[Lucky13]

I still don't understand why someone would cross shop a 4 door the size of a 3 series with all wheel drive against a 2 door with rear wheel drive, this is apples to oranges. Maybe 335 x drive which would be the same size, all wheel drive and same performance. I just reread the Sept Motor Trend where the 335 x drive won a 5 car shoot out and did 0-60 in 4.4 seconds. I personally would have no desire to own a 4 door, if I was forced to buy another brand I would shop 2 door only and rear wheel drive only.
The Mercedes is actually 2 inches longer. The 335 X beat the Audi S4, caddy ATS4 3.6, Lexus IS 350 AWD and Volvo S60 T6 AWD. The base price of the Mercedes is over $2,000 more than the 335 X drive. The 335 with M Sport put out 320hp and 332 tq. So optioned out they price out about the same since Motor Trend also tested the Mercedes in Nov and with options was almost $59K. The BMW has a back seat fit for humans and you can get a 6 speed. Not saying the Mercedes is bad I just don't see where there are any similarities to be compared with the M235. I'm in the market for an M235 but would never consider the 5 test cars in the Motor Trend article or the Mercedes.