RE: BMW M135i showcases three-door 1 Series
Friday 24th February 2012
BMW is set to unveil this, a new M135i super-hatch concept at the Geneva show.
It's the first time the three-door version of the new 1 Series has been seen and, although currently given the 'concept' tag, will come to the UK in production form before the end of the year.
Although rear-wheel drive as standard, the M135i will, like its M performance siblings, be offered with the option of four-wheel drive, but not in right-hand drive.
BMW M135i showcases three-door 1 Series
First petrol derivative of M Performance sub-brand is 1 Series shaped
Although it isn't a full-house M car, the M135i uses the same Twinpower 3.0-litre turbo six as the old 1M Coupe, although it's expected to make a little less power - somewhere around 300-320hp.
It will be the next part of BMW's M Performance sub-brand, however, and will join the M550d and X5 and X6 M50d tri-turbo diesels to become the first petrol-powered version of the new range.
The suspension has also been fiddled with for M Performance purposes, while the wheels have been upgraded to 18-inch M-branded items.
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Discussion
Riggers, are you absolutely sure that "the M135i uses the same Twinpower 3.0-litre turbo six as the old 1M Coupe" - TwinPower also refers to the twin scroll N55 engine that was used in the later production 135i, not just the twin-turbo N54 used in the earlier 135i and the 1M. I thought the N54 was now dead and future cars were going to be N55 based....?
IAJO said:
They are in danger of diluting the "M" to the point where it loses all value. I think these are seriously ugly cars but when you add a boot like the 1m they really appeal.
I'm 50/50 with that.I think people need to start to get around the idea of the difference between M-Sport styling and M Power.
Another model in the 100 range. Milking each and every platform for as much as they can by doing different editions of the same model instead of developing new models.
We're used to manufacturers making new models. The difference between the E30 and E36, or E36 and E46 for example in the current economic climate is unachievable realistically speaking.
Maybe it's because the designers hands are tied behind their backs by Euro NCAP and such organisations who are Hell bent on removing any last scrap of individuality from the motor industry.
At least they're not flogging a dead horse with this car.
We're used to manufacturers making new models. The difference between the E30 and E36, or E36 and E46 for example in the current economic climate is unachievable realistically speaking.
Maybe it's because the designers hands are tied behind their backs by Euro NCAP and such organisations who are Hell bent on removing any last scrap of individuality from the motor industry.
At least they're not flogging a dead horse with this car.
I don't get why people complain that this is diluting the BMW M brand. This type of car is where the whole ethos of BMW M began with the E12 M535i and later the E28 M535i, these M badged cars below the full M models have always been around! and in the case of the e12 and 2002 turbo (although never badged as M) best in white with M stripes!
I think the M135i looks great, and if the 130i M-sport is anything to go by should be a great drive!
I think the M135i looks great, and if the 130i M-sport is anything to go by should be a great drive!
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