[Mavus]

Originally Posted by TrollingCavalier

Now here is a thing, as an almost "life long" BMW driver, I drove the f10 535i at the age of 17(the very first car I drove after I got my license), the g05 x5. Before that, when I was small, my dad had an e60 530i (or 535? 540? can't remember now). Yea I drove that as well. (Don't ask me why I drove a car at the age of like 12)

The thing is, as a driver that ONLY drove BMW before, I do not know what other car's "Handling" is like.
Plus I really don't see the extra "handling" you guys referred to, is really that useful on the public road. I won't be doing tracks, and as any other driver on the road, I use indicators to change lanes, never done something overly aggressive.

Is this, the "ultimate driving machine" really really that necessary with all that rear steering, anti-roll, stabilization on PUBLIC roads?
I am not cutting into a corner at a speed of 100km or above, and no I am not dive bomb anybody to experience how all of that fancy "handling" power can give.

Plus I never ever had a moment in my life, that actually appreciates how good the BMW drives. (Probably I should try the e300L (yes, that long wheelbase Benz aimed for the Chinese market) if I get the chance, then I probably will start to understand how BMW is really good at handling.)

So, as a non-typical young BMW driver, I do not drive like an asshole.
I probably would just floor the thing once in a while, but that's about it. I don't need to drive it like I stole it on the public road, and neither do any of you guys.

So please tell me, who as a young driver that only drove BMWs in his life, why would I need this "handling" performance?

You don't have to drive fast and slam into corners to feel how connected and balanced the car is. I often drive on slower back roads and focus on corner entry and exit lines at speeds 30-60 mph ... taking the long way home. There is enjoyment to some of us in knowing that when I ask the car to do something it does it without complaining and feels good while doing it.

Since you brought up cla s the assumption is that you are looking for a car that has above average performance. If you just want something nice to cruise around you got many choices. I still think 75k for cla is insanity when you can get P with that budget.

GL shopping

[TrollingCavalier]

Originally Posted by Smooth 330i

You don't have to drive fast and slam into corners to feel how connected and balanced the car is. I often drive on slower back roads and focus on corner entry and exit lines at speeds 30-60 mph ... taking the long way home. There is enjoyment to some of us in knowing that when I ask the car to do something it does it without complaining and feels good while doing it.

Since you brought up cla s the assumption is that you are looking for a car that has above average performance. If you just want something nice to cruise around you got many choices. I still think 75k for cla is insanity when you can get P with that budget.

GL shopping

Yes I do understand that having better handling is always better in every scenario, is just that I personally value the exterior over the handling. It's because of no matter which of the cla45s or the m340i I choose, it's definitely gonna handle better than 5 series and x5.
Well It is 75k canadian, so roughly 52k USD.
annnnd Porsche is way out of my league...

Thanks for the advice

[Gdiddy23]

After having 4 cars with 6 cylinders, I could never see myself settling for a 4 banger and being content. That's just me personally.

The way an exhaust sounds is on the top of my list of must haves

[Burrcold]

The interior of the CLA is not comparable to the M340i (or any G20 for that matter). It may look decent at a glance with the digital screens, but go sit in one and feel around...not even close to the G20 or even the C43 for that matter. But if all you care about is exterior looks and 0 to 60 times, that's subjective to your view point. So go with whatever makes sense for you.

For me the M340i strikes an amazing balance:

Chassis - Really good
Handing - Really good
Comfort (with adaptive dampers) - Really good
Exterior design - Really good (not the best but subjective)
Interior design and materials - Really good (again subjective)
Technology - Amazing
Engine - Amazing
Transmission - Amazing

[stein_325i]

Seems like a pretty cool car, and the shooting brake

[Fuller]

Originally Posted by TrollingCavalier

It's like comparing the m2 comp with m340i.
I just personally don't like c43 for some reason.
I never technically drove a "small" sedan before in my life, so I guess I want to try it out.
Practicality wise I guess c / 3 series will definitely win. However, I have a big suv so I guess I just need a car that is agile and swift

If you want to experience driving a small car, you could also test drive one of the m2 variants currently available in the new and used market. If an m2 is less refined than you want you could also try an m240i. You already have an suv, so it doesn't seem like you currently need 4 doors, so I'd consider taking advantage of your current situation and enjoying a coupe.

[Alex_bm]

You can get 718 for same money. 2 seater though.

I have only driven the base A250 hatch. I was impressed with electronics. The drive experience feels cheaper than Mazda3. Suspension setup is very basic no where nearly as good as something like 330i.

Originally Posted by TrollingCavalier

Yes I do understand that having better handling is always better in every scenario, is just that I personally value the exterior over the handling. It's because of no matter which of the cla45s or the m340i I choose, it's definitely gonna handle better than 5 series and x5.
Well It is 75k canadian, so roughly 52k USD.
annnnd Porsche is way out of my league...

Thanks for the advice

[SteveinArizona]

Originally Posted by TrollingCavalier

Yes I do understand that having better handling is always better in every scenario, is just that I personally value the exterior over the handling. It's because of no matter which of the cla45s or the m340i I choose, it's definitely gonna handle better than 5 series and x5.
Well It is 75k canadian, so roughly 52k USD.
annnnd Porsche is way out of my league...

Thanks for the advice

Different strokes for different folks. Some care most about the exterior design; some care most about the interior; some care most about handling; etc. etc. So, as consumers, we need to purchase/lease cars that meet our desires, not those of others.

I selected my 530e because I thought it was the best product out there for MY NEEDS. If Merc or some other company made a product that better fit my needs, I would buy that.

[DFW_M]

Originally Posted by Smooth 330i

75k for cla wow!

fwd 4cyl vs rwd I6 ... no comparison period!!

cla compres to audi a3/s3.


I agree the design of the 3 series is not great but chassis and drivetrain is on another planet compred to cla. I don't consider fancy fwd benz as luxury car but it's your money spend it any way you like. Just understand what's under the skin.

$75k CAN = $53k US

[Jbrock22]

It's a FWD based car. That's all I need to say.

[Mavus]

Originally Posted by drF80

$75k CAN = $53k US

yep aware ... still insanity for fwd baby benz

[Benjamin_Nicholas]

The Merc just looks so cheap. Cheap plastic.

I can't. I couldn't. I won't.

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

The C43 is actually a direct competitor to the M340i.