Sixty locally-developed mega hatches in showrooms soon.
BMW Australia has announced that 60 examples of the special Australia-specific M140i Performance Edition will be making their way to showrooms starting from an as-yet launch date earmarked for Q2 2017.
The limited run of 1 Series fettled by BMW’s M Division will priced from $71,900 (plus on-road costs) and will, like the regular car, only come in the form of a 5-door hatch, with only 15 units due to arrive with a 6-speed manual transmission. ZF’s acclaimed 8-speed automatic - branded Steptronic - will perform shifting duties for the remaining 45.
On the announcement, BMW Group Australia CEO Marc Werner, said: “We have been very encouraged by the M140i’s performance since it arrived in the second half of 2016. It is a car with a strong enthusiast following. This Australian M140i Performance Edition builds further on these strengths and its limited production status creates a halo effect for the popular 1 Series range.”
As for what exactly differentiates the M140i Performance Edition, it does come standard with a mechanical limited-slip differential as well as pretty much every optional extra the regular M140i was available with.
Additionally, it’s the visual markers that will set it apart immediately. It receives M Performance 19-inch dual-tone Orbit Grey light alloy wheels, carbon fibre mirror covers, M Performance Exhaust system with chrome tailpipes, and high gloss black kidney grille, rear fins, and roof-mounted spoiler. The 3.0-litre B58 turbocharged straight-six engine, remains untouched, outputting 250kW and 500Nm.
Inside, the ‘specialness’ continues with a unique plaque on the door sill that identifies the car as a Performance Edition. Step inside, and there’s open pore carbon-fibre and Alcantara used liberally - a cue taken from the M4 GTS - and trim with red accent seams, a detail also applies to the steering wheel, which is also given some carbon bits. There’s more carbon-fibre lavished onto the dashboard, and even on the shifter on cars fitted with the manual.
For more on BMW vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
