Photo: Original image by autoevolution
It was about time we took a shot at BMW's hottest hatch, the M135i. Going the full distance, we decided to take the all-wheel-drive model for a spin, dubbed xDrive as you already know.
Since everyone is talking about the A45 AMG, it only seemed natural to take the xDrive model, to see exactly what's what and boy oh boy, were we impressed.
The Bimmer has the all-familiar N55 engine under its bonnet but this time it's specced to send 320 HP and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) to all four corners of the car. Hooked up to the amazing 8-speed automatic gearbox you'll immediately think you've been teleported to a proper sports car. Remember though, this is a hatchback.
And that is where the M135i really shines. When you want this car to be mellow and easy going, you'll find it to be exactly that. The driving modes allow you even to save fuel by choosing the Eco Pro mode and go as far as pushing you to the edge with the Sport+ mode.
The suspension and transmission settings follow the same story but here's a little catch: whilst you can easily choose a handling style for your car, you can also combine them through the vast array of options BMW is offering.
Actually, during our test, we found out that the most used configuration was the Sport setting for the drivetrain and Comfort mode for the suspension. This way, the throttle and steering are sharp as a katana whilst you back will be as comfy as your own bedroom.
Talking about comfortable, we can't miss out on the interior. It's done in traditional BMW style and yet it has some exclusive add-ons like the Hexagonal textile material that decorates the seats and door panels and the padding for your right leg (that is extremely useful, take our word on it).
Furthermore, the seats are not only pretty. From our experience we found them to be the most comfortable ones fitted to a sports car. Yes, we tested plenty of cars to make this suggestion, despite they seem a bit hard at first, they keep on adapting to your needs.
Whilst you will be enthralled by the way this car feels (and especially how FAST it feels) you won't forget about its practicability. Actually that's one of the things that really separates it from its Mercedes and Audi rivals.
The boot has nice hooks for your grocery bags and other amenities that will make your life easier. Furthermore, the car is even going to 'drink' 95 Octane gas and that is something you wouldn't expect in a vehicle of such sportive character.
Bottom line, the thing that makes this the better choice out of the RS3 and A45 AMG is that it's natural. It's not trying to make you think you're going fast by using all sorts of tricks but it's actually fast thanks to its DNA. Furthermore, you can actually use it on a daily basis and not complain about back aches, whilst the sheer power and AWD system will allow you to have fun on any kind of weather without worries.
Check the full story on autoevolution
The Bimmer has the all-familiar N55 engine under its bonnet but this time it's specced to send 320 HP and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) to all four corners of the car. Hooked up to the amazing 8-speed automatic gearbox you'll immediately think you've been teleported to a proper sports car. Remember though, this is a hatchback.
And that is where the M135i really shines. When you want this car to be mellow and easy going, you'll find it to be exactly that. The driving modes allow you even to save fuel by choosing the Eco Pro mode and go as far as pushing you to the edge with the Sport+ mode.
The suspension and transmission settings follow the same story but here's a little catch: whilst you can easily choose a handling style for your car, you can also combine them through the vast array of options BMW is offering.
Actually, during our test, we found out that the most used configuration was the Sport setting for the drivetrain and Comfort mode for the suspension. This way, the throttle and steering are sharp as a katana whilst you back will be as comfy as your own bedroom.
Talking about comfortable, we can't miss out on the interior. It's done in traditional BMW style and yet it has some exclusive add-ons like the Hexagonal textile material that decorates the seats and door panels and the padding for your right leg (that is extremely useful, take our word on it).
Furthermore, the seats are not only pretty. From our experience we found them to be the most comfortable ones fitted to a sports car. Yes, we tested plenty of cars to make this suggestion, despite they seem a bit hard at first, they keep on adapting to your needs.
Whilst you will be enthralled by the way this car feels (and especially how FAST it feels) you won't forget about its practicability. Actually that's one of the things that really separates it from its Mercedes and Audi rivals.
The boot has nice hooks for your grocery bags and other amenities that will make your life easier. Furthermore, the car is even going to 'drink' 95 Octane gas and that is something you wouldn't expect in a vehicle of such sportive character.
Bottom line, the thing that makes this the better choice out of the RS3 and A45 AMG is that it's natural. It's not trying to make you think you're going fast by using all sorts of tricks but it's actually fast thanks to its DNA. Furthermore, you can actually use it on a daily basis and not complain about back aches, whilst the sheer power and AWD system will allow you to have fun on any kind of weather without worries.
Check the full story on autoevolution
Google News