I know this is an old video, but haven’t watched Chris for a while. If you love cars, you can listen to Chris’ lengthy commentaries and enjoy every minute of them. They bring with them much more depth, experience, and professionalism than so many out there.
4:30 cracked me up. "If you're in an M3 or C63 on a B-road, don't even try to stay with an A45, because you will fall off." THAT makes it worth 40 grand!
I've watched this video so many times over the past few years and I keep coming back to watch it now and then, why because these two cars are my dream cars and Chris Harris is a legend.
Josh O'Pray haha I actually own an M135i, I’ve had it for 2 years now. Lol time does fly. An M3 is next in line. Defo get an M140i. Prices are low now because of lockdown so get one in the next few month because prices will go back up.
Chris Harris should do a comparison between all the super hatches. A45 AMG, M135i, Audi RS3, Golf R, Leon Cupra, Focus RS, Civic Type R, Megane RS, Astra VXR. Maybe add the Audi S3 and Golf Gti/Clubsport in there too. Would be great for someone like me who's deciding what to get.
Because historically for whatever reason, Americans haven't bought hatchbacks when they've been for sale in the US. That's why the only Audi S3 available in the US is the Sedan/Saloon version whereas here in Europe we get the hatchback, sportback and saloon versions. You should still be happy though, you get the cars for way cheaper than we do.
I recently spoke to a German who was visiting the US on business and we were working together and we talked about car prices. I was surprised by the prices he told me he paid for his cars. Europe with VAT and other expenses make their car much more expensive so you are right Harpreet06, we should not complain fully about our choice of cars.
Usually car review bash one car and praise the other. Chris actually praises BOTH cars in their own different unqiue way instead of bashing one for being faster then the other. I love it
This show with Chris is amazing. It is what Top Gear should have been, but it's total clown show right now. Keep up a good work and I hope you can stay here, online!
Another amazing video! And it isn't just the Chris Harris part of it either, the camera work is AMAZING and the editing is just phenomenal. I don't know how you guys can pack so much quality into your videos week after week. BRAVO!!!!
Brilliant as always! I really look forward to the inevitable comparison with the new Ford RS which is now widely considered the segment benchmark. Must say, Chris is still the undisputed star of these reviews, no question here! This would definitely be epic!
chris harris review just like i thought about the car...a ordinary person that love a automobile world, not a race driver, a journalist....bravo chris..
I am flabbagastered that people spend £42,500 on a hatchback like the A45 AMG. Not just because of the high price, I mean I can totally see why a rich person spends £250,000 on a Rolls Royce or £200,000 on a Ferrari, but why £42K on an A45 AMG.. you can get an Audi A7 for that kind of money... or a Jaguar XF, or a slightly used BMW M3. Same applies to cars like the Renault Megane 275 or Golf R's that cost well over £30,000 I could never justify spending that amount on a hatchback.
As I had a M135i, let me Tell You why: yes you can get bigger and more prestigeous Cars for that Money. But you wont get the Same Level of Performance. I'd Rather have a A45 AMG then a A7 Diesel or a base E-Class. Also a used M3, which i considered as well, will cost you a Fortune to Insurance and Maintainance. The m135i is Rather Cheap in this regard. Also You get very good Deals on new Cars, like Mercedes in Germany Give you a Cover all Insurance for 19,00€ a month with Leasing Right now, for The a45 AMG, Thats insane. A M4 in a very good Insurance Rating is like 250,00€ a month, just to Give u an idea.
Ultima893 Yes but both the Audi A7 and Jag XF are in completely different segments. e.g. I'd not put those in the same group as the A45 AMG when buying new. Likewise a lot of people also make the comparison to a used M3, the word being 'used' and not a new one (Which in the USA is some $15k+ more). Also in North America in winter the M3 is about a much use as a chocolate fireguard. An inch of snow and it would struggle. The AWD performance is appealing on the AMG for that reason.
needraintodrift I just bought the 2017 last month.. my first reaction while my car dealer was driving "damn it's so fast, and why is he pushing my new Mercedes during break in" haha I didn't care about breaking in, I drove like I wanted it to be. Newer cars don't need as much break in as older ones
Randy R yes don't worry so much about breaking the car in but you do need to worry about the car's temperature. Dont floor it while it's still cold, let it run for at least 5 minutes. Congrats on your new car by the way I hope you enjoy it
needraintodrift yes you are right.. I'm more worried about cold temperatures than breaking in... the funny things is I drove my Mazda 3 hard during cold morning... because it gives me extra speed during cold... and it hasn't broken down since 70k miles. Strange
I think Chris Harris is the best reviewer of cars I've seen, very insightful, doesn't live by cliches. I DON'T think he'd be suitable for Top gear though, as they don't actually do serious car reviews anymore. They just fuck around. Can you imagine a Top Gear segment being full of information and insights like we saw in this review? I can't
My local track and I see Mr Harris there occasionally. Its amazing how much fun you can fit into a mile and it has all the corner types you need.. For reference Brands Hatch Indy is 1.2 miles long.
For the most respected magazines the M135i became the benchmark in the compact hot hatches segment, Evo has choosen it in the short list for their car of the year 2012 contest, it even took part in the final short list of the exclusive six cars group (very impresive considering that the winner was the Pagani Huayra) Top Gear journalists has voted the M135i as the sportscar of the year. To the date, I don´t hear anything about the A45....
I've got an A45 with the Aero kit and 19" black 19 spoke AMG rim options. Had it almost a year now. It's a go-kart. The amount of grip is sensational & even more incredible in the wet. In Australia they are imported fully spec'ed with performance exhaust, all the gadgets, (comand, linguistic etc) and AMG Recaros (same as the video) for $78,000 on road. The aero kit and wheel upgrade is extra. For the money it's actually good value.
+toose70, Hi, toose70, would you mind sharing your experience with the A45 as a daily driver (I know that the new facelifted model has the adjustable dampers so it is slightly different)? Main questions; how refined is it in terms of cabin noise when driving in town and do you find it too harsh at low speed? Thanks a lot! gtiz52006
I was looking at buying the RS3, but aside from the better noise it makes, marginally quicker acceleration and slightly more lavish interior, the A45 just looks like a much better overall package, better braking, better grip, better handling and it looks way more aggressive. Audi just haven't done enough with the styling in my opinion to make the RS3 stand out from the standard A3 and the Rotors they keep are so dated. The black 19" Merc touring car style wheels on the other hand look damn good.
Get the Audi Rs3, mate... I live in the city where it's made and people still go nuts when they see one, but whenever an A45 comes up, no one gives a damn..
I drove the Rs3 and to spec it the same as my 45 i simply could not have afforded it. The seats, seating postion, steering wheel/feel/weight and brakes are far superior in the Mercedes. With adjustable dampers it rides better too for my taste. The box on the facelift will give downshifts at speed faster than the Audi so you don't have to over brake as much. The Rs3 feels slightly quicker and sound of the engine is better and yes is better built inside and out but is sooo bland. In the UK with all toys your getting near 60k for a hatchback that looks like a s line. The A45 is an event every time you drive it, don't understand why so many people hate on it all the time.
My cosuin has a M135i and that thing sounds awesome and pulls like hell! Although I massively like the AMG the sound is holding me back from loving it; I'm just not sold on it
Just considering the tires when comparing the lap times isn't thought far enough. Keep in mind that there is a four-wheel-drive-version available on the M135i, too. In terms of grip, 4WD beats RWD, flatout. 2 more tires to get the power on the street beat better tires on the RWD.
Dani Kimbro you've explained it perfectly, I'd say the GTR system is literally amazing, mechanically fascinating as well, porsche as well then the sti/evo systems also drive train alone doesn't matter too much :) I've noticed on sports cars in particular awd doesn't bite in as hard but mid apex and out of the corner awd excels with the massive traction advantage, and rwd is excellent for biting into the corners. so pretty much fast between corners and out of corners if done right and maybe even into the corners if the chassis is balanced like a GTR where they moved the gearbox into the rear to get it close to 50:50
Don't forget that most 4WD systems also induce understeer at the limit, which does kill apex speeds. Around a track like Suzuka, 4WD doesn't seem like a great advantage.
Dani Kimbro yeah the turn in for awd is worse than 2wd.. on track 2wd is generally better but it depends on how the cars are set up tires, chassis, suspension wise, weight distribution also the driver
You have to remember the n55 engine is very capable for tuning.. you can get almost 400 horses with only a stage 1. Yes the a45 will get similar numbers... But personally I prefer a 6 cylinder.
Chris Harris is quite possibly the epicentre of the automotive review process. It's difficult for me to image life without his reviews, & even more so to recall my life before. In fact, when time travel is invented, I will strongly consider my access to these videos & my ability to replay them. Beyond that, I never have wanted to travel back further than indoor plumbing. Kinda need that. Perhaps there is a bookend in that statement. Chris Harris is as vital as indoor plumbing, the others? Poop
Two Thoughts Way to go Merc smart move with the EVO being discontinued , cool car hope there a coupe. Drive/ Chris could you do or have you done a review of each awd manufactures system pros and cons beyond each manufactures marketing hype? Thanks
I'll be honest, as a Merc fan I wouldn't be disappointed if the BMW won in this test done by Chris Harris. As far as I'm concerned, all the reviewers but him are soo biased by the RWD of the BMW's. So even though he preferred the AMG, I found Chris Harris much more objective than other so called "car reviews".
Most reviewers are car enthusiasts and most enthusiast drivers prefer RWD. As RWD drivetrains become more and more rare - particularly in this class and price bracket - you can understand the natural enthusiasm for the BMW's, last of a dying breed.
Nice job Mr. Harris.. love the short thought pauses during you're dialog. lol makes me think to. Lots of useful info,, I'm starting to come round, keep up the fine work, and above all drive careful. thanx.
Chris, you are amazed by the time the merc did (1:47.5 instead vs bmw's 1.47.7) but i'm not. The bmw is down on power (-40 bhp) and it is only 2wd. You gotta consider that.
I was just about to be productive, then on a whim I youtube Chris Harris just to see if anything new was posted, and surely enough pops up the video icon of Mercedes Benz jumping...*puts down work, starts eating popcorn*
Fun when the AMG lifts an inside rear wheel… that part and the crackling on overrun, reminds me of the handling, stability and immense enjoyment of the superbly suspended Alfasud Ti of the early 1980’s :-)
He says steering wheel itself at 2:55 not how well the cars steers. At that point in the vid, before the circuit analysis, he wouldn't be going into the steering performance yet. That early in the vid he was just going into the cosmetics.
Nice conclusion. "If you can buy the AMG then why not" More people need to be this open minded and not be like "Don't buy this car because it costs X amount more even though it is X amount more expensive! BUY THE CHEAPER ONE!!!!" If you could buy the more expensive and better one then why not?
The fact you didn't spot the English language not being his native language, says enough about you as well. Back to the point, why would BMW have a half-assed go at something? If they could make a better car they probably would've, Mercedes won the Hot-hatch game, simple as that.
Andrew Kim so BMW isn’t bothered about making a ‘full on’ M1?... so you haven’t seen the 1M that BMW made in limited numbers a couple of years ago then?
These M-Lites are such a laugh. I've had an M140i for coming up two years now, and it still makes me smile after 27,000 miles. I know it's not as quick as an A45 or an RS3, but it's still more than quick enough to get you locked up, and that "monumental engine wedged in a gawky little body" recipe has just never got boring for me. I normally get bored with cars after six months, but I still look forward to driving this as much as the day I got it. When the four cylinder AWD replacement comes next year, it's undoubtedly going to be more capable, and probably quicker, but it just won't be the same.
The Merc is just pricing itself a little too highly if I'm honest. I really enjoyed the video so thanks DRIVE for making it. Chris Harris is just a superstar in his reviewing. He really gives it thought and is just so much more precise than what we see on TV. I just feel bad that I don't get to see you guys on the big screen. The Merc needs to come down. Couple of grand makes all the difference.
Great review! Chris Harris even recall the test he did in the Audi RS3, that was faster than the BMW 135i but the understeering killed all the fun... In conclusion the A45 AMG is the best of the tree cars. But I would like to ask to Chris Harris, if he read the comments, how he compare the A45AMG against a Mitsubishi EVO X. Thanks!
Finally I manage to drive a A45AMG and I also had drove the EvoX, previous. So... which is best... the A45AMG is better and a bit faster, of course, but not for much (when you are driving it you even notice... but the crono don't lie). But like Chris said in the video, with the EvoX you can over-steer (play with) it easialy and with the A45AMG you have to do the famouse Scandinavian flick. And for the price of the A45AMG, you can buy 2 used EvoX or buy 1 EvoX and tune it to "kill" the A45AMG and you still save a lot of money, for fuel! Or just buy a used Nissan GT-R, is better and simple! But, maybe is my problem... but I didn't felt the torque in A45AMG... I think the BMW M135i should be more brute and urgent torque delivery, that is the next I must drive... But I must say that the A45 AMG is one of the best fast cars that you can drive with tones of confidence one the road! The grip it gets from the road is almost endless! You feel like a professional driver when you are at the wheel and I believe that would be very difficult to pass it in a curvy road!
Alexandre Fernandes And the brakes. Oh my god. It's a heart in the mouth moment if you try an emergency stop :-) It certainly feels like a safe car at speed, even if not the most engaging.
You mr. Chris are real profesional and i always liked waching you in every car. I think you are one of the little who are trying to do the best in so fun way!!! Funny and very serious about reviewing the cars!! And that skill of driving....omg..
You have to take into account the sort of roads you have available to you and your local weather conditions. For me, living in the UK and on the edge of the Peak District I think the A45 would be the much better car, lots of narrow, twisty lanes where 4wd traction and point-and-squirt torque from a blown motor comes into it's own.
As Nader said test Drive it before you comment, I drove M135 S3 and this back to back, and I ordered the A45 its another level, XFactor it has, and for Chris to say @:@: Me its fast is a guide to how good it is. But its AMG we should suspect nothing less. Also Chris is a Die hard M135 Fan, so a nice review
Mercedes 450 AMG has a 2liter turbo and compressor and vourwheeldrive! It accelerates faster and uses less fuel consumption. Also it has 2 more doors, making it more useable in daily life. And my last personal touch are the better looks of the Mercedes.
The numbers at Mercedes Benz are referring to the power output of the engine. Series models have three numbers from 160 to 600, whereas AMG models have only two numbers. "45" means that the power output (360hp) is between the actual "400" models (333hp) and "500" models (more than 400 hp).
Just traded my 2015/16 M135i LCI one of the most underrated BMWs ever it is one of the best cars I have ever owned. The last 10 months I added a BlueSpark tuning module and a K&N air filter for 273KW and 517NM … M2 performance. Only thing missing was X Drive as a bit difficult getting the most out of the power but a lot of fun trying.
@@Gandalf721 ha ha so u think ppl dont buy a car and have posing or bragging rights in their list of tick boxs? Arnt u aware of the whole car modding scene? Car are all about an expression of urself. Car are like bikes and houses. U take pride in what u own. U appreciate what u worked hard for. Thats not showing off. It's sad that u feel that way. Sounds like ur the jealous type.
@@arelaththewhitewolf230 easy to spot? No. Easy to hear? Yes. A stock a45 has next to no visual clues that it's anymore special than a diesel version with amg pack. Same wheels bumpers etc. U need the aero kit for an a45 to stand out and resemble what its capable of. Some ppl like that some ppl dont. But my point is still valid that the a45 still looks almost the same as the diesel brother.
The bmw is nicer and more mature inside. The merc looked tacky and boy racer inside. I test drive both recently. The merc is aimed at trust fund boy racers the bmw suits all drivers inside and is less loud looking. It whips most cars on the road.
+YTNG MTT I actually agree with this maybe not the trust fund thing but I thought it was tacky with the iPad looking thing stuck on the dash just looked odd, don't like the clocks either and the driving position isn't as nice as the bmw. I bought an m135i over the amg even though it's not the quicker car....
I like how you can see at the end Chris driving the BMW around. I would totally watch videos of him driving cars around with that POV. Please, take a GT3 and film most of the track where we can see Chris driving around from the cabin.
BMW disagrees. M5 and m3 went AWD as well. I remember when they used to make adverts of animals with huge front legs to mock FWD cars. Then a couple of years later they started making FWD 1 series
