Sport comes with LED headlights/ fog lamps, partial leather/cloth seats, a colour screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, a digitised instrument cluster, climate control, cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot assist, 18-inch alloy wheels, 6 Airbags, ISOFIX, keyless start as well as front and rear PDC.
Safety
The 4 Series received a 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP in 2019.
Practicality
The 420i boasts a 440-litre boot, seating for four occupants and an 11.4-metre turning circle.
Price and value proposition
At R947 742, the 420i is the most expensive product in the comparison.
The competition
Audi A5 coupe 40TFSI S line
Powertrain and performance
Powering the A5, in this guise is a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine that produces 140kW and 320Nm that is sent through the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Fuel consumption is claimed at 6.4 L/100km, and the 0-100km/h time is claimed at 7.3 seconds.
Standard equipment
The A5 matches the 4 Series in terms of standard specification, with many, many optional extras available, as is tradition with premium German automakers.
Safety
The A5 was crash-tested by Euro NCAP in 2015, where it achieved a 5-Star rating, however, this rating has expired.
Practicality
The A5 features four seats and a 450-litre boot, making it marginally the largest vehicle in this comparison.
Price and value proposition
At R904 200, the A5 is the cheapest car in this comparison.
Mercedes-Benz C200 coupe
Powertrain and performance
Powering the C200 is a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine that produces 140kW and 320Nm sent through the rear wheels via a 9-speed automatic. Fuel consumption is claimed at 6.8 L/100km, and a 0-100km/h of 7.2 seconds is provided.
Standard equipment
In AMG Line specification, C200's specification is similar, but there are seven airbags; however, there is no digitised instrument cluster and an outdated infotainment system.
Safety
The current C-Class coupe is the previous generation model, which was crash-tested by Euro NCAP in 2014, achieving a 5-Star rating.
Practicality
The C200 boasts four seats and 400-litres of boot space, making it the smallest product in the comparison.
Price and value proposition
At R914 813, the C-Class is reasonably priced relative to rivals, but this product is nearly ten years old now and will be replaced soon.
Facts and figures:
|
|
BMW 420i coupe M Sport |
Audi A5 coupe 40TFSI S line |
Mercedes-Benz C200 coupe AMG Line |
|
Engine size (cyl/size) |
4-cyl, 2.0-litre turbo petrol |
4-cyl, 2.0-litre turbo petrol |
4-cyl, 2.0-litre turbo petrol |
|
Power/Torque |
135 kW/300 Nm |
140 kW/320 Nm |
150 kW/300 Nm |
|
CO2 emissions |
146 g/km |
145 g/km |
158 g/km |
|
Maintenance plan |
5-yr/70 000km |
6-service/ 90 000km |
5-yr/ 75 000km |
|
Airbag count |
6 |
6 |
7 |
|
Fuel tank capacity |
59 litres |
54 litres |
66 litres |
|
Ave Consumption * |
6.4 L/100km |
6.4 L/100km |
6.8 L/100 km |
|
Driven wheels |
Rear |
Front |
Rear |
|
Boot volume |
440-litres | 450-litres |
400-litres |
|
0-100km/h |
7.5 sec | 7.3 sec |
7.2 sec |
|
Price |
R 947 742 |
R904 200 |
R914 813 |
* Manufacturer's claimed figures.
Pricing was all-inclusive at the time of writing but may change without prior notice.
Verdict
Looking at the figures, as an overall package, we feel that the Audi A5 offers the best value as a medium-sized coupe without performance driving in mind.
