The hot hatch market is set to get even hotter with this all-wheel drive compact BMW.
BMW Malaysia has launched the all new BMW M135i xDrive. This newly launched hot variant of 1 series, or as BMW adamantly calls it: The 1, heralds the arrival of the latest third generation of BMWs smallest car in the range to our shores.
Ludicrous name aside, this all new hot baby BMW comes with the latest generation BMW styling. Riding on 19 inch alloys specific to this M variant, familiar BMW styling cues are present all over the latest 1 series. The side profile has some BMW X2 in it, while the rear is almost like a shrunken 3 series, down to the LED rear lights.
But let’s not ignore the elephant in the room. While that honking great big kidney grille, now with a mesh design instead of vertical bars, may not be to everyones taste, take comfort in the fact that it is still smaller than the gargantuan ones fitted on some other BMWs in recent memory.
Contrary to the 135 moniker, the M135i sadly does not come with a 3.5 litre engine. Instead the 135 signifies a 2 litre TwinPower turbocharged four cylinder, that when mated to the eight speed Steptronic transmission produces a healthy 306 hp and a peak torque of 450 Nm.
Combined with the xDrive four wheel drive system and an integrated Torsen limited slip differential with Launch Control, this pocket rocket takes just 4.8 seconds to make the century sprint and maxes out at a top speed of 250km/h. M Sport specific brakes and suspension also ensures this hot hatch can handle it when the going gets twisty.
Purists may lament the death of the straight six and rear wheel drive that made the old hot 1 series unique in the hot hatch world. Though with this more conventional hot hatch layout and inevitable growth between generations, there is now more interior space and a larger capacity boot with this latest 1 series.
Speaking of the interior, being the top of the line 1 series the interior is suitably cushy with all the toys thrown in. Two 10.25 inch displays for the centre console and instrument cluster are running on BMW’s latest Operating System 7.0. The baby Beemer also comes with BMW Digital Key, Apple CarPlay, Remote Software Upgrade and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.
As for safety, this hot hatch comes standard with a multitude of driver assist features courtesy of the BMW Personal CoPilot. These include Lane Change Warning, Crossing Traffic Warning at the rear, Rear Collision Warning, Speed Limit Assist and also Lane Departure Warning and Frontal Collision Warning with braking function.
This compact hatch also features Park Assist with intuitive Active Park Distance Control, that can remember and play back your last 50 meters of parking manoeuvres. Handy when navigating out of a tight parking spot.
Additional M trinkets like the M135 specific door sill finishers, BMW M rear spoiler other similar barely discernible touches that are all over the exterior and interior further differentiates this sporty M model from the other more plebeian 1 series that will arrive later.
The BMW M135 xDrive is available for bookings online starting today and will be available at all BMW dealerships nationwide on the 28th of July.
More information can be found in the press release below:
Kuala Lumpur, 24th July 2020 – BMW Malaysia today introduced the All-New BMW M135i xDrive – or widely regarded as The 1. The 1 is the sporting flagship of the third generation BMW 1 Series line-up, a successful premium hatchback in the ever-growing BMW portfolio.
“We are privileged to share with you the latest portfolio of premium compact vehicles from BMW Malaysia. At the pinnacle of this portfolio lies The 1 – All-New BMW M135i xDrive, also widely regarded as the benchmark for powerful hot-hatches around the world,” said Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.
“The BMW 1 Series has been at the forefront of premium compact driving standards for over a decade. The new sporty compact model, now combined with the iconic genes of BMW M, further exemplifies the dynamic, independent spirit of those who constantly innovate to achieve greater success – whether to inspire or be inspired. Indeed, the All-New BMW M135i xDrive has a strong character of its own,” Hoelzl added.
The All-New BMW M135i xDrive exudes greater presence compared to its predecessor. The progressive design language for a fresh interpretation of iconic BMW features is complete with the BMW Group’s most powerful four-cylinder engine, the latest generation of the BMW EfficientDynamics family. To complement the driving pleasure, superior advancements in connectivity and driver assistance systems are crafted to best suit the modern-day driver. The All-New BMW M135i xDrive’s spacious and contemporary setting afforded by its wider interior dimensions also provide the luxury of comfort to not just the driver and front passenger, but rear passengers too.
The 1: perfect synthesis of agility and space.
The All-New BMW M135i xDrive stands out with a distinctive kidney grille in Cerium Grey, whereby the exclusive mesh-design replaces the classical bars. For the first time in this model range, the two kidney grilles are now merged in the middle. Now slanting in design, the Adaptive LED headlights complete with high-beam assistant offer a particularly modern appearance.
The front and side air inlets, exterior mirror caps and the 100-millimetre exhaust tailpipes in Cerium Grey underscores its status as the sporting flagship of the range. The sporty compact model comes with the newly designed 19-inch light alloy wheels in V-spoke Style 557 M Bicolour. At the rear, three-dimensional two-part taillights with the classic BMW L-shape emphasise the vehicle’s width. The BMW M135i xDrive comes exclusively with a BMW M rear spoiler.
Powering the All-New BMW M135i xDrive is the BMW Group’s most powerful two-litre, M Performance TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine. This premium compact all-wheel drive has a combined maximum output of 225kW/306hp and a peak torque of 450Nm. The All-New BMW M135i xDrive takes just 4.8 seconds to make the century sprint and has a top speed of 250km/h.
The sporty compact model is fitted with the M Sport suspension and M Sport brake which offers excellent fade resistance and abundant reserves of stopping power. The All-New BMW M135i xDrive is also equipped with Active Sound Design that amplifies the actual sound from the engine and modulates it for an exhilarating, sporty soundtrack without emitting increased external noise.
For the first time, the All-New BMW M135i xDrive comes with front-wheel drive architecture that also features technology transferred from BMW i for superior driving characteristics. The ARB technology (actuator contiguous wheel slip limitation) – as seen in the all-electric BMW i3s, improves traction and enables noticeably more sensitive and faster interventions on the driven front axle. This is made possible by the slip control system positioned directly in the engine control unit, which results in a shorter signal path with engine output imperceptibly reduced as soon as threat of wheel slip on the front wheels is detected.
The All-New BMW M135i xDrive features a newly developed Torsen limited-slip differential integrated into the Eight-Speed Steptronic Sport Transmission which optimises traction by distributing power to individual wheels. It functions as a front differential, and channels power to the wheel with the most traction in fast corners. Additionally, the Torsen differential features a Launch Control mode that already puts the full peak torque of 450Nm on tap in the first and second gear.
The cockpit of the All-New BMW M135i is complete with ‘Illuminated Boston’ interior trim finishers and Leather Dakota upholstery. Characteristically M elements adorn the Sport seats, seat belts, and leather steering wheel. The M135i designation can be seen on the front door sill finishers. Electrically-adjustable front seats with driver’s seat memory function, two-zone automatic air conditioning and the BMW Individual Headliner Anthracite also equip the vehicle, while its wireless charging capabilities along with the 16-Speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system offer endless entertainment on every drive.
The All-New BMW M135i xDrive presents a redesigned cabin that features a more spacious interior for maximum comfort. The new architecture enables a more spacious interior combined with a shorter wheelbase. The All-New BMW M135i xDrive has grown in width (+34mm) and height (+13mm) compared to its predecessor, providing additional knee room and elbow room for easier entry and exit. Thanks to the space-saving rear-axle design, luggage capacity has also increased to 380 litres (+20 litres).
The BMW Live Cockpit Professional in the All-New BMW M135i xDrive features the BMW Operating System 7.0 with a customisable 10.25-inch Instrument Display and high-resolution 10.25-inch touchscreen Control Display. The new premium BMW hatchback is also equipped with BMW Digital Key, Apple CarPlay, Remote Software Upgrade and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.
Assistance is offered via the BMW Personal CoPilot which features the Driving Assistant, Parking Assistant and the Reversing Assistant. The Driving Assistant includes Lane Change Warning, Crossing Traffic Warning at the rear, Rear Collision Warning and Speed Limit Assist. It also includes Lane Departure Warning and Frontal Collision Warning with braking function.
The Parking Assistant is also available, along with the intuitive Active Park Distance Control. The Reversing Assistant recalls the last 50 metres covered and is able to manoeuvre back the same way by taking over the wheel while the driver controls acceleration and braking.
The All-New BMW M135i xDrive is available in Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Misano Blue, Mineral Grey or Melbourne Red. Owners can choose to complement the exterior with either black Leather ‘Dakota’ upholstery with black perforations, or Magma Red Leather ‘Dakota’ upholstery with grey highlight and black perforations.
The All-New BMW M135i xDrive will be available at all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide by 28th July 2020. Customers can also book The 1 on http://www.shop.bmw.com.my/ at RM1,000 and be in the running to bring home a new BMW i8 Coupé.
