AFTER A BIT OF MAN MATHS, I CAN RUN TO ABOUT $70K FOR A PRACTICAL PERFORMANCE CAR THAT CAN DO A BIT OF EVERYTHING. I LIKE AWD AND I’VE HAD A GOLF R, SO THE DECISION FOR ME IS NARROWED TO EITHER A BMW M135i OR A MERCEDES-AMG A35. WHAT’S YOUR PICK HERE?
This is rare, someone with no professed tribal loyalty to either Mercedes-Benz or BMW, so we can judge the cars purely on their merits alone.
Both cars feature 2.0-llitre turbocharged engines that send 225kW to all four wheels, via a seven-speed DCT in the case of the Mercedes or an eight-speed torque-converter auto with the BMW.
While it may seem that there’s not a lot to choose between the two, in terms of go, stop and steer, one car is a decent way ahead. That car is the Mercedes-AMG A35.
Not only is the steering crisper and more confidence-inspiring, but the AMG also features a more reassuringly served brake pedal and is quicker off the mark, albeit by a mere tenth through 100km/h.
The chassis feels more adjustable when driven hard, is more resistant to understeer and the lighter A35 also delivers better overall body control. It’s not a total slam dunk for the AMG-light, though.
The BMW M135i xDrive can be made to accelerate just as quickly as the more expensive Merc with the fitment of a $1900 Performance Pack that adds an overboost function. The engine enjoys a useful torque advantage, the cabin feels better screwed together and, for what it’s worth, the boot is bigger, too.
Being driving enthusiasts, the Mercedes-AMG gets our vote, but if your hot pedalling opportunities are relatively few and far between, don’t discount the BMW completely. - AE
BMW M135i xDrive v Mercedes-AMG A35 specs
M135i | A35 | |
---|---|---|
Engine: | 1998cc I4, DOHC, 16v, turbo | 1991cc I4, DOHC, 16v, turbo |
Power: | 225kW @ 4500-6250rpm | 225kW @ 5800rpm |
Torque: | 450Nm @ 1750-5000rpm | 400Nm @ 3000-4000rpm |
Weight: | 1525kg | 1480kg |
0-100km/h: | 5.8sec | 5.7sec |
Price: | $70,990 | $71,700 |
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