BMW M135 hot hatch review

Time behind the wheel of BMW’s Golf GTI rival reveals a surprising turn of pace. But it will cost you.

2025 BMW M135. Picture: Supplied

The formula for hot-hatches typically involves adding power, not taking it away.

But that’s not the case for the fastest version of the new-gen BMW 1 Series.

The new M135 range-topper still has the same formula as its predecessor, with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, seven-speed dual-clutch auto and all-wheel drive, and while it does have a small power bump – up 8kW to 233kW – it has 50Nm less than before, at 400Nm.

2025 BMW M135. Picture: Supplied

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That’s still plenty for a small hatch, sure, and it can do the 0-100km/h boogie in a claimed 4.9 seconds – but it goes against the mindset of always moving the goalposts. It’s also less fuel-efficient than before, with a claim of 7.8L/100km (up 0.3L) and this time around it needs 98RON premium unleaded too.

It is a hoot to drive, with multiple drive modes to pick from including a Boost mode that gives it everything the engine can offer for 10 second bursts. It’s properly vision-blurring when engaged.

This much pulling power in a compact car is always a laugh, and the smoothness of this four-cylinder engine and the cleverness of BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system means it feels like it really slingshots you at the horizon when you thump the throttle. But it’s also manageable and sedate in lower-speed situations when a more urban-focused drive mode is selected.

2025 BMW M135. Picture: Supplied

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What impressed me most is the chassis, which now has standard adaptive M suspension, so you can adjust the ride firmness to suit the situation. I found it to be decently comfortable, even in Sport Plus mode, and cushy enough in the Normal mode for urban driving.


My biggest complaint about the drive is the steering wheel. It’s a thick-rimmed thing and it’s hard to hang onto at times. Thankfully, the traction on offer means the car itself hangs on brilliantly.

So, it stacks up on the driving front, but did I mention it costs more, as well?

That’s right, the BMW M135 is $5900 more than before, at a staggering $82,500 plus on-road costs. And look, at that price it makes the base model 118 (from $56,500) seem like a bargain. Likewise, you might look more lovingly at an Audi S3 (from $75,400), VW Golf R (from $70,590), or Cupra Leon VZx (from $61,690), too.

2025 BMW M135. Picture: Supplied

You are getting a whole heap of standard gear for the money, though, including the M Sport styling package, 19-inch wheels, LED lighting around the car, a panoramic glass roof with black contrast exterior paint, and there are fake leather trimmed seats with electric adjustment, heating and massage functions, plus a heated steering wheel, surround-view camera system and a whole host of new advanced safety tech.

There’s auto emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, a speed sign warning system (which might get on your nerves), and nine airbags fitted – dual front, front centre, front side, rear side, and full-length curtains.

Other standard kit highlights include an electric boot, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, online connected services, a wireless phone charger, and a head-up display… there’s no doubt it is packing spec for the money.

2025 BMW M135. Picture: Supplied

The cabin is a stunning place to sit, but it can be overwhelming in terms of the usability of the tech. But there are some seriously impressive highlights such as an augmented reality sat nav system which can show up the directions on the centre display using a camera system. Very neat.

Rear seat space is tight, so don’t think of it as an alternative to an X3. If you have younger kids it’ll be fine, with ISOFIX points and three top-tethers, plus there are directional vents in the back, and the boot is 380 litres, meaning it’s going to be large enough to fit a pram and some shopping. There’s no spare wheel, though – you get a tyre repair kit.

BMW backs its models in Australia with a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty. However, the brand does have an unusual ‘condition-based’ servicing program, where the car tells you when it needs maintenance, rather than you booking in on a regular basis to have it checked and serviced. Even so, you can bank on it being every 12 months or so, and there’s a prepaid service plan for five years available.

Is it a game-changing model for the money?

I’d argue the M135 is less convincing this time around for the driving enthusiast, but for the “I just want the best version” buyer, it delivers… at a cost.