Good to see a new member.
I haven't yet taken delivery of my S3, that's due to happen in December, but I have test driven both the S3 and the M135i and both are unbelievable cars, but they go about being unbelievable in different ways so it completely depends what you want from your car.
The S3 got my vote for a few reasons:
- I preferred the style of the cabin, I loved the minimalist design and the fold out screen (very James Bond)
- I thought that the quality of the materials, as well as the fit and finish were orders of magnitude better in the Audi, especially when compared to the A class (don't even get me started on that car)
- I preferred the styling of the S3. I'm not one of the ones who thinks the BMW looks ugly, far from it, but I just loved the understated nature of the S3, but the little teasers (quad exhaust mainly) let people know you're driving a miniature rocket ship
- The quattro system, given the more common extreme weather we're experiencing at winter time, was a welcome feature. As I'm sure you're aware BMW's handle like Dog s**t in the snow
- I already have a BMW and wanted a change
- I managed to get a really good deal on my S3 through drivethedeal
- I wanted something that was better suited to long distance cruising
- The ride was very comfortable and the cabin very quiet
- The B&O sound system is literally the best I've ever heard and I've sat in my fair share of expensive cars with top end sound systems
- Residual value
- Loved the S-Tronic gearbox
- The sound
A few points for the BMW:
- The sound
- Whilst I thought the handling and steering on the S3 were brilliant and almost effortless the BMW definitely felt more rewarding at higher speeds. So if you're looking at track days or if you like to drive fast more often than not then I'd perhaps consider the bmw
- The S3 doesn't feel as raw as the BMW, which sometimes left me feeling a bit disconnected (but only a bit)
- A bit cheaper
- Quite liked the ability to spec wood as an inlay, made the car feel quite premium
- I believe it comes better equipped as standard but I'm not sure
Of course I only got to drive these cars for 20 minutes each but those were my overall impressions.
If you want a more well rounded car that's capable of chauffeuring you in comfort most of the time but can blow you mind at the touch of a pedal then go for the S3, if however you're looking for a car that's arguably more at home on a track then pick the BMW. Just remember though the BMW only works 3 seasons of the year.
I don't believe there is a wrong choice, unless of course you choose the BMW.