BMW M135i xDrive VS Mercedes-AMG A35 4MATIC – Side by Side Comparison

BMW Malaysia has just officially introduced the very exciting, most powerful version of the third-generation 1 Series - the all-new (F40) M135i xDrive last week - which will also be taking on the Mercedes-AMG A35 4Matic, but which one is better?

So, in case you’re wondering which one of the two is better, let us put them side by side and see what they each have to offer.

Price

While the BMW M135i is priced at RM355,646 minus SST, the Mercedes-AMG A35 asks for RM366,785 without SST. So, if your decision is going to be purely based on price, the Beemer wins here.

Performance

If we are to make a decision purely based on performance, things are going to be tricky, as both models are almost identical with their offerings. However, the Mercedes has a minimal upper hand as it does the century sprint 0.1 seconds quicker.

BMW M135i xDrive

• Engine: B48 2.0-litre four-cylinder, TwinPower Turbo, petrol
• Gearbox: 8-speed automatic
• Max power: 306 PS
• Max torque: 450 Nm
• 0 to 100km/h: 4.8 seconds
• Top speed: 250 km/h

Mercedes-AMG A35 4MATIC

• Engine: M260 2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger
• Gearbox: 7-speed AMG Speedshift DCT
• Max power: 306 PS
• Max torque: 400 Nm
• 0 to 100 km/h: 4.7 seconds
• Top speed: 250 km/h

If we are to compare the dimensions of both models, the Mercedes-AMG A35 is slightly bigger than the BMW M135i, but the former has a tad more boot space though. So, if practicality and spaciousness are on top of your priority list, you may want to remember the numbers below.

BMW M135i xDrive

• Width: 1,799 mm
• Length: 4,319 mm
• Height: 1,434 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,670 mm
• Boot Space: 380 litres

Mercedes-AMG A35 4MATIC

• Width: 1,992 mm
• Length: 4,436 mm
• Height: 1,405 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,729 mm
• Boot Space: 370 litres

Features

As is typical for any BMW wearing the ‘M’ badge, the M135i comes with a number of aesthetic highlights to make it look the part. At the front, the aggressive fascia is highlighted by the grille surrounds (replete with unique insert design) and side air inlets that are finished in Cerium Grey, as are the wing mirror caps and rear tailpipe finishers.

Inside, cool highlights include the ‘Illuminated Boston’ interior trim finishes, BMW Individual Headliner, and 16-Speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system.

Note too, that the M135i is equipped with BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional (augmented by the BMW Operating System 7.0) displaying data on two screens: a customisable 10.25-inch Instrument Display and high-resolution 10.25-inch touchscreen Control Display. The new premium BMW hatchback is also equipped with BMW Digital Key, Apple CarPlay, Remote Software Upgrade and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.

The Mercedes-AMG A35 on the other hand, which is offered in limited Edition 1 package, comes with AMG Aerodynamics package, and also the Night package, which includes the radiator grille with twin louvres, AMG Line front apron with flics on the air intakes, a front splitter, silver chrome trims around the outer air intakes, 19-inch AMG multi-spoke wheels, a new rear diffuser insert, as well as a rear spoiler and twin exhaust pipes.

Inside, the A35 AMG comes fitted with AMG Performance seats in black Artico man-made leather, an AMG Performance Nappa leather flat-bottom steering wheel, as well as AMG emblems with black and silver accents.

The list of standard equipment includes the MBUX infotainment system comprising two 10.25-inch screens, a head-up display, wireless charging for phones, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as the Track Pace racing data logger.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – a brief side-by-side comparison between both the BMW M135i xDrive and the Mercedes-AMG A35 to give you a clearer picture of the difference between both models, in case you have RM360,000 and a sexy German hot-hatch in mind. 

If we are to choose one between the two, we would go for the BMW M135i xDrive for a simple reason - we think it looks better. Park your car, do a double take - the BMW has that effect, the Merc less so. 

The blue colour it comes in is to die for, and while some have issues with the huge kidney grille, we feel that it gives the M135 a menacing presence. Imagine seeing that thing in your rearview mirror.

The A35 AMG on the other hand is still a good looking car, but it just doesn't look as striking as its rival from Munich.