It took BMW a long time to convert us into fans of its FWD cars. The journey started in 2014 with the 2 Series Tourer series, which was as enjoyable as a minibus. But this new 1 Series is radical, particularly the M135i with M Performance parts.
What's new about the M135i? Only that it's a real hot hatch now. The previous generation was wonderful in its own way, but the ownership experience was more like having a tiny GT. On this generation, they used a four-cylinder engine instead of their 3-liter, dialed it to 306 HP and shuffled 450 Nm of torque to all four wheels.
It looks the part as well, with a nose that's finally proportional with the rest of the body. The M135i is particularly nice if you have money to spend on the M Performance optional parts. Just look at this beauty and tell us it's not better than the Mercedes-AMG A35.
Some people will say M Performance parts are too expensive, but owning a hot hatch is all about individuality. This is like buying a Golf R and tuning it without destroying its value or voiding the warranty. The bad news is that at €48,000, the base model is already too expensive. This same tech will go into the M235i four-door coupe as well, when it comes out at the end of the year.
The M treatment includes a gloss black chin splitter, aero wings for the front bumper, side skirts, a diffuser, and a giant wing bolted onto the trunk. Behind the new wheels with floating BMW caps, we have upgraded ventilated and cross-drilled brakes.
This is the first 1 Series with forged carbon mirror caps, while the interior also received some rather pointless but interesting carbon accessories. Let us know how much you think this car is worth in the comments below. And would you have this over a 330i sedan/wagon given the price?
It looks the part as well, with a nose that's finally proportional with the rest of the body. The M135i is particularly nice if you have money to spend on the M Performance optional parts. Just look at this beauty and tell us it's not better than the Mercedes-AMG A35.
Some people will say M Performance parts are too expensive, but owning a hot hatch is all about individuality. This is like buying a Golf R and tuning it without destroying its value or voiding the warranty. The bad news is that at €48,000, the base model is already too expensive. This same tech will go into the M235i four-door coupe as well, when it comes out at the end of the year.
The M treatment includes a gloss black chin splitter, aero wings for the front bumper, side skirts, a diffuser, and a giant wing bolted onto the trunk. Behind the new wheels with floating BMW caps, we have upgraded ventilated and cross-drilled brakes.
This is the first 1 Series with forged carbon mirror caps, while the interior also received some rather pointless but interesting carbon accessories. Let us know how much you think this car is worth in the comments below. And would you have this over a 330i sedan/wagon given the price?