The 109 Power performance is predominantly streets ahead of those aircraft considered in the same (light twin) class. The comment made above comparing the cabin size of the 430 and the S76 against the power is not comparing apples to apples. Those aircraft are signifcantly more expensive.
Mike is correct the manufacturers figures tend to be on the biased side but generally a standard Power wieghs around 1970 kgs and the Elite comes out at around 2030 Kgs. Most people agree that the useful load is not great, however when the speed of the 109 is introduced into the equation the majority end up choosing the 109. Anyone visiting Cheltenham last week will have to admit they are popular.