RE: BMW M135i vs Audi S3

RE: BMW M135i vs Audi S3

Thursday 19th September 2013

BMW M135i vs Audi S3

All-new S3 is M135i's closest rival in spirit, price and spec ... or is it?



With a UK press launch pack brimming with comparisons against the M135i and Mercedes A45 AMG it's clear that, in lieu of an RS3 as yet, Audi is sending the S3 into battle against both. In the case of the 'M Performance' BMW that makes more sense, the S range likewise sitting beneath the top tier M and RS models. So it shows some boldness on Audi's part that it reckons the S3 can also go against a 'full fat' AMG like the A45. That comparison can wait for another time; for now the M135i faces its closest on-paper rival yet in our series of mini-tests.

Five-door Sportback matches 'our' M135i
Five-door Sportback matches 'our' M135i
At the wheel
We drove both a three-door manual S3 and a specced-up five-door Sportback with dual-clutch S Tronic and all the trimmings. And though they share a badge they feel very different cars. The three-door feels like a mature hot hatch, albeit one with a 300hp punch, while the five-door has the air of a much more grown-up family car. Albeit a very fast one.

The manual car's slim, flat bottomed wheel and characteristically light-actioned and precise shift are all familiar Audi features, likewise the fierce grab from the brakes and brittle springing at low speeds. The engine pulls strongly from low revs, with little sense of lag and a muscular mid-range but it doesn't feel 10 per cent up on power compared with the Megane 265 or Focus ST. And lacks the M135i's 'OMG' punch. It also seems to headbutt its limiter very hard and about 500rpm sooner than you expect, the traditionally undersquare design happier at low revs than close to the redline. Which, unfortunately, is just where the BMW has a glorious finale to its power band, its revvier oversquare nature and six-cylinder balance really coming through. On a test drive that'd seal it, especially if you've got the Audi in the 'Dynamic' engine noise mode that sounds more like a misfire.

Clean, uncluttered S3 interior feels good
Clean, uncluttered S3 interior feels good
The S Tronic flatters to deceive more effectively, delivering a crisp dual-clutch whump at peak revs but its six ratios seem a little archaic compared with the BMW's eight-speed auto.

Audi's been listening to complaints about hard ride set-ups though, both the standard dampers and adjustable ones on the Sportback striking an acceptable balance between 'sporting' firmness and bump absorption and poise.

Four-wheel drive does give the Audi an all-weather advantage over the tractionally challenged BMW, which will give you a lot of flashing lights on the dash when it's wet. But while fun to hustle along and effectively fast, there's little thrill factor at the Audi's wheel and it doesn't inspire like the M135i can along the same piece of road.

300hp is impressive but BMW six the sweeter choice
300hp is impressive but BMW six the sweeter choice
Feelgood factors
Much praise has been heaped on the new A3 range's more minimalist interior style and it successfully combines traditional Audi conservatism with a more youthful and 'now' sense of modernity. From seating position to some of the plastics it's hard to escape the sense you're in a posh hatchback though, the BMW more convincing in the premium feelgood factors. Little things like the fact the shifter paddles in the Audi are chromed plastic and those in the BMW cool to the touch aluminium underline this, though the bells and whistles spec Sportback we drove was much more convincing in its premium ambitions. At a price.

Bragging rights
The 1 Series' looks remain divisive and the fact your colleagues and neighbours won't be able to tell the difference between your M135i and an entry level 114i will rank it hero or zero according to taste.

Looks may well count against the BMW to many
Looks may well count against the BMW to many
The S3 is restrained - it's still an Audi - but the quad pipes and S branding are relatively speaking much more overt while remaining tastefully more mature than shoutier hot hatches like the Megane. The acceptable face of go faster branding, if you will.

'Civilian' non car folk will probably be more impressed by the Audi, especially blinged up with a few extras like the red seats of our manual car or the quilted 'Super Sports' ones in the Sportback. But that's not really the PH way - is it?

Meanwhile, in the real world...
No getting away from it, the BMW is a selfish choice based around the driver. Front seat passengers will probably be telling you to slow down, rear seat ones moaning about the lack of leg and head room. And the fact the shopping that should be in the boot is probably in their lap. There are benefits to being based on VW's MQB hatch platform though, with space and practicality definitely on the S3's side. Simply put, it's more likely be the one to get universal household approval.

Audi does the tasteful bling better than BMW
Audi does the tasteful bling better than BMW
Against that the BMW's soothing multi-mode character and ability to cruise languidly in Eco Pro, slurring its way through the eight-speed auto, does make it a comfy mile muncher if you're flying solo.

Do they compare on price?
Yes, spookily so. A three-door manual M135i costs £30,570, the comparable S3 £29,980. Looking up the range a five-door M135i auto starts at £32,595, an S3 Sportback with S Tronic £31,920. Both S3 and M135i have standard leather, sports suspension, respective S and M Performance branding ... and expansive options lists. Which brings us to...

Do they REALLY compare on price?
The fact the bottom line on the five-door Sportback we tested starts with a '4' is probably the first shocker in this comparison, though it's fair to concede that this car was a fully laden press car with all the toys. But the fact the S3, already on the back foot for power and punch in the guts performance, can weigh in with a 10 per cent price premium over a generously specced five-door auto M135i is eye opening.

The car in front has a bigger engine...
The car in front has a bigger engine...
Doubly so when you consider the A45 AMG, again faster and with a standard dual-clutch gearbox, starts at £37,000. Have a browse of the full options specs and prices below and make your own decisions about what's necessary and what could be trimmed. But it's hard to escape the fact the S3 quickly blows any price advantage with a few options ticked.

Conclusion
The S3 is a great car by any measure. Well, any but this one sadly. In all but practicality and, to some eyes, pose value it's hard to escape the fact the M135i thumps it comprehensively across the board. If you need a more family orientated premium uber hatch the Sportback will be a much more convincing sell than the more self-centred BMW. But for the kind of feelgood factors we're looking for it's not a hard one to call.


Further reading...
BMW M135i vs ... the world!
BMW M135i vs Toyota GT86
BMW M135i vs Porsche Cayman 2.7
BMW M135i vs Renaultsport Megane 265
BMW M135i vs used Porsche 911 Carrera


AUDI S3 SPORTBACK
Engine:
1,984cc 4-cyl turbo
Transmission: 6-speed manual/6-speed dual-clutch auto (S Tronic), four-wheel drive
Power (hp): 300@5,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 280@1,800rpm
0-62mph: 5.2sec/4.8sec S Tronic (three-door) 5.3sec/4.9sec S Tronic (five-door)
Top speed: 155mph (limited)
Weight: Sportback: 1,445kg (EU, excluding driver)
MPG: 40.4mpg/40.9mpg S Tronic (NEDC combined)
CO2: 162g/km/159g/km S Tronic
Price: £31,920 (£43,425 as tested inc. £775 for Estoril Blue crystal effect paint, £275 for reversing camera, £1,450 for Driver Assistance Package, £1,795 for Technology Package inc. and Audi Connect, £795 for Super Sports seats, £245 for auto dimming mirror with light and rain sensor package, £795 for LED headlights, £170 for interior lighting package, £950 for panoramic glass sunroof, £250 for roof rails, £425 for 'advanced key', £75 for tyre pressure warning, £200 Audi Pre Sense Basic, £835 for Audi Parking System Plus, £900 Audi Active Lane Assist and £750 Bang & Olufsen sound system)

BMW M135i
Engine:
2,979cc six-cylinder, turbocharged
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive (8-speed auto optional)
Power (hp): 320@5,800rpm
Torque (lb ft): 332@1,300-4,500rpm
0-62mph: 5.1 sec (auto 4.9 sec)
Top speed: 155mph
Weight: 1,500kg
MPG: 35.3 (37.7 auto) (NEDC combined)
CO2: 188g/km (175g/km auto)
Price: £30,525 (before options) £37,680 (as tested inc. £515 for Adaptive M Sport suspension, aluminium trim, complimentary BMW Business Loudspeaker system, £295 for DAB, £360 for Driver Comfort Package comprising cruise and parking sensors, £90 for 'extended storage', £250 for dimming/folding mirrors, full black panel display, high-gloss black finish, £95 for 'internet', £200 for driver/passenger lumbar support, £1,995 for BMW Professional Multimedia, £515 for metallic paint, £235 for front/rear Park Distance Control, £265 for seat heating, £1,600 for Sport auto transmission, £290 for Sun Protection Package, £450 for Visibility Package inc. adaptive xenon lights)





   
Author
Discussion

Dr Imran T

Original Poster:

2,301 posts

198 months

Thursday 19th September 2013
quotequote all
The Audi certainly looks better, but I am sure the 135i has the edge smile

Smitters

3,995 posts

156 months

Thursday 19th September 2013
quotequote all
This is so massively frustrating to me. The BMW is an impressive car, but it looks hideous (personal preference fine, but important). The Audi is, well, £40k plus. No. Just no. I won't paste pointless links to various Audis in the classifieds, but if I had £40k to drop on an Audi, it wouldn't be on a brand new A3. R8? RS4?

Lift the Audi shell off and drop it over the BM please. Problem then solved.

GranCab

2,902 posts

145 months

Thursday 19th September 2013
quotequote all
... No surprises there then ...

RSgeoff

258 posts

229 months

Thursday 19th September 2013
quotequote all
Both far too bland on the exterior for my liking. If paying that sort of price for a car I want one that looks special and turns heads (as well as being a great car to drive).

Waiting for the S3 saloon which is due out next year and looks far better.

corden

72 posts

133 months

Thursday 19th September 2013
quotequote all
£40k+ eek

If it had to be an Audi, I'd take a 3 year old RS6 for that amount.

Blimey.

GranCab

2,902 posts

145 months

Thursday 19th September 2013
quotequote all
I would spend the money on a nice Ferrari Mondial instead ...

daveco

4,122 posts

206 months

Thursday 19th September 2013
quotequote all
Dreadful looking cars, the pair of them.

And how does a 4 cylinder turbo get only marginally better emission values and slightly better fuel consumption than an engine 50% larger than it, in a car 50kg+ heavier?

Mermaid

21,492 posts

170 months

Thursday 19th September 2013
quotequote all

I expect more M135i on PH's than the S3

9mm

3,128 posts

209 months

Thursday 19th September 2013
quotequote all
I doubt more than a handful of people will buy them new. The vast majority will be company cars/lease deals. Probably true of the beemer too. It's just the way things are going. Budget £500 a month or so to run something you would never buy outright new.

Pixelpeep

8,600 posts

141 months

Thursday 19th September 2013
quotequote all
corden said:
£40k+ eek

If it had to be an Audi, I'd take a 3 year old RS6 for that amount.

Blimey.
new small hatchback that returns 30mpg around town vs used, out of warranty massive saloon that can barely manage 12mpg

Yeh, cos that makes sense.

BS75

1,971 posts

165 months

Thursday 19th September 2013
quotequote all
WTF's going on with the Audi's seats?

The BMW might be ugly (to some) on the outside, but you can't see it from inside. The Audi's interior though... hurl

Contigo

3,113 posts

208 months

Thursday 19th September 2013
quotequote all
Not another M135i Vs Test DRive! When will these end! biggrin


kambites

67,461 posts

220 months

Thursday 19th September 2013
quotequote all
BS75 said:
WTF's going on with the Audi's seats?

The BMW might be ugly (to some) on the outside, but you can't see it from inside. The Audi's interior though... hurl
One could argue that you can't see the seats when you're driving either. hehe

red_slr

17,122 posts

188 months

Thursday 19th September 2013
quotequote all
The main problem in the S3 is the turbo lag.
People say they dont notice it - but my 8P was like an on/off switch.
Made worse when Audi did an update to the map at service time - made it much worse.

I cant imagine the new S3 is any better, its got more power, but similar turbo technology.
I guess it rums a bit more boost... great.

The BMW on the other hand is such a nice smooth motor in NA tune that they can run pretty low boost on the FI motor.
Thats how its done. Audi know how to make a good turbo motor too - just not in 4 cyl.

pilchardthecat

7,483 posts

178 months

Thursday 19th September 2013
quotequote all
So the BMW is great but hideous
The Audi is crap to drive by comparison and looks blingy
The Merc is ludicrously expensive... and also hideous ... and blingy if you put the silly aero pack on it

Maybe i'm getting old, but i've started saying things like "they don't make 'em like they used to"


Ved

3,825 posts

174 months

Thursday 19th September 2013
quotequote all
The BMW actually looks good next to that monstrosity. I know the S range is supposed to be discreet but that is just dull.

Johnnytheboy

24,498 posts

185 months

Thursday 19th September 2013
quotequote all
BS75 said:
WTF's going on with the Audi's seats?

The BMW might be ugly (to some) on the outside, but you can't see it from inside. The Audi's interior though... hurl
I actually quite like them.

getmecoat

But would probably get them grubby so delete them for the plain alternative.

getmecoat again

4wdrift

18 posts

146 months

Thursday 19th September 2013
quotequote all
Just sold my M135i (manual).
After 6 months of ownership, I cannot say that I loved it.

Certainly enjoyed my previous car - a 130i much more than the M135i (even with the 130i's bouncy ride).

The M135i just didn't engage me! Never turned back to look at the car, nor had an exciting 'back road' drive in it.

Was very quick (esp. mid range) but lacklustre delivery.
Hated the steering - no feel, comfort setting excessively light, sport artificially heavy. Didn't have the confidence to accurately place the car quickly on narrow, twisty roads. My main criticism with the car.

Had adaptive suspension and that is an overhyped 'must have option' - comfort lacked discipline at even low speeds, excessive roll.
The standard M sport suspension would of been fine I think. Certainly would not have constant knocking sound that more and more people with adaptive suspended cars are reporting.

The thought that the car is getting face-lifted soon, better looking M235i (yes, I know it's not a hatchback) will be here soon enough, prompted a sale of a car that hasn't yet dropped precipitously in price.

Should of bought the used 997 Carrera manual that I originally planned to..

deltashad

6,731 posts

196 months

Thursday 19th September 2013
quotequote all
Both hideous massively overpowered bloated germs

kambites

67,461 posts

220 months

Thursday 19th September 2013
quotequote all
pilchardthecat said:
So the BMW is great but hideous
The Audi is crap to drive by comparison and looks blingy
The Merc is ludicrously expensive... and also hideous ... and blingy if you put the silly aero pack on it

Maybe i'm getting old, but i've started saying things like "they don't make 'em like they used to"
I think the closest you'll get to "like they used to" in this sector is the Renault.