VIDEO: CAR WARS! Can BMW's M135i Hold Onto The Title Of BEST Entry-Level Performance Car Against The All-New Audi S3?

Oh-kay, so, out in Europe where they have had access to the all-new BMW 1-Series for about a year now, the M135i has become an enthusiast and journalist favorite. Folks are praising it left and right.

Of course we won't get the M135i, we'll get our hands on the M235i as hatches are not exactly strong sellers in the States.

See Agent 001's VIDEO REVIEW of the BMW M235i

But now we've got Audi throwing its hat into the ring with the all-new S3. Equipped with all-wheel drive, it's not thought to provide the same amount of fun as a rear-wheel drive BMW; however, there's only one way to find out.

So, let's see how it shakes out.

Evo Magazine's Jetho Bovington takes them out on the track and lets us know the real deal below.

Jethro compares the Audi S3 against the BMW M135i on track at Bedford Autodrome.

MercedesSL - 3/7/2014 8:30:58 AM

+2 Boost

Someones sour. You may not care..though I suspect you do, but your precious audi was I the short end. I still like to know which is the better performance car.

cidflekken - 3/7/2014 10:47:15 AM

+2 Boost

Well, gotta agree with BobM on this one. But, that's what personal choice is all about and why it's important to test drive every new-car consideration. The A45 AMG beat the M135i in a few comparisons last year from major sources. It didn't win in the Evo comparison which is why the M135i is the "benchmark" to them.

The real question is this: is the M135i a dying breed in the BMW lineup? Will it be replaced by a softer, kinder, gentler car like most/all new BMWs as of late?

Firewombat - 3/7/2014 2:27:24 PM

0 Boost

The only true competitor to an A45 is an RS3.

The M135i can be used for comparison in general but the price difference between an A45 AMG and a BMW M135i is substantial in Europe and other markets. You'll have to wait for a 1m Hatch, not sure if there is going to be one, before you make a proper comparison.

Personally have been waiting for the release of the RS3 to see a comparo with the A45 to see who wins.

In the mean time, the S3 is the direct competitor to the M135i and no direct competitor from Merc until they also divide AMG the way Audi's S/RS and BMW M/ and M subdivision has.

It would be interesting to see if M starts using 4 wheel drive, as the A45 and the RS3 both have 4 wheel drive and it has advantages im straight line speed and driving in conditions other than dry tarmac.

LexSucks - 3/7/2014 3:05:44 PM

0 Boost

"The real question is this: is the M135i a dying breed in the BMW lineup? Will it be replaced by a softer, kinder, gentler car like most/all new BMWs as of late"

- Guess you've never heard of the BMW M235i?

LexSucks - 3/7/2014 3:03:29 PM

-1 Boost

Yawn... The Lexus CT blows both of these cars away.

nismoZ - 3/7/2014 10:03:59 PM

+2 Boost

Your Dad still diddling you?