AMG A35 vs BMW M135i vs Audi S3 2020 comparison review

Is the Mercedes-AMG A35 the best luxury hot hatch? To find out, we match the new baby Benz up against two of its premium fast hatch rivals: the 2020 BMW M135i and the outgoing 2019 Audi S3. Each hatch here packs a quick two-litre turbo petrol engine and all-wheel-drive, but which is the best to drive, and which is the most comfortable? In this video, a comparison of the 2020 A35, 2020 M135i and 2019 S3, Tom looks into the practicality, dynamics and value for money of each vehicle.
Watch some of our other car comparisons:
X1 vs CX-30 vs Q3: • BMW X1 vs Mazda CX-30 ...
Golf vs Mazda 3 vs Focus: • VW Golf vs Mazda 3 vs ...
Would the old 1 Series have won this comparison? Do you think having multiple AMG models is a good idea? Are you waiting for the all-new 2021 Audi S3 or should you grab a bargain on this version?
Let me know all of your thoughts in the comments.
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Covers the exterior, interior, engine and handling of the Audi S3 2019 / BMW M135i 2020 / Mercedes-AMG A35 2020.
READ our detailed Australian coverage of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz range here: chasingcars.com.au

[@chasingcars]

Enjoy this one, team - we worked hard on it. Here's the time codes if you want to skip ahead: 0:41 - Price and specifications 2:20 - A35 interior 4:54 - M135i interior 7:18 - S3 interior 9:19 - Boots/trunks 10:49 - Sound/exhausts 11:26 - A35 driving 15:09 - M135i driving 20:20 - S3 driving 25:20 - Verdict and winner

[@pastorofmuppets8834]

I really appreciate these time stamps

[@gobjectz5225]

Chasing Cars to be fair I’ve test drive all cars here and I must say that the Beemer feels the strongest by far and the build quality is second to none, amazing. The new merc is way to flashy the Beemer and the Audi is more than enough. For me it would be the M135i that exhaust nite aswell is miles better.

[@chasingcars]

That’s fine, but we covered 1,000km of back to back testing in all three and came to a different conclusion, respectfully.

[@VSir-bg5eq]

I agreed with the conclusion of the Audi and I would say that it is a bit better of S3 for the Audi TTS mk3

[@angelobraydon9308]

i guess im randomly asking but does anyone know a way to log back into an instagram account?? I somehow lost the password. I appreciate any tricks you can give me.

[@dennischeng4391]

Jeees, the german hot hatches are just gorgeous.

[@chasingcars]

Yeah, though I’m not totally convinced by the new 1 Series' schnoz! I actually think the old S3 is still the best looking car here, but design is of course subjective...

[@SimeonBartley]

Excellent work on this video - thank you. Your script, videography, etc... were just great. You had great products to present, and provide a useful comparison.

[@chasingcars]

Thanks for your kind words, Simeon. Appreciate the feedback.

[@tiagocarvalho5740]

I am from Europe, and i like your review of European cars because their are unbiased.

[@chasingcars]

Appreciate you saying that.

[@qnerq5044]

I feel like perfect drag race opportunity is wasted...

[@chasingcars]

Sadly, Sydney isn't known for its collection of proximate airfields

[@qnerq5044]

Chasing Cars by the way, just realized that I forgot: thanks a lot guys! great video that I was looking for awhile...

[@civengapplid4331]

Chasing Cars Drag and Rolling races were conducted on these very cars and the BMW M135i has always managed to win...thanks to its higher torque (50 Nm difference to the other two). Well done BMW!

[@tommycartwright]

Ultimate reviewing pleasure experienced by me on this one boys. Great job!

[@rynomuncher]

I think I'd wait for the new S3 and weigh them up again!

[@rynomuncher]

Also, I'd love to see you take a look at the Renault Megane RS Trophy Tom! It's probably going to break your spine buuuut it's an awesome drive!

[@fatdoi003]

@@rynomuncher a nice driver's car that next to no one gonna buy.....

[@chasingcars]

I'll give you my honest feedback on the new S3 when it arrives. Looking forward to driving it.

[@TheShibbybear]

A real solid comparison! Thanks for the video:-)

[@MrTipz1]

Tom my friend your going to go very far excellent presentation 👌🏾

[@dadinjo5]

love how u noded ur head in approval of the sound when reving so subscribed *nods my head*

[@enochnkosi2745]

Wish all the best for this channel

[@KING0SISQO]

I’ve been watching your reviews from the uk for a while. I love that different regions have different unbiased opinions. All these cars are amazing. But I think I’d choose the s3 as much as I’d like them all, purely because the manual transmission option - I don’t mind buying older used if it meant getting manual transmission. 308 gti owner here.

[@seanconnell2065]

A refreshing and unbiased review for real world driving. I learnt something.

[@chasingcars]

Glad you enjoyed it, Sean.

[@bradleybprentice1497]

I agree with the ranking but I would still buy the BMW. The Merc is too expensive for what you get and the rear wing (don't order) is a disaster on an otherwise good looking car. The S3 is better engineered but out of date now. I have driven the BMW several times and really like it. Good advice to swap out the tyres.

[@205500830]

M135i does it for me... A35 is too plasticky

[@antwindies12.]

Bmw interior is not all that though.

[@Radiation580]

@@antwindies12. better quality than merc

[@antwindies12.]

@@Radiation580 na man merc is known for prestige bmw is known to be just a hooligan car

[@Radiation580]

@@antwindies12. just another day with a merc fanboy...

[@antwindies12.]

@@Radiation580 another day with a bmw fan boy lol.. i agree the b58 engine is the best engine in the world tho

[@prageethathapaththu8090]

Bmw all day

[@larjkok1184]

It’s an ugly pig of a thing.

[@amineghost7877]

I share the same opinion bro 💎✨

[@justindaniel5959]

Great Technical Review! Audi Looks Gorgeous in Black!

[@mathieuburns6570]

$90k for that merc is dumb. Much rather have a demo M2 Comp or RS3 for that money

[@chasingcars]

Defo too expensive. You’d want to bargain hard, but also this press car had too many plush options.

[@EastWood2004]

Don’t bother this. You can get an A45 S Amg for 100k ish.

[@thechickenman2289]

I'll have the rs3 2.5 ltr good for tuning

[@eemeli6706]

Damn where i live cars are very expensive often and a35 still costs 60-70k

[@chasingcars]

Keep in mind we do have our own currency

[@arbenpeci1583]

Good revieuw! 👍 like the bmw M. 🔥🔥

[@Xenon0000000000001]

I think you might have come to the wrong conclusion on the merits of the different AWD systems. The traditional Haldex system used in the S3 redirects power when it detects wheelspin (so it has to have already lost traction), which is why you were getting wheelspin coming out of corners. The A35 has an electronically controlled system that looks at steering angle, the throttle input, etc. to figure out ahead of time that it should send some power to the rear wheels (and even which side of the rear). That's why it just goes under pretty much any conditions without much fuss. If you want some fuss, then you just put ESP in sport mode, and it'll let you slide around a bit. I think I saw that VW/Audi are going to have a similar system in the next gen Golf R and S3, so no doubt people will talk it up at that point. It's also strange that it had a non-opening panoramic roof one the one you tested when if definitely opens on the UK model. Having had an A35 for a year now, I'd say the gearbox is pretty bad in Comfort mode, it's good in Sport mode, and great for razzing around in Sport+ mode. If you're going to test drive an A35, make sure you stick it in Sport mode at the earliest opportunity.

[@thabisomaleka3933]

Love the S3 but the A35 has the best tech

[@MrBruster78]

awesome review Tom, first time watching a review not based on a track. real world driving where these cars spend most of the time and unbiased review. 5 stars.

[@chasingcars]

Appreciate your viewing and kind comments. The fact is 95% of these cars will never see a track, which is in some ways sad - but it is reality.

[@BovineDeath]

@@chasingcars You are both absolutely correct. At the end of the day, I could never afford to fix or replace a car that expensive on a track where insurance would not pay out for an accident.

[@chasingcars]

Good point. Not many can afford a write off!

[@tiyiselanindobela1321]

👌....I never liked lengthy clips, but I managed to watch this from start to end....awesome presentation

[@bettencourt3615]

I m buying an used version of either the mercedes or the audi from Germany, but can't decide between a 2017 S3 or a 2019 A35, which would you suggest? is the a35 worth 12.000€ more? by the way great video! got a new subscriber! best detail review I have seen, and nowadays I have been seeing a lot of reviews on this cars...

[@dsellars]

Brilliant work Tom, loving the channel. Subscribed! This just makes me want the A35 more though.

[@chasingcars]

Thanks, Daniel! Welcome, and enjoy the content.

[@garystratton8731]

Hi I have been toying with all the different Performance Hatches for some time. I have put a deposit on a new FK8 Type R. I know you have driven the type r and wanted an honest opinion. I considered all of the cars in this video and the Golf R, Focus RS and Hyundai i30N. Can I ask which you would say is the best am I doing the right thing with the FK8. I know it struggles with power against these 4wd options particularly on a launch but how does it compare once moving in the real world. Any advice would be appreciated. 👍👍

[@mbingham10]

Hogans ghost, that Beemer is lovely.

[@leightaylor806]

What a great review, again! Thanks for posting

[@chasingcars]

Appreciate you tuning in, Leigh!

[@schako1979]

M135i is the best....

[@chasingcars]

Engine and gearbox-wise, yes, it is. If only the handling lived up to that!

[@slen6293]

@@chasingcars dude you said the AMG interior build quality is great. I can tell you first hand it is so so bad. Stuff moves when you press it, creaks and rattles galore! The bmw is solid

[@meadlex8800]

@@slen6293 never had that in mine, might want to ask your garage lol

[@slen6293]

@@meadlex8800 watch the reviews mate, carwow, Raz... all say the same, even show footage of the centre dash moving

[@meadlex8800]

@@slen6293 I’ve seen the car wow review and he makes no mention of it

[@BovineDeath]

I traded my old S3 in on a new A35, and having driven a 135i X-Drive, I completely agree with your order. I did manage to get a hatch with all options except the sports seats or climatised (cooled) seats for $73,500 driveaway and I can't wait for my new car to clear quarantine, thanks to grass seeds on the transporter ship. However, I have to say that I was very impressed with my S3 and would thoroughly recommend one to anybody who wants a responsive and luxurious small car that functions perfectly as a daily driver. The S3 was starting to age a bit on the interior and mine was out of warranty, and today Mercedes have announced that their warranty is now 5 years instead of Audi's 3, which means I'll be able to hold on to the new car for longer. At the end of the day, all three cars are great, but I think that the AMG is the best of the bunch, at least until the new S3 hits next year. That could be confirmation bias speaking though. This is the best comparison of the three cars that I've seen so far, and the fact it is Australian is even better!

[@chasingcars]

I’m always stoked to hear from people who have gone through the exact process a comparison is striking at, so thanks very much for responding. I echo your points, and agree Benz's (surprising!) announcement yesterday that they’re moving to five years of warranty is a great move. Agree the new S3 should be a very good thing. I expect we’ll be waiting around a year for it here, though.

[@davidanthony6156]

Congrats on the new car. That’s a pretty good price. Mind telling which dealer you bought it from?

[@BovineDeath]

@@davidanthony6156 Thanks mate. West Orange Motors, service has been really good so far.

[@highjumpking]

Did the Audi S3 have magnetic ride or fixed suspension?

[@howardweir7501]

Love your work Tom, keep it up. No real losers in this trio, but I like the understated sleeper, so my pick would be the Golf R or the S3.

[@chasingcars]

Nothing wrong with either of those choices - they’re some of my favourites too.

[@peterbennpan7288]

You can only put on tires that are star marked on the M135i to not invalidate your warranty if for instance something was to go wrong with the Xdrive system?

[@Rocketed12]

I took the Continental Eco Contact 6 crap spongy tyres off my M135i and now have Michelin Pilot Super Sports, which dramatically changed the car, these tyres really compliment the excellent suspension on this car. I'm having AC Schnitzer springs fitted soon with high quality H&R 10mm magnesium alloy spacers which should improve it further drivability wise. I don't like the skinny look of the front wheels which look too pushed in - Need to bring them out more! 😉👍🇬🇧

[@chasingcars]

Sounds good, Gregory. BMW should be delivering the cars like that, set up to handle closer to what the chassis is clearly able to.

[@scherge]

20:09 18" with adaptive M suspension is how my M135i is equipped and I can only recommend it. Had to go with the Pilot Supersport instead of the Pilot Sport S4 though. But I love how precise and bumpy the suspension is in sport mode compared to comfort or even eco mode. This feels like driving three different cars sometimes and I love them all ^^

[@KING0SISQO]

Why go with the pilot super sports? My car comes stock with them but everyone raving PS4S is superior.

[@scherge]

@@KING0SISQO But Michelin only sells them as 19"+ which is really hard to combine with an 18" wheel. At least they did when it was introduced. Haven't checked in a while if this is still the case. But again, the M135i was one of the five or so cars directly involved in the development of the Pilot Supersport, together with a certain Porsche and the Veyron among others. It really shows in terms of handling that the tire has at least partially been developed specifically for the M135i.

[@user-el2zj3pw5r]

@@scherge what do you mean, pilot supersports came out in 2011, m135i in 2019

[@scherge]

@@user-el2zj3pw5r I don't know if u actually mean this weird piece of shit that BMW is calling "1 Series" these days, but my M135i was built in 2013! It is one of the good ones with RWD and straight six 3.0L turbo engine, the model that doesn't look like a Hyundai or a KIA, you know? If you are from the US I think you may not even know the car I am talking about, since it was never released on the American market. BMW thought the hatch wouldn't sell well enough. Looking at all the Toyota and Honda hatch models I saw during both of my trips to the USA, I think BMW was really wrong about this decision...

[@adampaulnelson]

Hey Tom and team! Love ya work… Can we get an updated review of the new 2022 S3! Much appreciated!

[@chasingcars]

Filming it next week.

[@harrymiller1557]

The S3 is a great car, it’s still competing with the new generation of hot hatches. With the interior quality you’ll never beat it as car companies now are looking to save pennies

[@smf1384]

you need to watch the Carwow UK drag race

[@JohnDoe-uy3es]

ya where Bmw wins!

[@goran2009]

It’s funny how Mercedes is most expensive, but I bet interior feels cheap compared to other two... To be honest, I was disappointed with C Class interior quality...

[@chasingcars]

Actually mate the good news is Benz have moved on from the C-Class generation cabin - the new A feels properly screwed together and has entirely different components. This is the third properly built new A Class I’ve driven (out of 3). I was surprised too. Have they turned a corner?

[@goran2009]

Chasing Cars I’ll check it out, because I really want to buy Benz next, but it needs to be on par with the other two... Thanks!

[@chasingcars]

Let me know how you go

[@TheEpyonz]

... Audi and bmw interiors can’t compete with the new Mercedes interiors

[@WinkelHoof]

The A-class interior Doesn’t feel cheap. I got one and the interior is really good.

[@sebobie]

Honestly that BMW sounds great but I would go for the Audi because of the build quality.

[@mukidiaja]

The Audi gets 2nd place, and it's not even the new one. I feel you BMW fanboys.

[@chasingcars]

Two things about that are amazing. One is how well the outgoing S3 has stood up. The second is how much better the M135i really could have been.

[@mukidiaja]

@@chasingcars M135i is a great hatchback, but the new AMG A35 raises the level. The up coming S3 will have touchscreen and 333 hp. Please do this again with the new S3, and add Golf R to this comparison. Thank you Chasing Cars.

[@chasingcars]

Will do, when it gets to Australia!

[@tinustussengas6767]

Funny that in all performance test video’s m135i wins against the a35 and the s3 is even further behind. Best seats, best engine-gearbox combination, best sound....three of the most defining things that makes a hatchback a HOT one. And you let it come in last....because Audi has such a nice interior 😂

[@mukidiaja]

Each one of us already has a champion before watching this video. This is the mid level of hot hatch, so you still want comfort and practicality beside speed. In highest level of hot hatch (sometimes they call it Hyper hatch), you only need to see their racing result (between AMG A45S vs RS3 vs M2). For this kind of comparison, you can watch Matt Watson on Carwow.

[@eu8y]

s3 all day

[@krix2131]

Mercedes has sun roof too and you said that only the BMW has it in this video 😂

[@matthewgrayson8]

I don’t know what I would I choose I just wouldn’t put the Mercedes as first place.

[@chasingcars]

And why's that?

[@matthewgrayson8]

Chasing Cars Hello ! I’ve actually recently been able drive the Merc, it didn’t drive like it looked, I found somethings to be very glitchy even more than probably the BMW and it came down to simple things like the exhaust sound and even the quality which I thought was actually maybe the “worst” of the bunch. I also thought the seats of the Merc were a bit uncomfortable. But I can’t name my first choice here. I’m mixed between the bmw and Audi myself.

[@chasingcars]

Thanks for responding. Also interested in which grade you drove. I’d also like to see the standard seats - these optional performance units were really nice but they were very tight, which would mean they won’t work for everybody. That said, no losers here! Three great cars. Speaking for myself only, not based on objective criteria, I’d still be very tempted by the Audi.

[@chasingcars]

nes suno BMW just haven’t been able to get FWD right. I’m a big fan of the new 3 Series, the 5 Series is still good and I even like the X3/X5/X7 if you carefully spec the suspension. Money is still being spent on the cars that really matter, but Audi and Benz are walking all over BMW with the entry level cars. Those cheaper cars matter, because you want to get buyers in early and keep them for life!

[@moonbaby6134]

For building quality, I’d go for the Beemer. For looks on the inside I’d have the Merc. For resale I’d have the Audi.

[@malcolmscott4150]

Great review from the team as always - I’d go the S3 as I’ve been burnt by Mini BMW quality and would wait for the A35 hype to die down after A45 is launched plus after my firm RS265 Cup the ride and overall quality of the Audi means it wins for me as it’s a posh Golf R but I thing the Golf GTI mk8 may be worth waiting for

[@chasingcars]

Good points, Malcolm - once the A45 is there the A35 will look very much like the poor cousin (even though it is a great car in its own right), presenting good options to negotiate a bargain.

[@saautochronicles]

Mercedes fan detected in this review

[@chasingcars]

I’m actually much more of a BMW guy - but I’m here to do my job and rate the cars, not to preference personal interests

[@Radiation580]

Im a bmw fan

[@lovemoremunhenga269]

A35 all the way

[@chasingcars]

Agree, it’s the best car here.

[@F.N.03]

Nice review mate It's okay people said the "VW S3" 😂 but the fact is DQ381 & EA888/3 is the proven best combination out there. Oh and btw welcome to front wheel hot hatches world to bmw lol ✌ Cheers..

[@chasingcars]

Thanks! Agree, it’s a very effective combination...

[@tinustussengas6767]

These are all 4wd.......

[@F.N.03]

@@tinustussengas6767 Front Wheel biased awd thx

[@tinustussengas6767]

Namfrel. 3 that’s better 😜

[@F.N.03]

@@tinustussengas6767haha cheers mate 😎

[@MrRonan3]

I own a golf R .love it.you cannot order them anymore.they finished building them last september,

[@chasingcars]

Didn’t know that production stopped that early - thanks for the intel.

[@DjNikGnashers]

Thank you for the review, I'm from England and find your opinions none-biased. Exterior looks, I actually prefer the A35, the Audi is plain, and the BMW has a gopping grill. Interior though the A35 is tacky, all that chrome is horrible, why three centre vents ? It is just unbalanced a bit like a Civic R tailpipes. The S3 is functional but boring although good quality. The BMW the best design, it's not too busy like the others, it's a focussed drivers car with great driving position, and very high quality materials. So, faced with the same choice a few months ago, what did I choose ? I went for the best car by far, which was obviously a 2017 M140i auto with adaptive suspension !!!! Faster than all, a lot cheaper, and a LOT more fun to drive.

[@chasingcars]

Thanks for the comments. Well summed-up and yes, you bought the right car!

[@DjNikGnashers]

@@chasingcars :-)) I grabbed one while I could still get a low mileage (14,260 miles) example, and plan to keep it standard, and own it for a very long time. A cheeky remap might be on the cards when I get bored of the power ;-)

[@DjNikGnashers]

Just to update, my M140i is now running 455bhp/634nm and it's a wild beast. I love it.

[@Richard1H65S]

So swap out the tires and the BMW is the car to buy? Got it thanks for the honest review.

[@majinsbo]

In SA the ppf S3 is 228kw

[@olnaj]

Good video but you Aussies need to talk BHP not KW! Also note Continental market the premium contact as a performance tyre also. The sport 6 tyre was not the standard evolution of the sport 5 tyre...and as such many support 5 drivers take this tyre.

[@sambird3811]

Prrrreeeeeettyy confident the sunroof does and has always opened in the Merc???

[@alexger85]

I'd take the Audi every day. Looks the most understated and classy. But I'd go for analog dials. They won't look dated in five years time. Unfortunately, in Germany the old A3/S3 isn't available anymore, just the RS3.

[@chasingcars]

Agreed - love the restrained elegance of the S3. A great counterpoint to the A35's slightly boy racer aero pack... but these things are subjective, of course!

[@129tufei]

I just bought M135i because it is $15000-$20000 cheaper than A35!

[@selldivision]

Put the screen away in the A3 and it becomes a 5 door TT.

[@chasingcars]

I’d say that is a good thing for sure

[@x58evo2puma7]

Yes the a35 is the winner

[@onpole01]

If you're paying 95K for a well optioned AMG A35 you're in the wrong dealership

[@gsbaba3767]

Bmw♥️♥️Best

[@AznS0ulja]

almost $95k for the A35 amg?? i think you got that one wrong even with options, the amg kit is only $5k

[@chasingcars]

It’s accurate, this vehicle has every optional package offered in Australia - not just the AMG seats...

[@ekarabardak]

I was quoted $90k recently for the A35, but ended up buying the S3 for much less with so much (as they are in run out, with new model due late this year, which retains the same engine and DSG as the current model). A35 had better tech than the S3, but S3 is much better as a daily driver than A35.

[@AznS0ulja]

@@ekarabardak Bad decision mate.. cheaper yes, but your car has been out for 7-8 years! shouldve waited for the new one

[@ekarabardak]

Mysterious Laptop my wife actually hated the AMG as it was to raw as a daily driver, and the M car wasn’t up to scratch so the S3 was cheapest and the best for us, despite being an outgoing model

[@Ben-bs4od]

Which one has the best all wheel drive? Probably Audi. So then, that's the best one.

[@RoadRunnaReviews]

AMG !!!! I would love to get one of these cars on my channel!

[@GodsloveMuzik]

Am I hearing this right? $65K-$95K for one of these? Did I hear that correctly? For entry level cars?

[@chasingcars]

In Aussie dollars, yes. Keep in mind 95k is for a totally optioned up A35 including all fees and charges. It’s a lot!

[@GodsloveMuzik]

Chasing Cars That’s insane

[@Stevo1361]

Launching it the old way is faster? Never seen anyone come close to being able to beat a decent launch mode.

[@chasingcars]

It’s actually quite common in launch testing to be able to beat auto launch modes.

[@Stevo1361]

Chasing Cars hmmm. I’ll have ti take your word for it seeing as your first hand experience in cars puts mine to shame. Nice reviews on the Audi S3 btw. You deserve more subs.

[@roderickoulik1411]

best allrounder is the AUDI S3 But good comperecent

[@aowen1079]

The M135i in my opinion is the better car compared to the A35. The A35 comes in second. The A35 looks slightly better but the BMW is slightly faster abd better to drive, maybe not as involved as the M140i but better than the A35. Thats basically a Toyota transmission in the BMW. And the engine is the same engine found in the Supra minus two cylinders. So the aftermarket from tuners from America Germany and Japan will be great.

[@chasingcars]

By which metric (aside from a better engine/gearbox combination) do you think the M135i is better to drive out of interest?

[@aowen1079]

Fair enough the particular M135i with passive suspension and the combination of 19 inch wheels and conti tires are a let down. But where I live the M135i comes standard with 18 inch wheels and tires and adaptive suspension. It rides better than the A35, thats according to Top Gear Magazine www.topgear.com/car-news/hot-hatch/twin-test-bmw-m135i-vs-mercedes-amg-a35. I would have the M135i over the A35. But I understand why some people would choose the A35 over the M135i.

[@pperformance6078]

Sorry but disagree with this mer will cost so much more and spend its life I the merc dealership being fixed A3 just a golf R bmw does need good tyres but way better car

[@grasak1594]

The Mini 135i will what?

[@chasingcars]

I mean, I can't really comment on that as I don't have a crystal ball, but I certainly don't think that is likely - plus Benz Australia just implemented a 5 year warranty (the BMW and Audi have 3 years)

[@darylaarons6625]

Paul Hicks says, “the A3 is just a Golf R”. Well, I’m not sure how that is a negative, that Golf R is awesome.

[@pperformance6078]

@@darylaarons6625 golf R great car and a lot cheaper than A3 point made buy golf R

[@limpunsing224]

S3 looks more luxurious Nice comparo

[@chasingcars]

Still love the look of it. Thanks for watching.

[@xclusvIT]

I choose a 4 cylinders... 😁

[@karabohlabana4701]

I realized you drove the S3 with climate control on which suppresses the performance. I say 0-100 km its the Audi S3

[@chasingcars]

Yeah, perhaps by a fraction. Not a timed run, just a seat of the pants thing. What matters more to me is how fast they are in the real world, tackling great roads.

[@ericraksmeynou]

One is missing, Golf GTI.

[@chasingcars]

Love love love the Golf GTI - but this comparo is aimed at people that want that premium badge.

[@djmassdeep3017]

Car reviews used to be honest but nowadays we hear personal opinions, all the cars are great here just go test drive yourself and you will see how bias most car journalist are. We watch stuff like this for entertainment nowadays, for decision making just go test drive, trust me you won't regret it.

[@chasingcars]

This is so wrong - we serve up honest content day in day out. Much more honest than you‘ll get from some quarters, let me tell you. It’s also our job to inform people of the things they didn’t and aren’t expected to know about cars. We aren’t all experts on cars after one drive.

[@creative907]

The Audi design is aging gracefully because of its more conservative styling. On the flipside, I feel like Merc will predate itself with its more aggressive design. But value-wise $90k for an A-Call, seriously?

[@chasingcars]

$90k is a lot here - a lot. That said, if you restrain yourself on the options, the underlying A35 is more like $77k driveaway.

[@night...rider893]

1k likes❤

[@SupplyDriveVids]

135i first, S3 and A35 debatable for 2nd and 3rd. 135i does everything well, Audi is too boring but is a near perfect car, Mercedes looks (only with aero kit) and sounds the best bur feels a bit plastic and unconnected. Would own all of them though!

[@TheCaesarChris]

I would go the honda civic type r

[@johnkear6273]

I’m waiting for the new Audi S3. Overpriced Merc.

[@Radiation580]

M135i the best

[@MasterSteve_117]

The sales are already going down in germany with the new 1series. As a bmw fan i really hope it will be a flop.

[@chasingcars]

Would be good if they reversed direction in future

[@tinustussengas6767]

Mercedes is the most expensive ánd has the least engine-gearbox combination according to you. And it stil wins a HOT HATCH test? I am sorry but there goes your credibility....Nice to see these 3 cars in one video though, thanks for that.

[@chasingcars]

My credibility is fine, thanks - our criteria and definition of what a luxury hot hatch needs to do may just be different. Cornering’s unsurprisingly a big part of it...

[@tinustussengas6767]

Chasing Cars I think your judgement over the BMW is clouded by the fact that you keep comparing it with the late M140i, and that is so unfair, the M135i should be judged on it’s own merits and although I am sure you will state that you did just that, but some how you didn’t. The funny thing is I am not even a BMW fanboy, I can live perfectly with the AMG as a winner, but the S3 in second place is a joke in this comparison. Every test, from Europe to the US shows us that, and a bump in a corner doesn’t change that.

[@arno7303]

Merc last place because of that sticker price. That is completely ridiculous taking an A250, popping some skirts and wings on it, fapping a new bit of software through it and charging an extra $35k. absurd and honestly, the reviewer should have made more of a deal about this. People get ripped off by stealerships all the time. If this isn't a rip off then nothing is. Why would you line 3 similar cars up and say the one $30 THOUSAND dollars more is just a little bit better so it wins. Fark me, if you give the Beemer the same tyres as the other two it would probs made a huge diff to its fun factor. But anyway, it's between those two, the merc can get f...

[@chasingcars]

Well, a big deal was in fact made of this, but it sounds like you flat out missed the part where I mentioned that the A35’s options (that take it up to 90k) are discretionary - stuff like cooled seats, the wing, etc). It costs $72k without the bling - with the same mechanicals and performance - putting it squarely within range of the other two cars here. Just because somebody decided to specify this car with every option package doesn’t mean we would do that. It won, fair and square, based on its driving dynamics and liveability.

[@arno7303]

@@chasingcars friend, the mercedes at $72k is really a pov pack. You wouldn't choose the mercedes at the same price point because it doesn't come with any of the advanced safety features the others come with standard. I find with these cars, they drive the emotion and we are willing to overlook some deficiencies because of other efficiencies. I just thought from listening to you, the audi has the best interior, the bmw has the best engine/box combo. and somehow the more expensive Merc won. But i do understand that putting all the things together can come up with a different result. You know what would be a good video, Civic Type R vs Megane RS Trophy and one of these german rivals... God bless bro

[@dj331]

Audi looking dated now

[@chasingcars]

Not 8 years old dated to my eyes. It's aged gracefully

[@dj331]

Chasing Cars it your opinion

[@fatdoi003]

anyone buying the S3 is for the throwing in the kitchen sink end of gen reason..... other than that i'll wait for the new S3 next year to do the proper review

[@chasingcars]

Other than the feeling some people have to only want the newest thing, I can’t really understand this reasoning. It’s an objectively excellent vehicle, good enough to pull in second to the brand new A35. It’s not especially dated. It comes with a new car warranty. I’d personally be happy buying one of the last of the line versions, but I don’t really care about having the latest and greatest.

[@fatdoi003]

@@chasingcars spending $70-90k on hot hatch ain't much of rational decision more of an emotional one and/or brand loyalty.... a Golf R has most of the performance + build quality + comfort.... and saves $15-35k into the wallet or other toys

[@ryryrichard5988]

@@fatdoi003 Just buy a dealer demo. Bought my S3 sedan fully optioned a year ago for just under $60k. You'd be mad to pay what they charge for a "new" S3/R.

[@creativityworld6781]

BMW is the best

[@nostecknosteck8529]

Driven all these cars BMW is by far the best for refined and quality product....AMG is equivalent to a KIA for quality rattles and creaky but lots of people get fooled by the dogs breakfast off an interior made for kids

[@gerardov.9716]

All three are great unfortunately I live in the U.S. We don't get these beauties.

[@chasingcars]

You guys are missing out.

[@paullockwood7219]

Sounds like you were an Audi fan as you went into this, even though I trust you when you say it's unbiased. The Audi S3 is a great car, but the worst of the 3 here for me just because of the under steer when driving and the dated cabin. It's all about opinions I guess, but I would say it's a 1. A35 is the best of the 3 for residual values and that badge prestige.

[@rabobravo]

The badge prestige? Definitely that doesn't more biased than him...

[@rowenyunzhao8790]

Definitely go with Audi S3

[@lefora87]

poor exhaust sound from all 3 cars'

[@lucasvonheiz1310]

wow. 4 pot 2.0 turbo x3 4wd x3 auto grbox x3 soulless x3 Pick up M140i guys, it's a gem.

[@KING0SISQO]

If they stop selling them. And all the used owners hang on to theirs. You can’t buy one. So if you want a bmw performance hatch. This is you only option.

[@ritasood92]

I choose the best the BMW M140i with rear wheel drive and 3liter straight six it's the best combination

[@chasingcars]

That was a great car! Sadly no more.

[@ritasood92]

@@chasingcars but in second hand market it roars

[@marshmellow377]

Am I the only one who hates the interior of the Mercedes. Its just so cluttered

[@SpaghettiKillah]

Bmw looks too much like a Kia. They've *REALLY* f***ed up the design language these last few years. So it's really just between the Merc and the Audi for me, and i'd pick the Merc.

[@chasingcars]

Yeah, the new M135i certainly not as distinctive as the old M140i. Agreed on the victor, though.

[@rickz7461]

Bless you, so you wouldn't have a new Porsche Macan either because some say it looks like a KIA from the back due to the new light bar. You'll eventually realise a lot of cars are similar in looks these days until then not much choice for you.....

[@aadi8568]

Well I actually like the 3 and 5 series design

[@sparkford04]

It would be a VW Golf R DSG or MANUAL mk 7.5 all day long .

[@bkverkeersschool5563]

Interior quality audi best in the market thats bull shit!! I had a bmw f20 and my cousine has an audi sedan and my friend audi hatchback the f20 had better quality my causine and my friend agreed? The audis interior its better looking i agree on that but definitley not better quality. I own know a mercedes a classe 2020 the a3 doent have better quality than the merc! I hear that a lot from interviews that audi has best quality interiors i think they are all copying each other because day dont have knowledge of cars!!

[@REDOUTE94]

Golf R

[@manny3332]

the rear of the a 35 is 🤢

[@jldp24]

The bmw look is just horrendous...its plain old shit

[@kamogelobirdmcknight2562]

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