Which car should I buy? BMW M135i xDrive v Mercedes-AMG A35

AFTER A BIT OF MAN MATHS, I CAN RUN TO ABOUT $70K FOR A PRACTICAL PERFORMANCE CAR THAT CAN DO A BIT OF EVERYTHING. I LIKE AWD AND I’VE HAD A GOLF R, SO THE DECISION FOR ME IS NARROWED TO EITHER A BMW M135i OR A MERCEDES-AMG A35. WHAT’S YOUR PICK HERE?

This is rare, someone with no professed tribal loyalty to either Mercedes-Benz or BMW, so we can judge the cars purely on their merits alone.

Both cars feature 2.0-llitre turbocharged engines that send 225kW to all four wheels, via a seven-speed DCT in the case of the Mercedes or an eight-speed torque-converter auto with the BMW.

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While it may seem that there’s not a lot to choose between the two, in terms of go, stop and steer, one car is a decent way ahead. That car is the Mercedes-AMG A35.

Not only is the steering crisper and more confidence-inspiring, but the AMG also features a more reassuringly served brake pedal and is quicker off the mark, albeit by a mere tenth through 100km/h.

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The chassis feels more adjustable when driven hard, is more resistant to understeer and the lighter A35 also delivers better overall body control. It’s not a total slam dunk for the AMG-light, though.

The BMW M135i xDrive can be made to accelerate just as quickly as the more expensive Merc with the fitment of a $1900 Performance Pack that adds an overboost function. The engine enjoys a useful torque advantage, the cabin feels better screwed together and, for what it’s worth, the boot is bigger, too.

Being driving enthusiasts, the Mercedes-AMG gets our vote, but if your hot pedalling opportunities are relatively few and far between, don’t discount the BMW completely. – AE

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BMW M135i xDrive v Mercedes-AMG A35 specs

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