Check out the new BMW M135 xDrive
BMW's idea of an all-wheel-drive hot hatch gets a timely update - and keeps its 300hp four-pot
It would be fair to say that the BMW M135i xDrive has never quite captured the imagination like previous fast 1 Series did. Even against comparable all-wheel-drive, automatic, 2.0-litre turbocharged rivals, the M Performance 1 Series has always wanted for a bit more edge in virtually every department. The 128ti was a step in the right direction - and now there’s a fourth generation 1 Series, headed up by a new M135 xDrive.
Note that’s without the ‘i’ at the end of the name, as BMW is ceasing its use on combustion-engined models to prevent any confusion with its electric i cars. Fundamentally, though, the configuration is similar from old M135i to new M135: the 2.0-litre B48 turbo four makes 300hp, xDrive AWD scoots it to 62mph in less than five seconds, and there are four exhaust pipes to let everyone else know this is no mere 120. There are one or two interesting changes for the flagship 1 Series this time around, however, including the introduction of the seven-speed DCT (where once an eight-speed torque converter resided) - although there’s no explanation for the swap as yet. Let’s hope it can introduce some excitement to a powertrain that’s always needed it.
BMW also claims that the handling of its hot hatch will be improved thanks to increased rigidity, plus new damper technology, optimised kinematics and 20 per cent more front caster. The rest of the interesting stuff looks set for the M135 options list, though does at least demonstrate that BMW might be keen to make the 1 Series fun again. The extras are set to include an M Technology Package with ‘specific suspension components, stiffness and lightweight measures’, M Compound brakes and lighter alloy wheels. We can but hope that some of the M fairy dust from further up the range makes it to the 1 Series.
Inside, the M135 - and the rest of the new 1 Series range, in fact - gets brought bang up to date with BMW’s latest interior design language, plus the addition of iDrive with QuickSelect and BMW Operating System 9, which might make this the first application of it. The BMW Curved Display uses a 10.25-inch driver’s display and 10.7-inch infotainment screen. A leather-free cabin is available, with the promise of a ‘modern premium ambience with sporty accents and generous space for up to five occupants’. Given the mess made by some car makers and their small hatch interiors of late, a quick sit in the new BMW might prove very persuasive.
Plus it would mean a distraction from the outside. Never known as the prettiest BMW in the world, the 1 Series probably won’t win any additional fans for its styling the fourth time around. There’s some X2 influence to the rear, a bit of new M3 in the headlight redesign and ‘hallmark BMW proportions’; it’s probably more memorable than what came before, so that’s something, though whether it’s better is hard to say. Marking out the M135 from a standard 1 Series are bigger intakes, ‘pronounced’ side skirts and a more aggressive rear diffuser. The standard 18-inch wheels will eventually be upgradeable to 19s. As for colours, there will be two solid paints and seven metallics offered. For the first time ever on a BMW, a black contrast roof will be offered, and the Individual paints will be optionally available.
On sale from today, the new 1 Series will be with customers from October. The price is £29,950 for a 120 with the mild-hybrid three-cylinder turbo (RRP, excluding on-the-road costs) or £41,000 for the M135 (again RRP). Perhaps the ‘extensively improved chassis technology’ can finally unlock what potential there is in the xDrive 1 Series - alternatively, you could take a punt on the previous version, which is available for a little over £20k.
I guess that 4 exhaust tips is better than none at all with an EV for many though in fairness.
This does look weird not having the "i" on the badging though I must admit.
BMW 1 Series Sedan (F52) (2017–2024)
BMW 1 Series (F40) (2019–present)
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé (F44) (2019–present)
BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (F45) (2014–2021)
BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer (F46) (2015–2021)
BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (U06) (2021–present)
BMW X1 (F48) (2015–2022)
BMW X1 (U11) (2022–present)
BMW X2 (F39) (2017–2022)
BMW X2 (U10) (2023–present)
Mini Countryman (F60) (2017–2023)
Mini Countryman (U25) (2023–present)
Mini Clubman (F54) (2016–2024)
Essentially, BMW are squeezing every last drop out of the platform, maximising profit for relatively little cost. Some of the objectives of the UKL platform are to have the ability of smaller models to have a large interior space and enough room for passengers in the rear seats as well as a large cargo space. These objectives are only possible to achieve by mounting transverse three or four-cylinder engines. In addition, one of the big advantages of UKL is that they're able to launch a lot of products almost simultaneously because of engineered platform sharing ability.
Everyone here knows that developing and mass manufacturing rwd cars costs more than fwd ones but everyone here also conveniently forgets that after surveying their customers back in 2009, then CEO Norbert Reithofer stated that 80% of 1-series buyers thought their car was fwd, to BMW's surprise. The UKL platform has now been used since 2014.
As always, BMW are a business that exists to make a profit (and, partly due to the platform sharing engineering, they've enjoyed record profits over the last few years), not to pander to a small minority of enthusiasts hopelessly clinging on to past glories.
So you all can carry on screaming at the sky but the fact is, the days of BMW-badged small RWD cars with longitudinally mounted straight 6 engines are over and are never coming back.
The “old” model was not remotely good selling and was supported from the off by advantageous finance offers and chunky deposit contributions, as well as large discounts. This will be the same.
I dare say Skoda will be having a proper chat with their lawyers over the front grille, as will Kia.
A mess. Premium? My arse.
I guess that 4 exhaust tips is better than none at all with an EV for many though in fairness.
This does look weird not having the "i" on the badging though I must admit.
BMW 1 Series Sedan (F52) (2017–2024)
BMW 1 Series (F40) (2019–present)
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé (F44) (2019–present)
BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (F45) (2014–2021)
BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer (F46) (2015–2021)
BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (U06) (2021–present)
BMW X1 (F48) (2015–2022)
BMW X1 (U11) (2022–present)
BMW X2 (F39) (2017–2022)
BMW X2 (U10) (2023–present)
Mini Countryman (F60) (2017–2023)
Mini Countryman (U25) (2023–present)
Mini Clubman (F54) (2016–2024)
Essentially, BMW are squeezing every last drop out of the platform, maximising profit for relatively little cost. Some of the objectives of the UKL platform are to have the ability of smaller models to have a large interior space and enough room for passengers in the rear seats as well as a large cargo space. These objectives are only possible to achieve by mounting transverse three or four-cylinder engines. In addition, one of the big advantages of UKL is that they're able to launch a lot of products almost simultaneously because of engineered platform sharing ability.
Everyone here knows that developing and mass manufacturing rwd cars costs more than fwd ones but everyone here also conveniently forgets that after surveying their customers back in 2009, then CEO Norbert Reithofer stated that 80% of 1-series buyers thought their car was fwd, to BMW's surprise. The UKL platform has now been used since 2014.
As always, BMW are a business that exists to make a profit (and, partly due to the platform sharing engineering, they've enjoyed record profits over the last few years), not to pander to a small minority of enthusiasts hopelessly clinging on to past glories.
So you all can carry on screaming at the sky but the fact is, the days of BMW-badged small RWD cars with longitudinally mounted straight 6 engines are over and are never coming back.
Producing munter after munter of heinously ugly cars with cheap interiors does not a longevity brand make. Once Asian markets stop buying this and cheap finance deals vanish (which they are doing), it’ll be left to us small minority of armchair critics to debate the merits of manufacturers’ offerings. We’re not accountants but automobile enthusiasts!
Someone will be along to tell us that the M140i is impossible to drive without an LSD, but at least enough of us have had an M-lite to have the big debate. Nobody’s got anything to debate on this except whether it looks more like a Kia Proceed or a Kia Niro because nobody is buying it.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff