BMW M135 xDrive: The Pocket-Sized Sports Car

The fourth generation of the BMW 1 Series might feel more like a comprehensive facelift than an all-new model. With updated engines and infotainment, the new front design gives off a blend of Ford Focus and Hyundai i30 vibes.

Notice Anything Missing?

Take a close look. Right, BMW fans will quickly spot that the „i“ is missing from the M135’s name. It’s not a typo – it’s part of BMW’s new naming convention.

From now on, the „i“ will be reserved for fully electric models, and the BMW M135 xDrive is the first gas-powered car to follow this change. But don’t worry, this doesn’t affect the agility you expect from a BMW, especially one carrying the „M“ badge.

A Tough Competition

BMW’s competition isn’t resting. Audi has equipped the new 333 hp S3 with a sharper turbo response and the Torque Splitter from the RS3, making it corner like a dream. That must have given BMW engineers at their R&D center in Munich a bit of a headache.

Let’s start with the engine: the M135’s 2.0-liter inline-four delivers 221 kW (300 hp) and 400 Nm of torque. That leaves it a bit behind the Audi in terms of raw numbers. But as we know, driving isn’t just about the stats – it’s about how it feels on the road.

Refined Engine Performance

BMW still knows how to build combustion engines. Even though the M135’s four-cylinder might not match the thrill of a six-cylinder, it holds its own in this compact powerhouse. That’s partly due to the upgrades made to the engine, code-named B48T2.

BMW didn’t give up without a fight: the four-cylinder now features dual injection (direct and port), an improved turbo with a Miller cycle for better efficiency, a new ignition system for more precise combustion, and optimized engine mounts to reduce vibrations during start-stop cycles.

Classic BMW Engine Thrills

BMW hasn’t forgotten what made them great in the first place. From 4,000 rpm, the engine sings loudly inside the cabin, enhanced by the sound system, so much so that you might feel tempted to perform a little celebratory dance. The car hits 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds and tops out at 250 km/h, with the all-wheel-drive system making sure all that power reaches the road.

While the M135 doesn’t quite match the cornering eagerness of the Audi S3 with its rear-axle Torque Splitter, it’s still a blast in the bends, and you’ll find yourself grinning every time you take a corner.

Handling and Steering Finesse

The mechanical limited-slip differential, integrated into the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and working on the front axle, does wonders when it comes to handling. It gives the M135 nimble feet, and the lighter weight of the four-cylinder engine also helps.

As you approach the apex of a turn, the rear end adds just the right amount of slide to help with directional changes, but not in an overpowering way. The M135 xDrive delivers effortless speed and control, with BMW rekindling its love for a more communicative steering system.

Suspension that Balances Sport and Comfort

The suspension completes the trifecta of BMW excellence. The sport suspension, featuring frequency-selective dampers, lowers the car by five millimeters. Even without electronically adaptive dampers, the M135 xDrive’s chassis gets the job done.

The suspension is firm but not harsh, even with 19-inch wheels. Thanks to the comfortable sports seats, the M135 is also perfectly suited for longer trips.

Tech and Infotainment Updates

The infotainment system is guided by a 10.7-inch touchscreen, a head-up display, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The M135 features BMW’s latest Operating System 9, though the menu structure can feel a bit too complex at times. Sadly, the beloved iDrive controller is still missing, likely due to space constraints, as adding it would make the compact interior feel too cramped. The curved displays and some hard plastic buttons show that the infotainment system is starting to feel a bit dated.

On the bright side, BMW has enhanced the entertainment features: 5G connectivity is now standard, the navigation system offers more detailed views, including satellite imagery and curve warnings, and you can even pay for fuel via the infotainment system. Third-party apps are also supported. However, all this comes at a cost: the BMW M135 xDrive starts at €56,200, which is €600 more than the Audi S3 Sportback.