BMW M135i vs Mercedes A45 AMG review - Auto Express
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- Опубликовано: 19 авг 2013
- Mercedes A45 AMG review: bit.ly/ZIf71Q
BMW M135i review: bit.ly/12lsvKI
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Premium car manufacturers have traditionally stayed away from hot hatch market, but that's no longer the case. In this video review we have the BMW M135i, and we are testing it against the Mercedes A45 AMG - with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine it's going to be a stern rival for the BMW.
The BMW gets a six-cylinder engine, revs to 7000rpm but peak torque is at just 1300rpm, so it has instant power. It does come in manual, but we've got the eight-speed automatic gearbox. We took it around our track in just 1 minute 14 seconds.
As for the Mercedes, it's £5,000 more expensive than the BMW, so that's something to consider straight away. It's got 40bhp more, but the same torque. It's a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, and a dual-clutch gearbox. It's four-wheel drive, meaning body control is really good around the corners - but, on the flip side, the ride is quite stiff. It did beat the BMW around the track though, in a final time of 1 minute, 13 seconds.
So, which hatchback comes out on top? If you want to be the fastest against the stopwatch, with amazing body control, choose the Mercedes. But, if you want to spend less money and have more fun, go for the BMW. See our video review and make your own decision. 
Авто/Мото
6:14. Hits child.
+09BIJAN09 lmfao
Hahaha, I noticed that
Fuck man, you made my day :))))
I know that corner well, he's hit the foam corner marker, they're quite large, so I guarantee he's damaged the car!
THAT ENGINE SOUND IN THE 135I . BEAUTIFUL
Did he run over a metal terminator turtle at 6:15 ? lmao
Nah, just a fucking child on the road
very good review, simple, informative, and not long, straight to the point thank you Auto Express
He's driving position is the same as my grandmother
LOL notice that as well
Same story as the M3 vs C63. Mercedes may have more power, but BMW builds the superior drivers car.
Well, not the same story, lots of people prefer the maniac character of the C63, as it really wants to oversteer, and its engine is one of the best V8 of all time (6.2 naturally aspirated) ..
gianhet That's actually a pretty good point. I wanted the C63 back in the day for the same reason.
gianhet And 760i win
Mmonohcrome What? The 760i gets beaten by a C63 and a S63...
naw, different story
bmw is RWD, aquaplanes at 70 and doesn't handle as well
guy in video likes slidey RWD obviously but doesn't use the AWD of the A45 or the engine with paddling so early. Put stig in both those cars!
7 years later, I still own an m140i and would never swap it for an A45 or RS3.
As far as i'm aware of, they started to produce this modell from 2016.
That’s because you can’t afford one.
1:15 Listen to that straight-six!!
Andreas Lie unfortunately it's a fake sound.
This reviewer is the best as he explains everything as he is driving in real time and seems to know what he is talking about.
I have owned the M135i and currently own the A45 AMG I also currently own a C63 AMG Coupe. Straight line speed the C63 is immense!!
I really prefer the M135i for build quality and drive ability mpg etc, the A45 has a greater street presence than the BMW, i bought the BMW brand new and paid just over £40k but I bought the A45 for just shy of £40k i like both cars but for an easy drive the BMW does it day in day out, the A45 is fast around the back roads and takes a lot for it to slip
AudiS4B7 Interesting insight - other viewers might find this useful.
AudiS4B7 I own the A45 and I think its a great car
Auto Express i wonder why didnt u test the A45 agains the m135 xdrive, that would be intresting on track tho :)
foker
The A45 has a Tesco Huddle stuck to the dash...
That strait 6 is sooooooo good! That 4 pot from the benz cant beat that sound!
Excellent review, you make a lot of clever points. I don't know why everybody says the new 1 series is ugly, i find it gorgeous !
great video, more reviews from Owen please !
BMW!
Bollocks. Test drove them both today and the AMG craps over the bimmer in almost every regard. The 135i went to the M cheap bin to fit it out, the A45 fits right in sitting next to its other more expensive counterparts. On road, the AMG grips and hammers like no other hatch, the bimmer needs to have its neck rung out to get anything and has your mums suspension. BMW has been playing second fiddle to AMG for quite a while now, makes perfect sense to me why!
***** How are they not direct rivals? They are both premium hot hatches that are roughly the same price
Eman Resu +1
***** I bought the A45 so obviously I priced them both first, and with the same options fitted, they were roughly the same price. Don't try and tell me they are not because I have written quotes saying so. The only difference is that I could negotiate $2000 off the price of the BMW, but there was no discount on the Merc due to its popularity. The 1M when it was available was about $30k more than the A45.
I own an M135i and I love it!
I love my old M3 and C32. They're both really nice cars to drive.
Great review. I will take the BMW. Seen the Merc in the flesh & I could never
live with it.
"This is just a joy to drive"
Yes, he looks like he's having a great time there. I've never seen anybody look that bored driving around a track.
Nice review and editing. I like the "Time to Beat" counter and will take the bimmer anyday.
The MB got the looks and it's 0,5 of a second :-) faster on the track and 0,3 of a second faster from 0-62 mph .....hmm
But the BMW has almost the same performance and it's 5000 punds cheaper, has a realy nice 6 cylinder engine and rear wheel drive.
And that is more fun.... :-)
I think the beemer looks better tbh
This guy is good. Good review
Nice video comparison of two very nice and desirable vehicles.
I think both cars have their strengths which are perhaps mutually exclusive (?) as the presenter's closing suggests. Ultimately, usage and buyer preference will determine what feels right for purpose.
I'm amazed he can dive so fast and continue to speak so calmly
Ive always liked the 1 series and seems like the looks that many people said were ugly, are turning heads for all the right reasons. In the end its a very unique car
Very cool video.
Presenter is a cross between Ed Grimley and Austin Powers. Excellent review Powers!
Why does the Beamer raced with Traction OFF intead of Benz race with all systems ON can somebody explain it? @autoexpress
I can be fairly sure. As I said a facelifted version and maybe a black series might come, but thats it. Extracting 360hp from a 2l 4pot engine with a single turbo is pretty stressful as it is to the engine, so the black will 1. get a small power gain if they keep the same engine (30-50hp tops) or get a new engine (expensive for mercedes so that wont happen) a bit better suspension and be a tad bit lighter. I dont think that will be enough to compete with a proper 1M.
as simple as that, excellent
Still don't know why they insist on revving the M135i almost to the rev limiter... no power up there. Short shift the thing at 6500. The gears are short enough to keep it in the power band and torque curve. No need to run it to 7000+. Maybe they do that to keep it more fair? The Benz is a monster though.
Thanks AE for the review. Just a shame that these cars have become so expensive nowadays... I'm a car nut, done many a track day but it's unlikely I'll ever own either as I refuse to go heavily into any debt with some silly bank financing option.
i love 1:50 to 1:53 section of the video.
Wouldnt it be more comparable if they had reviewed the bmw with the x drive with the amg been all wheel drive
in part of you're saying - you're right :) ...small difference is that E30 M3 is batteling and loosing from 190E 2.3/2.5-16V (not even mentioning EVOs 1/2)...personally i own an E30 320is (M3 predecessor) and believe me - I know what I'm talking ...
I have understood that sport + is for drifting. Use Only SPORT !!! and feel more control in the corners. Add the racechip Ultimate with the setup to max power and let me know your opinion ....
5000 more pounds, understeer, not so good downshifts, more 35bhp and not that faster..... great merc but go for the bimmer, (hope they do an M1 and M2 though)
The price difference is misleading. With similar options fitted the Merc came out cheaper than the BMW for me here in Australia (and now the M235i is more expensive again). It does NOT understeer when driven properly (not until cornering speeds well above what the BMW can handle anyway), and while it is slightly faster on paper and track, it is MUCH faster and more enjoyable in real world driving with insane agility the BMW can only dream of. And is currently holding value much better
It's a no brainer, I bought the merc
Both cars are amazing.
That 2L turbo is no where near as easy to drive or have fun with as the 3L 6cylinder BMW engine. In the BMW you get linear power and max torque from start and uncorrupted steering. Not to mention a great sound you never get from that 2L, something all the test drivers have mentioned.
And as Clarkson mentioned, it's a f**king small car with a 2L engine for the price of an big car with a big engine. Don't care what the brand is or if it's a few tenths faster, it's not worth it. And even the new M2 135i will be faster than that A45 AMG.
1. As you could see 135i isn't faster than A45.
2. You can get A45 with stock louder exhaust which makes 135i sound quiet and distinctive.
3. The best part - fron wheel drive, 2.0l turbocharged Seat Leon Cupra with 40hp less was half a second quicker than 135i on the same track.
sic22l
1. The ride on that A45 is harsh and not so refined. Only way to make it go fast around corners. Gets old and uncomfortable fast.
2. It's the engine sound that is pleasant not the exhaust noise. You can put a louder exhaust on any car.
3. Not on the same day. Tracks are very different on different days and temperature. And while the Cupra (a great car) is all new this BMW has been around for a while.
bezor Ta 1. It is harsh and that's why it's good (for AWD car) on twisty track. It's also all wheel drive which makes it useable on wet or even snowy road. RWD in a light car is useless on everything except dry tarmac.
2. Exhaust note is pretty important and A45 sounds really nice. 135i mostly have pretty loud engine but it's not the best sound on the market. To be honest I prefer 2.0l turbo with good exhaus than BMW.
3. Tracks are different indeed but differences are tiny. Plus it's even better for Cupra - they tested it in cool March not warm August.
bezor Ta engine noise? its fake and synthesized most part with a actuator like VW Golf R! wake up boy
sic22l
true, if you can't drive... just a set of winter tyers does a lot if you live in mountaine area... I drive a 335i and if tractioncontrol is on i feel limited and "caged" + i'd rather have a comfy ride and have loads of fun :) there is always someone faster on a track so who cars...
Owen dear,
If you are able to see this.. would you please advise me what IS the make and model of watch you are wearing.? As a watch fan, I do view your films and enjoy them, but try to see the watch, but can't get a close enough look. Thanks.
WF
If i have the bmw i think i would want it with the x drive just for that all weather performance and fun in the snow. Can you spec it with x drive in the uk?
Depreciation is craaaazy now for the A45...
The Black is already in the pipelines, AE has spotted it out on testing in Germany :)
have to say, I love that shot at 3:11
my god that bimer engine sounds soooo goood!!!
well said
My dad owns the M135i, it's a BRILLIANT car, but I have to give the Merc the respect it deserves, that much hp from a 4 banger is out of this world. Design wise, I find the bimmer a bit more low profile, less shouty, but I personally would have liked a bit more aggression like the Merc.
The merc has a nice exhaust sound but so does the bimmer.
Why bash on one of these cars when they both exist to mak this world a better place? You've gotta love these germans
Abu I have owned both of these and I much prefer the BMW for build quality and comfort
these body designs and colors are interesting to say the least....
Im a M5 750-60i CL SL S5-600-63-65 guy but i will buy a CLA 45 4 Door us spec its perfect for new england.. Great gas mileage with or without a turbo tune massive power stock or a tune AWD essential for NE and the amg 4 door looks so bad ass cant wait to get one i love the big body vehicles but what a fantastic package with the AMG CLA woman are gonna love it too not that i need help there but yea who doesn't mind extra attention as im racing my tuned CLA against my friends 2012 NIssan GTR lol
There is no basic 135i hatchback... Only the M135i, yes it has a different engine, but I was talking about parts besides the engine, such as suspension, brakes, wheels, drivetrain, etc. Those parts are specifically made for the M135i. By the way it doesn't have a V6, but an inline 6. Shows how much you know about bimmers...
I think both cars look great. I do, however, prefer this 1-series over the new facelift version. It looks a bit like the 2-series active tourer to me.
same
Cause with the options that BMW is already over $3000 more than the Merc, at least here in the US. Add on the AWD and that would make it at least $6000 more. Also I don't think BMW offers the AWD on the 1 series anymore, so he can't. Just like they don't offer the 1M anymore, which sucks because that would have been a much more fair match up.
Why isn't the AMG engine warm when driving on the track? Temperature still in blue?
For that small difference in the laptime id rather have the BMW with superior engine sound, rear wheel drive and better gearbox. The 2.0L in the Merc is to stressed.
Mr Kruger It's a fair choice - the engine is fantastic.
Hi there again Umar. What about the M5 now? Are you saying its engine is stressed? Its a twin turbo V8 not a 4cyl 2.0L with one turbo.
Umar Khan Yeah I hear you. But still BMW engines tend to be very reliable nevertheless.
Umar Khan Did you own a M5 E60?
Mr Kruger Not exactly own, but it started having its problem while the car was in my "possession" since I needed a car while waiting for my next one. Guess who ended up paying the bill.
How did his average mpg in the BMW go UP from 24.4 to 24.5 whilst shooting round the track?!
HAndling and engine pleasure is much better in the BMW to my mind. But look a this Mercedes, it just looks AMAZING
Amazing that Mercedes 's best can't outright beat BMW 's second best, I have a feeling when the 1 M comes out it'll obliterate the A45.
The body control might be good on the A45 but the understeer looks horrible. From where I come from very few things compete with a vocal note of a big displacement engine and it's no different here.
The BMW is still the better value proposition here if one considerers price, fun and all round abilities.
Yesterday I test drove the A45, S3 & M135i back to back to back to decide then & there which to buy. Now we're all different, but I chose the M135i. They are brilliant cars, the AMG is prob the fastest but there is not much in it. In terms of looks, yes the BMW is plain inside & out compared compared to the other two, but what it lacks in looks it makes up for in character, that inline turbocharged 6 mated to the 8 speed auto is a pure fucken masterpiece ! It sounds 50 times better than the other four cylinder turbos plus it is rear wheel drive. With the looks it is a proper sleeper & some reports have clocked it at 4.6 sec to 60mph. Just my opinion but you will not go wrong with either of these three. Friend of mine has an S3 remapped to 265kw & that is an animal beast.
You should see how an xdrive launches, compared to a RWD. It was my choice over the A45, especially because in Swiss we have hard winters and you need traction. RS3 in my humble opinion is the boring of all and least capable in the real world.
Exactly. BMW sells a lot of the 1 series cars. I think most people will buy the BMW with that excellent V6 rather to pay all that money for a small 2L engine, be it turboed to max.
Well..........ive had Audis, BMW's, Merc's, VW's. Some great comments from people here and nice to see a bit of passion. Mercs were by far the least well built for me personally. Ive ordered a M135i. Agreed that it aint pretty by any means but what an awesome car (for the road). Bit harsh to say its not an M car. Its only really missing the Slip Diff and lets face it most of us wouldn't know the difference anyway on the road (me included). Still happiest in my Corrado G60 :-)
Considering it's not a full grown M car that little M135i is a beast
Did he hit something with the merc??
nice
Yes. Straight-six engine not V6.
Always feel fascinated about AutoExpress choose NOT to start a lap from still: means the two cars are having different speed from the 0 second.
You can have the BMW for significantly more than £10,000 less than the AMG once you factor in dealer discounts. Yes you'll drop 0.5 seconds if you ever take it on a track but it sounds better, interior is nicer, its more fun, its more economical, its got rear wheel drive balance... its just an all round better car in every single way. No contest.
6:14 I was like omg did he crash :O
I am an Audi fan and i will always say go Audi/BMW first then Mercedes. I just think Mercedes appeal to the old generation.
This guy is one of the best reviewers on the net. He really knows what he is talking about. As for the cars I can't decide which one is uglier!
BMW won before the review even started IMO. Lovely cars but the 135i is more exciting.
People moaning about the price of the A45 amg. Not forgetting the Evo fq400 that was 50 grand & looked no where as near as nice as the A45 inside or out
I think at the end of the day we all have our preferences and for me I've looked at the A45 I don't see what other people see unfortunately, for me its not a beautiful car as people say it is and the interior too colourful for me I would buy it for my wife.
I'd take the Merc. Honestly I prefer its looks to the Bimmer, which to me looks a little dopey. There's just something about most of the modern M-B cars that I like better than BMW, of late as well. E-class vs. 5-series as another example - though I do like the 5 much more than the 1, I'd still take an E over it.
I'm a happy owner of an M135i from last 6 months, and a couple of weeks ago I arrange a 2 days test drive of a A45, thinking it should be a hard contender for the M135i and even to swap mine to one of these, and all I can say is: what a piece of crap!!!!. horrible interior design and material quality (the interior is the same than in a A200 who costs 60% less) the engine sounds like a lawn mower and the suspensión is a kharma when the tarmac isn´t in perfect shape (90% of the roads and driving time). In the M135i with the adaptive suspension you really can explote the performance almost everytime without crushing your teeth or feeling that the car is going to fall to pieces at the next red light.
A lot of arguments about the cars ... Which is better blah blah blah .... I would like to know what he hit in the merc at 6:15 ??
but much sharper in handling - you can't compare the two unless you just look at that singular variable. The 1M was / is a track-focussed machine not very comfortable on long trips with the M135i far more softly sprung.
The a45, rs6 and c63 507 wagon is why I want to move to Europe
Emm... why in the world are all mags and channels not comparing the AMG with the x-drive 135?? It's been on the road for months!!
Yeah, same with their test with RS6 vs E63 rwd. Sure, the E63 isn't sold with 4wd in UK. It might be the same with M135?
in australia they're almost similar pricing... and the 1m cost more than 100k.
I think you mean 6:13 .. but yeah, he defo hit something! He's at Blyton park race circuit... there's cones everywhere!!
Softer suspention than the a45 yes but look at that body roll eeekk..
people are saying the Merc is ugly, but see that thing in real life and it looks really good. the inside is also very nice. dont judge it without seeing it it in the real. i own an 2011 Merc E220
Frankly you have to test drive them yourself. I prefer manual so bmw plus. I also prefer the overall look of the BMW, but like front and side of A45. A45 interior better, but more cramped. Better body control on A45 and nice sunroof, but it's less comfy day to day. A45 allows you to drive more precisely and a little too fast on country roads. The downshift waits because of cog spacing -doesn't like over revving and people downshift too early. A45 or 125i still best; 135i too fast for chassis.
I'll take one of each!
Have to agree that the BMW sounds better. I'm looking at getting the Merc in 6months time. To combat the sound you can buy the optional AMG exhaust to help that muted sound.
Also,
I have a BMW.
I have a Merc.
Which sounds better? ;)
#rollingwiththebigboys
lol you're right, but it's not the first time.
2013 SL65, SLS, C63 Coupe BS, 2006 SLK55 etc. all of them won against their rivals. The last 6-7 years Mercedes is dominating, but not everybody can accept this.
6:14
Who did you kill?!
you say they came expensive nowadays but i say that in 1992 ferrari testarossa (4,8s to 100km/h) was much more expensive!
no drag race only
would the audi a3 compete agents these?
Oh and Msport is just a package you can have on every BMW. What you actually mean is M division not Msport tuning division.
So you wanted to tell me there is no difference betweeen M and M performance? Just look at the M550d and M5 or X5 M50d and X5M...
why do beamer boys burn soo much???
Nearly thought the driver ran onto a curb at 6:14 !
More fun, best sound, RWD for less money? Is it even a question?
6:14 gave me a heart attack
Why dont you use the M135 xDrive so their wouldn't be a "rear wheel drive disadvantage"?
Not available in the UK!
Michael Lourenco I don't see the BMW being a RWD as a disadvantage anyway, the A45 is still just a FWD in my opinion, so the BMW actually has an advantage.
Michael Lourenco rear wheel drive has its own special purpose in life. if you want AWD just get the a45. its that simple.
God I love how BMW cover the outside colour paint on he door frames with black plastic. I see Mercedes aren't doing that on there car.
That Merc is butt ugly and is too tall with a poorer quality interior compared to the BMW! The M135i sounds AWESOME! BMW's are the benchmark! I would have this over a Golf R, Vauxhall VXR, Focus RS and Audi A3. The Merc doesn't do anything for me AT ALL!
have you sat in a A-class, it shits on all it's compedetors.
Philip Battersby Yes if you are a boy racer easy to impress with all kind of overloaded sporty design gestures, bad taste and awful quality materials. Fake carbón, fake leather, and a fake premium feeling. With the A class Mercedes maybe do a nice business, but for me they finish their work of killing the premium heritage of their Brand. Fuck!!!
What I wrote makes perfect sense to someone who actually understands.
lol the BMW 1 is one of the most ugly cars ever made and BMW is one of the most unreliable cars ever... our E92 has had some sort of failure atleast once every 2 weeks. our other car, the merc W204 clocked at 400 000km without a single failure
Doa744
The BMW 130i was considered the most reliable car of all time. After 100.000KM there was not a single problem with the car. Search google for "The BMW 130i is the big winner of the long-term test ranking by one of Germany’s leading car journals" (The 130i engine is almost the same of the M135i)