BMW’s slick 1 Series hatchback has a new high-performance range-topper – the M135i. The sporty 1 Series hero has been eagerly awaited with one-quarter of BMW Australia’s first allocation from Germany already sold.
Priced at $68,400, the BMW M135i goes on-sale locally in October and is the first of the new M Performance models with a petrol engine.
That engine is BMW’s turbocharged three-litre six-cylinder with 235kW of power at 5800rpm and peak torque of 450Nm from 1250rpm. Zero to 100km/h for the six-speed manual takes 5.1 seconds but the eight-speed automatic version goes better – just 4.9 seconds.
Straight from motorsport, the BMW M135i six-speed manual runs a dry sump lubrication system.
Underneath is M Performance suspension, variable sport steering and M Sport brakes with blue-painted calipers. Wheels are 18-inch alloys with 245/35R18 tyres on the rear and 225/40 R 18s on the front.
Both exterior and interior looks are enhanced by the usual M Sport additions including spors seats in Dakota leather.
