Volkswagen Golf R vs BMW M140i 2018 comparison review

We compare two super hatches – the new Volkswagen Golf R Mk 7.5, and the updated BMW M140i LCI-2. See who wins our M140i vs Golf R comparison – and let us know which hot hatch is your favourite, in the comments!

Compares interiors, practicality, price, and driving of the Volkswagen Golf R vs BMW M140i.

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[limpetr]

I love the way the M140i drives. I've had mine a year now, and I've put 16, 000 miles (25, 000 kms) on it, and it still puts a massive smile on my face. RWD and six cylinders win every time for me.

[bojanj]

after owning both and currently driving the M140i its the best no doubt

[markbrix]

M140i of course, no doubt!
Accelleration, sound, look, that's too good.

[ozbmr]

Hi Tom,
I really appreciate your considered and unbiased reviews. I recently was in the market for either a Golf R, Audi S3 or BMW M140i with a budget of around AUD$60K. I have previously owned tuned WRX, very tuned EVO IX and Falcon XR6 Turbo and appreciate a well balanced, powerful car that can go around corners, is comfortable and can cut a good 1/4 mile. I test drove all three and I concur that the BMW M140i in it's current form is the bargain of the times. I bought one and am loving it. Keep up the good work! I've also got to say in my BMW M140i I have the ZF 8 speed auto transmission, that I absolutely fell in love with when I hired a Jaguar F-Type for a few days in Germany. This gearbox is legendary, everyone needs to try it, and this is from a previously dedicated manual fan.

[michaelzuyderwyk]

Thanks for the review
The 140M is one of the few rear wheel drive sports car at an affordable price
I've got a 6 speed manual on order, fingers crossed it will be here in May

[ryancox]

Just found your channel looking at m140i videos while I wait for mine.

Can i just say mate this video is absolutely incredible. Your un-awkward, intellectual, coherent and never rambling demeanor is really quite incredible.
Love the video.

One criticism, please supply BHP figures aswell for us brits lol.

[MrRainbowUnicorn]

A future classic for sure - the M140i. Awesome video!

[MattCSLnut]

I’ve just ordered an Indium grey ( same colour as your test car) full phat 310 bhp 3 door Golf R 7.5 DSG on standard 18s” ( for much improved ride quality over the 19s) after driving it & the M140i 8 speed Auto back to back here in the UK. I’ve been a long standing fan of both marks, having owned numerous VW Golf GTi s as well as a number of 6 cylinder BMWs, including the almighty E46 M3 CSL. While I absolutely adored the character of the M140i’s inline 6 Turbo engine /8 speed ZF Auto combo and its pace the rest of the car left me a little bit cold, especially ( surprisingly for a Sporty BMW ) the numb steering and the cramped interior. To me the Golf R felt more alive, sure footed, precise, specious (I’m 6 foot 2”) and its interior felt more of a premium product & bang up to date out of the two. All in all the better all rounder for my particular daily needs however I do appreciate your review and opinions. Thanks very much for a great comparison vlog .

[WilburforceBuckshot]

I had the M140i back in the UK. I really loved it!! Had a nice exhaust system on it and a JB+ box. So quick!! But In the UK they are great value. But so expensive in Australia!! I've just ordered a Golf R. Basically comes fully loaded as standard. Amazing value and way better APR than what BMW were offering me. BMW was gonna be near $70k on the road. VW more like $56k on the road.
I had a test drive. The VW drive and holds the road way better than the 1 series. The 1 series feels floaty and disconnected from the road. I'll defo miss the 8speed ZF box and 6cyl engine. But DSG I was stunned it's just Amazing!! And the golf has far superior equipment and a long warranty. One thing I did notice is the golf had a way nicer interior and nicer seats than my BMW had. Can't wait for delivery of my car in 3 weeks!

[jonathanlynn]

It’s unfortunate that BMW is discontinuing the M140i, if i had to buy a performance hatch, i would pick the M140i over any car in the segment accept the RS3.

[danpitts]

Spot on review. Have tested both in the UK and the golf is a great car no doubt but the 140 is just a little bit more rewarding to drive. 6 cyclinder noise in a batch will indeed be missed this time next year!

[leccy]

Test driven both, pick up my 140i tomorrow. It was by far the better drivers car. Rwd is amazing

[chrisogrady]

I can't comprehend who that's interested in cars would want a 4 pot golf over a RWD, straight 6 BMW

[knightmarel]

The BMW is such a rare breed, too bad it was never offered in Canada. I'd love to own one if it was offered here.

[luche]

I had a mk6 Golf GTI for 4 year, then another 4 years with a mk6 Golf R. I wanted something better in performance so I have been looking at RS3 and M140i, so finally I traded my Golf R to a LCI-2 M140i last weekend, exactly the same colour but with the M135i style wheels (which I prefer anyway), I haven't driven the mk7 or mk7.5 Golf R, so I can't comment on how they compare to the M140i.
The front end of my Golf R definitely feels heavier when turning, when compare to the M140i, practicality wise the Golf R is actually better, especially for the rear passengers, the Golf has cup holders at the back and storage space on the rear doors, while the M140i doesn't have any storage on the rear doors, the cup holder and the armrest don't come standard, you have to tick the option list box to have these features, my car is a very low mileage demo unfortunately it doesn't have this, but it is not the end of the world, I still love it very much! I agree that you can definitely stretch your legs more in the M140i than the Golf, which I really like, I am currently driving the car gently due to it is still in the break-in period (1200km on the odometer), I am sure I will love this car even more once I can feel the potential of this engine. The cold start on the M140i factory exhaust is much louder than my golf r, but very quiet when driving gently, it does feel like you are driving a more premium vehicle. Thanks for videos like this which I found very helpful and informative, keep it up guys at the Chasing Cars!

[avenger]

Love the reviews, but I preferred the previous cinematic openings before launching into the reviews, it gave your tests a distinct point of difference and an overall touch of class.

[DjNikGnashers]

Still love my M140i, it's very quick at 411bhp/576nm but still does the comfy, quiet, daily driver thing so well.

[glennbrown]

Another great review Tom! I love the Golf R, but for not much more, that M140i is an absolute BEAST!!! Great choice of colours for the test too, they must have been a sight on the roads...

[lordbuckethead]

In 2014 I test drive the GOLF R, M135i and Lexus IS350. I liked the BMW the most as well but.... The cheapest insurance was $2850... And I was 30 at the time, that's just crazy. Check insurance cost before buying the M

[imrizzle]

I have an M140i and I'm still happy with my choice but I will say the Golf R looks great from the outside - possibly even better than the BM (I change my mind on this depending on the model - I think my Shadow Edition looks a lot better than the BM in this video and the Golf as well.)  Apart from the seats I think the inside is better on the M140 and performance wise there really is no comparison that I have seen where I would prefer the Golf. I upgraded my steering wheel, gear stick and hand brake to the M Performance Alcantara models as I was really disappointed with the stock items which felt cheap and looked shit (OK, the steering wheel didn't look shit but the gear stick and hand brake lever looked like it cost £5 to make.)Based on my car, things I have learnt that would have helped me:1) I got the manual gearbox - it isn't great right away but it becomes really smooth and less clunky over time (I've had my car 7 months and it's been fine for at least 3 months) but I wish I went for the automatic - in Oz I understand it is the same price (we have to pay extra in the UK) so it is definitely worth considering unless you're desperate for a manual.  For me, I would pay the extra if I had the choice again.2) Sunroof - I don't have one and wish I chose the option.  as in the video, it makes the interior so much brighter.3) Options - Not sure what comes as standard in Oz but adaptive suspension, adaptive headlights are not standard in the UK but a lot of other drivers report the suspension in particular being an option they wish they had chosen