Chris Harris video: M135i vs A45 AMG
That BMW meets much tougher competition from Merc's A45 AMG - can it still prevail?
On the 4 Series launch earlier this week I met both the man responsible for the M135i powertrain, and the chassis - two rather talented individuals I hope you'll agree. They both talked of the car with real passion and the chassis man let slip that BMW is considering a mechanical locking differential for the car - it would be the first option I'd tick.
A45 can't do this - but does that really matter?
The A45 AMG is better specified - I've already written something about the car but the video gives you the chance to hear those pops 'n bangs.
One thing that shines through in this test is just how perfect rear-wheel drive is for the internet video generation. Ignoring the pros and cons of rear drive in the UK, you just can't argue with how much more exciting it makes cars appear on video and in magazines. I wonder how much this influences BMW's decision to remain RWD? I wonder how many cars are sold on the back of an oversteer photograph or video clip?
On the road the A45 is a very exciting car, but because it doesn't move around as much, won't lay down black lines and make people like me whoop on a track it comes across as being a little sterile. That simply isn't the case.
The German ultra-hatch is a fast emerging genre. It's a recipe that works especially well on UK roads.
Why no RS3? It would have been slaughtered.
I don't have adaptive dampers on mine, and I don't feel like I am missing out. But that 8 speed, I don't think I could do without that, absolutely love it!
One thing I only recently discovered, is in full manual mode, if you stamp kick down and pull the downshift, it jumps into the lowest gear possible. Its so much fun watching it drop from 8th to 2nd in a split second and then squirm away! The engine and gearbox together really are an event.
I also love the steering on it, initially it did feel a bit odd being so quick, but you get used to it so quickly, and then it just feels so fast and accurate.
Would love to have a go in the A45 to feel the difference between the two.
Very surprised about how good and fast the merc seems to be! Perhaps after too many years of trying to appeal to rappers styling-wise and to drifters handling-wise, mercedes are back to solid and expensive efficiency, like in the good old times?
The BMW's engine still wins it for me though, but the vid leaves me wishing for a blasphemy: M135 x-drive...
I'm sure as a drivers car the BMW takes it but I'm sorry - that is one fugly, fugly car, it could drive like it was on rails, go like stink and run on water but I'd never buy a car that (IMO) looks as bad as that. Out of the two I'd take the Merc, it would do every thing I needed and give most of the driving thrills I'd need without going on a track - it looks far better too IMO, it's a car I'd spend my own money on if I were in the market for such a beast.
In 3 door form it looks great, especially when compared to it's contemporaries. I suspect alot of the people that do think this car is ugly are just a bit slow off the mark and will warm to it ove time. Or perhaps they just buy furniture and union jack cushions from Next, food from ASDA and drive a golf or a megane. i.e have no discernible taste.
AMG all the way for me, just far more personality and doesn't look the same as the 116d !
I just cant find a BMW that i love
I cant wait until they are 3 years old and £20k! I'll have one for the weekend. Until then i'll stick with my cheaper, faster Mitsi EVO
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