BMW M135i vs Mercedes A45 AMG review
A45 AMG takes on 316bhp BMW
M135i in a fearsome battle of the hyper hatches. Which is our favourite?
Until recently, premium brands have steered clear of the scrap for hot hatch honours. Then late last year, BMW pulled the wraps off its storming M135i pocket rocket, which came with a stunning straight-six engine and entertaining rear-wheel-drive handling.
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Now Mercedes has joined the fray, with its wild A45 AMG. Based on the A-Class hatch, it packs a 355bhp 2.0-litre turbo engine, four-wheel drive and a heavily uprated chassis. It’s also brimming with all the engineering know-how of the company’s AMG tuning division, which is responsible for a host of current high-performance greats, including the C63, E63 and SLS supercar.
Yet this race-bred pedigree comes at a price, with the AMG costing £5,250 more than the BMW, at £37,845. And while the M135i has less power and two-wheel drive, it matches the A45’s monstrous torque output and serves up huge driver thrills. Which will win the day here?
Verdict
Both models here deliver the sort of performance that’s more in keeping with thoroughbred sports cars than traditional hot hatches. Factor in their compact dimensions, and this dynamic duo are among the fastest point-to-point cars money can buy.
But which one do we prefer? For visual drama, the muscular Mercedes is hard to beat, while its confidence-inspiring four-wheel- drive transmission lets you access the explosive turn of speed come rain or shine.
It also boasts loads of grip, naturally weighted steering and impressive body control. So it’s a shame the muscular engine sounds so muted and the handling feels a little inert.
That’s not a criticism you can aim at the engaging BMW. With its tuneful straight-six engine and agile rear-wheel-drive handling, the M135i never fails to raise a smile. Yet it combines these driving thrills with refinement and comfort. And as with all versions of the 1 Series, you get a beautifully finished cabin, plus enough space for most growing families.
Yes, it looks a little bland compared to the AMG, but some buyers will appreciate its more understated approach to speed. And then there’s the price. At £32,595, it undercuts the Merc by more than £5,000. As a result it takes a narrow, but well deserved win.
