AutoExpress UK test drives and compares the BMW M135i with the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG.
The three and five-door M135i has been often compared to its spiritual predecessor, the 1M, but the M Division has always referred to the hatch as a special M Performance car, very sporty and fast, made for everyday driving. An M vehicle has about 80% changed or completely newly developed parts as compared to its equivalent basic model, while the M Performance Automobiles are at around 30%.
The M135i is powered by a six-cylinder unit with a single turbo (N55) rather than twin turbochargers found in the 1M. Furthermore the 1M has a mechanic limited slip differential compared to the M performance control in the hot hatch (beemspeak for electronic rear limited slip–diff ) making the M135i less of a drifter.
The 3.0 liter straight six-cylinder engine
produces 235 kW/320 hp and 450 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. The BMW M135i sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.1 seconds (automatic: 4.9 seconds) and reaches a top speed of 155 mph.
TEST DRIVE: BMW M135i xDrive
Based on the A-Class hatchback, the A45 is engineered by the AMG division to include numerous performance, handling and styling upgrades. The one thing that impresses us is the powerplant found under the hood: a 2.0 liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder which produces 360 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired to a seven-speed AMG dual-clutch transmission and power is sent to the ground using 4Matic all-wheel drive.
It runs from 0 to 60 mph time of 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph.
Here is the video review:
