Audi S5 Sportback has been launched in India alongside the BMW M340i xDrive. While one is a CBU and the other one is assembled locally (respectively), we pit them together on paper to compare their offerings
Audi S5 Sportback has been launched in India and it directly rivals the BMW M340i xDrive that also made its India debut earlier this month. While the Audi S5 Sportback has been made available via the CBU route, the BMW M340i xDrive is the first M badged BMW to be locally assembled in India - and the BMW does show its benefits in terms of pricing. Following are the spec-sheet comparisons of the newly introduced Germans that shall keep you engaged until we bring you an elaborative comparison of the two.
Styling
Of course design is subjective but to get this straight, the S5 Sportback is a four-door coupe, whereas the M340i is essentially a sport sedan. Both of the sedans are based on the standard model and can largely be classified as ‘Sleepers’! A four door and a three box design of the M340i helps it blend in traffic - unless optioned with a vibrant colour. The S5 Sportback, on the other hand, has a swooping roofline that might catch one’s attention.
Drivetrain
The engine and drivetrain is the most essential bit of these two cars, as they are positioned a notch higher over the standard models. The mainstay of the cars remains enthusiastic driving and both these cars get larger engine options along with an all-wheel-drive drivetrain. A few cycle parts have been upgraded as well. The BMW M340i xDrive gets the uprated suspension system and M Sport (limited-slip) differential and has a 10mm lower ride height as opposed to its standard model. The S5 Sport back gets Audi’s S grade suspensions and a Self-locking center differential. The M340i also gets the braking system sourced from BMW’s M division, whereas, the S5 Sportback makes do with the standard braking unit. However, the S5 Sportback produces less power and the standard braking unit could be more than enough for the braking duties in the four-door coupe.
| Audi S5 Sportback | BMW M340i xDrive | |
| Engine | 3.0-litre V6 | 3.0-litre straight-six |
| Transmission | 8-speed Torque Converter Automatic | 8-speed Torque Converter Automatic |
| Drivetrain | Audi’s permanent all-wheel drive system, AWD | BMW xDrive with variable torque distribution, AWD |
| Power output | 349bhp at 5,400-6,400rpm | 382bhp at 5,800rpm |
| Torque output | 500Nm at 1,370 - 4,500rpm | 500Nm at 1,850-5,000rpm |
| 0-100km/hr (claimed) | 4.8seconds | 4.4seconds |
Features
The BMW M340i gets sports seats with adjustable side bolsters and an all-black M-specific Sensatec/Alcantara theme inside the cabin. To enhance the driving experience the M340i also gets a head-up display. The Audi S5 Sportback on the other hand gets a virtual cockpit and a flat-bottom steering wheel to highlight its sporty intentions. Both the sedans get all-LED headlamp units.
Pricing
The BMW M340i xDrive is the first m badge car to be locally assembled in India at BMW’s Chennai facility, hence the M340i gets the taxation benefits. The price of the BMW M340i xDrive stands at Rs 62.90 lakh ex-showroom. The Audi S5 Sportback comes to the Indian market via the CBU (Completely Built-up Unit) route and gets a substantially high pricing - Rs 79.06 lakh ex-showroom.
A comparison of the two is on its way and we shall compare the in-cabin and driving experience side-by-side. Stay tuned for a more in-depth comparo of the two on AutoX.
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