BMW M135i vs Mercedes AMG A35 vs Mini Clubman JCW
For years now, #BMW has been insisting that the vast majority of 1-Series customers are not worried about whether the engine drives the front or rear wheels. It would therefore be a shame for the same customers that the new 1-Series switched to front-wheel drive, unless in that case as #M135i ... which is now systematically linked to the xDrive four-wheel drive. What about the sporty temperament without the typical driving behavior of a rear-wheel driver? And what driving sensations can we expect from a chassis that is ultimately designed for a front wheel tractor? Does the 135i actually deserve its M badge? These are all questions we try to answer based on a comparative test of BMW's youngest sportsman with two of his biggest competitors: the #Mercedes-#AMG A 35 4Matic and the #Mini #Clubman JCW All4.
The changeover to the BMW front-wheel-drive architecture is reflected in the new proportions and flowing, elongated lines of the all-new BMW 1-Series. The shorter bonnet melts into the windscreen, while the long roofline drops away slightly towards the rear. A wide tail with an athletic shoulderline above the rear wheel arches emphasises the car's powerful, sporty presence when viewed from behind. At the same time, the compact body offers significantly more space within a footprint almost identical to the predecessor model's and so makes the car even more versatile in everyday use. At 4,319 millimetres, the new BMW 1-Series is five millimetres shorter than its predecessor. In terms of width (now 1,799 millimetres), this third-generation model has grown by 34 millimetres while its height (1,434 mm) has increased by 13 millimetres. At 2,670 millimetres, the wheelbase is 20 millimetres shorter than that of the predecessor model.
Of the various engines available for the new BMW 1-Series, it is the newly developed four-cylinder unit under the bonnet of the BMW M135i xDrive that really steals the show. It is the BMW Group's most powerful four-cylinder engine, extracting 225 kW (306 hp) from its 2.0-litre displacement between 5,000 and 6,250 rpm with the help of BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. Its peak torque of 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) comes on stream at 1,750 rpm and stays there up to 4,500 rpm. The flagship model races to 100 km/h (62 mph) from rest in just 4.8 seconds (4.7 seconds with M Performance package, available from 11/2019), while top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). Despite such breathtaking performance figures, the BMW M135i xDrive makes do with 7.1 - 6.8 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (39.8 - 41.5 mpg imp) on the combined cycle and emits just 162 - 155 grams of CO2 per kilometre.
Emotional, agile and digital: with the A35 4MATIC Mercedes-AMG is presenting a completely new entry-level model to the world of driving performance. It is based on the new Mercedes compact vehicle platform and is powered by a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine with output of 225 kW (306 hp). Body shell, suspension, all-wheel drive, transmission, drive programs, fine tuning - every detail has been designed for maximum driving dynamics without compromising on everyday comfort. The performance at sports car level (acceleration 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds) and the specific design also strengthen its identity as a member of the performance family. A true AMG for the Hot Hatch stage!
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7G dual-clutch transmission also contributes to the agile and dynamic character of the new A35 4MATIC. The gear ratios have been configured so that the driver experiences very spontaneous acceleration in all speed ranges, combined with fast shifting and optimum connections when shifting up. The standard RACE-START function allows maximum acceleration from stationary and is a highly emotional experience. The functions of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7G transmission are rounded off with a temporary M mode activated by operating the steering wheel shift paddles in any driving mode, and with the manual transmission mode "M" for manual gear shifting with the shift paddles.
As the power source for extreme driving fun, the comprehensively redesigned 4-cylinder engine has been consistently oriented towards maximum output. It is based on the 2.0 litre drive from the MINI Cooper S Clubman and MINI Cooper S Countryman but has now undergone model-specific modifications to the crankshaft drive and also benefits from the latest generation of MINI TwinPower Turbo technology. These modifications are based on the John Cooper Works' racing know-how and comprise a reinforced crankshaft, a main bearing with an extended cross-section, specific pistons, connecting rods, and a new vibration damper with optimised cooling.
The high-performance drive of the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman generates a maximum torque of 450 Nm in the broad engine speed range between 1 750 and 4 500 rpm, which is around 28 percent higher than that of the previous engine. The maximum output of the new 4-cylinder engine has been increased by approximately 32 percent. The new top level of 225 kW/306 hp is reached between 5 000 and 6 250 rpm. The resulting pulling power enables the new engine of the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman to produce an acceleration performance of 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, while the figure for the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman is 5.1 seconds, ensuring an impressive level of elasticity during spontaneous speed bursts. For the first time with MINI vehicles, the maximum speed of the new top sports performer is now electronically limited to 250 km/h.
