The Demo Site

Car and Driver has once again come up with an interesting review of some of the …let’s say, not very often compared vehicles. Most of the BMW reviews or comparisons are made around the popular 335i, while the “little brother” 328i, seems to be often overlooked. We’re guilty of that as well, but with the Car and Driver help, we will fix that today.

So, they decided to test the BMW 328i against other popular vehicles in its class: Infiniti G37, Audi A4 2.0T and the Acura TL SH-AWD. Will the C&D’s conclusion reported back in January still remain today? “What the 328i does better than its peers is combine the ingredients of the perfect sports sedan: driving dynamics and luxury.”

Well, shall we find out?

“For executives undergoing painful downsizing, may we suggest something in the $40,000 range, smart yet modest in posture compared with the usual CEO barge. Something in a sports sedan would keep the mood casual. Just in time, we have two new international choices: the bravely chiseled Acura TL and the softly molded Audi A4.

The Acura, apart from its polarizing, sharply creased style, brings Honda’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive to the middleweight sports class. The A4 brings variable lift on the exhaust valves of the 2.0-liter turbo four, upping output 11 horses to 211.

They join two other old favorites that have been smartly upgraded for 2009: BMW’s ever-popular 328i gets new headlights and hood in front; new wheels, mirrors, and sills in the side view; new taillights, decklid, and bumper in back; and of course, an increment of $900 on the bottom line. The Infiniti G35 of last year is now vitamin fortified and rechristened G37 to reflect the V-6 upsizing to 3.7 liters from 3.5. The previous 306-horse version romped all comers at the drag strip. They should expect even less mercy now.”

Continue reading BMW 328i vs. Infiniti G37, Audi A4 2.0T, Acura TL SH-AWD