How they deliver that performance is vastly
different, though. The 320i remains smooth throughout the rev range (only
sounding a touch tappety at idle) and its eight-speed ZF-supplied transmission
hooks the right gear at the right time without fail.
The C200, on the other hand, sounds gruff
at most engine speeds and the transmission doesn't change gears as smoothly as
it should (isn't it time the carmaker stopped developing its own transmissions
and started commissioning other companies to develop them?). Thankfully,
excellent sound-deadening means the powertrain never becomes overly intrusive.
320i's
powertrain is smooth into the red line
The Lexus provides a vastly different
experience, which is key to its appeal. Eschewing the trend for downsizing and
forced induction, the IS boasts a lusty 3.5-litre V6 that delivers no less than
228 kW in a vocal, rambunctious manner that's deeply endearing ... until you
gaze at the fuel readout on the trip computer and realise why large-capacity
naturally aspirated engines are endangered.
On that note, the Benz and BMW were equally
frugal on our set 150 km fuel route, using a mere 6.9 litres/100 km. By contrast,
the Lexus gulped 9.6.
Ride And Comfort
If you are interested in finding out how a
C-Class can ride, turn to the next part of this test. The diesel model had air
suspension and the comfort-tuning option; this silver C-Class sat on steel
springs lowered by 15 mm. In no way aided by the low-profile tyres that come
with the AMG pack, the ride is firm to the point of becoming a touch
uncomfortable on broken tarmac. The upside is excellent body control and a
level demeanour on challenging black top. The C-Class's steering is equally
excellent, while the brakes are strong and fade free.
IS's
V6 is potent and sounds good, but loves fuel
The Lexus is equally dynamic in the twisty
bits without subjecting its occupants to blows to their kidneys. Only a
slightly vague steering setup hinders it from garnering an
"excellent" grading in this section.
As a study in which to illustrate how to
make a vehicle fun to drive without compromising it for daily use, nothing can
match the 3 Series. Even on the optional 19-inch wheels of the test car
(encased in sliver-thin 35-profile tyres), the ride remains beautifully damped.
But, when you select sport and tackle a mountain pass, the 3 Series feels alert
and immediate in its responses. The only black mark remains too much wind noise
generated by the side mirrors.
Test Summary
The Lexus never really stood a chance of
winning this first part of the comparative test. As fun as it is to drive, and
as much as it offers great value for money for its spec and performance, it's
an anachronism and the cabin is too cramped. But we adore it nonetheless - it
oozes charisma.
C-Class
engine is gruff but frugal and strong
Picking a winner between the BMW and Benz
is far harder, which should come as a disappointment for the latter. The C-Class
is beautiful to behold, and its cabin is the best we've seen in this class
(let's see how Audi responds with next year's A4), but look beyond the static
elements and the package starts to disappoint. The engine is good at best and
sometimes mediocre, while the ride on the AMG-specced version is compromised.
If you can accept that the BMW feels
inferior to touch, prod and look at, the 320i remains the best petrol-powered
compact executive. BMW has been doing this for years, and doing it in a
consistently exemplary fashion, and it shows.
