Everyday Performance Car Showdown: Audi S3 versus BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupe, Determining the Supreme Choice

In the ever-evolving world of automotive manufacturing, two compact, four-wheel-drive performance cars have recently undergone updates to improve their performance: the BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupe and the Audi S3 Sportback. However, these improvements come at a cost, as inflation and external pressures have driven car prices beyond what customers are willing to pay in the current economic climate.

The BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupe, priced around £90,000, and its Audi counterpart, priced at approximately £50,000 each, have seen significant improvements. The BMW, based on the 1-series' front-drive platform, is equipped with a 2-litre B48 four-pot engine producing 296bhp. The facelifted M235 xDrive Gran Coupe boasts a more rigid structure, revised suspension, and design and interior updates.

However, the part saloon, part coupe silhouette of the BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupe is described as awkward and fussy. Moreover, while the car has undergone bespoke chassis upgrades, it lacks the poise associated with traditional BMW models. The new front end of the BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupe bears a resemblance to the Kia Ceed, which may not appeal to all BMW enthusiasts.

The Audi S3, quick but inert to drive, has also received updates. Despite these improvements, neither the BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupe nor the Audi S3 Sportback have been particularly successful in their previous forms.

Interestingly, the high asking prices of these updated models are justified by their improvements in key areas. Flagship hot hatches from Mercedes and Audi now cost over £60,000, a price previously associated with the BMW M3. This trend suggests a shift in the market towards more expensive performance cars.

However, the increased prices have led to the disappearance of cheap hot hatches and affordable sports coupes from the market by 2025. This development may leave enthusiasts and budget-conscious buyers with fewer options for performance cars.

In conclusion, while the updated BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupe and Audi S3 Sportback offer improvements in performance and design, their high prices may deter some potential buyers. The question remains whether these cars can justify their cost in a market where prices are increasingly out of reach for many.