Mercedes-AMG A45 S v BMW M8 Competition Coupe
A David versus Goliath contest with a surprising outcome
Over the years, BMW has always set the benchmark by which other performance cars have been measured. Cars have often been benchmarked relative to the M3 for instance, and the latest beast to be unleashed by the Bavarians is no different.
With the same power plant as the mighty M5 Competition, we knew that the M8 Competition Coupe was going to be quick. But I don’t think many anticipated it would be ‘this quick’. Since its launch last year, it’s been the yardstick for drag race performance, and thanks to its phenomenal off-the-line antics, it has catapulted the M8 Competition into genuine supercar performance league.
Notwithstanding that it has thundering twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 that produces 460kw and 750nm; the BMW M8 Competition features the very latest version of BMW’s quasi-rear-wheel-quasi-all-wheel-drive system. Much like the M5 sedan, it can switch between its default all-wheel-drive mode to a rear-wheel-drive mode, should the drive want to push the limits of adhesion. The M8 Competition might be seriously quick, but it also seriously expensive, with the big coupe carrying a sticker price of R3 300 272 – before a single option has been added.
On the other end of the spectrum, it’s the world’s most powerful series-production four-cylinder motor. We are of course referring to the turbocharged 2.0-litre that powers the latest Mercedes-AMG A45, and in S-guise produces an incredible 310kw and 500nm. Like its predecessor, it features Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, but now, it has been tweaked to include a drift mode. Whilst not a cheap machine, it is arguably the most amount of fun you can buy for R1 067 840.
And while outright performance specs might paint a very grim – and somewhat vexing - picture, this performance test by the UK’s Carwow, shows that the A45 S is indeed a fantastic performer, for a compact car.
Also worth a look: the Mercedes-AMG A Class and the Mercedes-AMG G Class.
FAQ
Q: What does the Mercedes-AMG A45 S cost in South Africa?
The Mercedes-AMG A45 S carries a price tag of R1,067,840 in South Africa, making it significantly more affordable than its BMW rival while still packing the world's most powerful production four-cylinder engine with 310kW and 500Nm.
Q: How much is the BMW M8 Competition Coupe in South Africa?
The BMW M8 Competition Coupe will set you back R3,300,272 before any options are added, positioning it firmly in supercar territory with its twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 producing 460kW and 750Nm.
Q: Which is faster between the Mercedes-AMG A45 S and BMW M8 Competition Coupe?
While the BMW M8 Competition has significantly more power with its 460kW V8 versus the A45 S's 310kW four-cylinder, both cars deliver genuine supercar performance thanks to their advanced all-wheel-drive systems, with the M8 having a clear advantage in straight-line acceleration.
Q: Is the Mercedes-AMG A45 S worth buying over the BMW M8 Competition?
The A45 S offers exceptional value at R1,067,840 compared to the M8's R3,300,272 price tag, delivering serious performance from its record-breaking four-cylinder engine and updated 4Matic system with drift mode, making it arguably the most fun per rand you can buy.
Q: What's the difference between these two German performance cars?
The key differences lie in engine configuration, size, and price: the A45 S uses a world-beating 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder in a compact hatchback body for R1,067,840, while the M8 Competition features a thundering 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 in a large coupe body for R3,300,272.
Should You Buy It?
The best performance bargain under R1,200,000 in South Africa is undoubtedly the Mercedes-AMG A45 S at R1,067,840. While the BMW M8 Competition Coupe at R3,300,272 delivers undeniable supercar performance and prestige, it costs more than three times the price of the A45 S. Unless you specifically need the M8's extra power and luxury coupe styling, the A45 S offers incredible bang for your buck with its world-record four-cylinder engine, updated 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, and genuine supercar-baiting performance. For most enthusiasts, the A45 S represents the sweet spot between performance, fun factor, and affordability in the South African market.
