The German team at this year’s World Cup was the class act of the field. Out of their seven matches during the tournament proper, the team scored an impressive six wins and one draw. Mirroring their national football team, the German saloons seen here are also the ones to beat in the junior executive field.
All three “players” are very closely matched on paper. Apart from their similar sizes, each individual has a turbocharged 2-litre 350Nm powerplant and they are priced within $2500 of one another (at press time).
The newest player on this field is the Mercedes-Benz C250. Looking like a smaller version of the brand’s flagship S-Class limousine, the C250 offers plenty of road presence and an improved interior that has more amenities than its predecessor.
The most dynamic-looking contender is the BMW 328i, which has a ready-to-pounce stance. Apart from its driver-oriented dashboard, the 328i also aims to electrify enthusiasts with its sharp chassis and athletic prowess.
Although the Audi A4 is the oldest player in this story, cosmetic updates have managed to keep its styling fresh. The A4 is also keen to display its cabin refinements and the benefits of its “four-legged” all-wheel-drive system – the only car here so equipped.
Which of these talented players is most deserving of a “golden boot”? The referee has blown his whistle – let’s get this match started! 
Despite conceding a goal or two in terms of roominess and economy, the Audi A4 continues to impress with its excellent finish and rock-solid construction, while its quattro all-wheel-drive system gives the driver plenty of confidence to play hard, even on wet surfaces. The A4 may be less powerful than the sporty 245bhp Bimmer, but its snappy dual-clutch drivetrain ensures it won’t be far behind when it comes to outright performance.
Given its athletic prowess, the BMW 328i is likely to be a favourite with sports fans. With its speediness and nimbleness, it can easily outrun/outflank most opposing defenders. BMW, however, should enhance the everyday practicality and cabin charm of its star player to make it a stronger all-rounder.
The Mercedes-Benz C250 is the most stylish player in this field right now, with a cabin swanky enough to impress rich footballers and their fashion-conscious WAGs. But like a newly discovered talent, the C250 is a little rough around the edges – a cushier backseat and a more logical infotainment interface would make the car an even more compelling competitor when the next “football match” rolls around.
SPECIFICATIONS
Audi A4 2.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves,
turbocharged
CAPACITY 1984cc
BORE X STROKE 82.5mm x 92.8mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 9.6:1
MAX POWER 211bhp at
4300-6000rpm
MAX TORQUE 350Nm at
1500-4200rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 134.4bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 7-speed dual-clutch
with manual select
DRIVEN WHEELS All
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 6.5 seconds
TOP SPEED 245km/h
CONSUMPTION 14.3km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 159g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
REAR Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
TYPE Pirelli Cinturato P7
SIZE 245/40 R18
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 6
TRACTION CONTROL ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4701mm
WIDTH 1826mm
HEIGHT 1427mm
WHEELBASE 2808mm
KERB WEIGHT 1570kg
TURNING CIRCLE 11.5m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $234,150
(after $5k CEVS rebate)
WARRANTY 3 years/100,000km
WE SAY
+ Highest cabin quality, quickest gearbox, “stickiest” roadholding
– Thirstiest motor, biggest price tag, least versatile boot
* BEST OF THE THREE IN SUREFOOTEDNESS
SPECIFICATIONS
BMW 328i 2.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves,
turbocharged
CAPACITY 1997cc
BORE X STROKE 84mm x 90.1mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 10:1
MAX POWER 245bhp at
5000-6500rpm
MAX TORQUE 350Nm at
1250-4800rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 171.3bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 8-speed automatic
with manual select
DRIVEN WHEELS Rear
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 5.9 seconds
TOP SPEED 250km/h
CONSUMPTION 16.9km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 147g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT Double wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar
REAR Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs
TYRES
TYPE Continental
ContiSportContact 5 SSR
SIZE 225/45 R18
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 6
TRACTION CONTROL ABS with DSC
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4624mm
WIDTH 1811mm
HEIGHT 1429mm
WHEELBASE 2810mm
KERB WEIGHT 1430kg
TURNING CIRCLE 11.3m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $231,800
(after $5k CEVS rebate)
WARRANTY 3 years/100,000km
WE SAY
+ Most muscular powertrain, sharpest steering, competitive pricing
– Compact cockpit, uninspired interior design, least practical backseat
* BEST OF THE THREE IN DRIVEABILITY
SPECIFICATIONS
Mercedes-Benz C250 2.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves,
turbocharged
CAPACITY 1991cc
BORE X STROKE 83mm x 92mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 9.8:1
MAX POWER 211bhp at 5500rpm
MAX TORQUE 350Nm at
1200-4000rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 142.6bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 7-speed automatic
with manual select
DRIVEN WHEELS Rear
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 6.6 seconds
TOP SPEED 250km/h
CONSUMPTION 16.9km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 136g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
REAR Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
TYPE Continental
ContiSportContact 5 SSR
SIZE 205/60 R16
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 7
TRACTION CONTROL ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4686mm
WIDTH 1810mm
HEIGHT 1442mm
WHEELBASE 2840mm
KERB WEIGHT 1480kg
TURNING CIRCLE 11.2m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $232,888
(after $10k CEVS rebate)
WARRANTY 3 years/100,000km
WE SAY
+ Most elegant cabin, nicest graphical displays, most useful boot
– Least comfy rear bench, relaxed gearbox, oversights in ergonomics
* BEST OF THE THREE IN REFINEMENT
