A45S vs M340i

[X42]

Hi all,

(Posted on MB world as well for fairness in responses)

I’m currently looking at purchasing my next daily driver. I’ve come from an RS3 and an F10 M5 so figured the next lateral step would be a Mercedes. I’ve checked out an E53 Saloon however for some reason the GFMV or Baloon on PCP agreements for this car are shocking, and most deals are bad because of this.

I’m looking at an A45S, without the aero kit as I can’t bring myself to get a spoiler on top. It’s a toss up at the moment between that and an M340i. They’re both similar in price, albeit the M340i on the used market is about 8-9k cheaper.

I haven’t test driven either, and I know one is a saloon and one is a hatchback, and I also know this a Mercedes forum however I’d like to get honest opinions from owners of the A45S on what they think of it as a daily compared to the M340i.

A good mix of speed and comfort is a priority, and the GFMV is by far the best on the A45S strangely, which again I can’t understand.

That being said the M340i is a serious car. I’d be interested in hearing from people who own an M340i or even an A45S or have considered either car in the past to see what you think of them?

[wtwo3]

Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't the A45 a fwd biased car? That coupled with it being a 4 cylinder... I'd have a hard time picking that over the smooth operating b58 in the m340i along with its rwd platform.