New BMW M135i review: The hatch that broke its own rules
The new BMW 1 Series had some big shoes to fill, and none as big as the range-topping M135i. But BMW compromised its own ethos in it new hot hatch.
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BMW broke its own rules with the new 1-Series, a compact hatchback that compromises driving pleasure in favour of price and practicality. Here’s everything you need to know.
Value
The 1 Series is the entry point to the desirable BMW brand and the M135i sits at the top of the range as the performance version. The previous M135i (which became the M140i) had a superlative six-cylinder turbo powering the rear wheels. This one shares basics with Mini, which means you get a four-cylinder engine and front-biased all-wheel drive. At about $70,000 drive-away, the M135i pushes beyond the predecessor with tech such as a digital dashboard, head-up display and widescreen infotainment display, as well as leather sports seats, LED headlights, dual zone climate control and other niceties. As with most luxury cars, the M135i is supported by a three-year warranty.
Comfort
The decision to drop the driver-focused rear-drive layout stemmed from a desire to make the car cheaper to build and easier to use. Its passenger compartment has more space than the old model, front and rear, and the boot is slightly bigger. Fit and finish aren’t quite in line with more expensive BMWs — there is more plastic here than you will find in a 5 or 7 Series.
The only real query on comfort stems from stiff suspension and low-profile rubber on 19-inch wheels, which served up a jittery ride in our test car.
Safety
Five safety stars are evidence of impressive crash protection and accident avoidance features. Technology includes autonomous emergency braking but it’s disappointing to see active cruise control on the options list (it’s standard in some rivals). And the digital dash on our 1 Series reset itself while driving, going black before displaying a litany of faults including temporary failures of some safety systems.
Driving
The new M135i makes an adequate first impression. It’s reasonably quick, has powerful brakes and sounds better than most four-cylinder alternatives. Dig deeper and you’ll find the Continental tyres aren’t as grippy as the performance-oriented Michelins of its predecessor, that the steering is numb (the wheel also twists in your hands under power) and that the AWD can be a little late to kick in. Factor in its particularly coarse ride and the new 1 Series represents backward step.
Verdict 3/5
The M135i takes two steps forward and one back. Relative to its predecessor, it is more practical than before and packed with tech but can’t match the driver satisfaction.
Alternatives
BMW 330i, from about $77,000 drive-away
Want a proper BMW? The new 3 Series is a class benchmark and a genuine driver’s delight in 330i form. If you can afford it, the 190kW 330i is unquestionably worth the extra $7000-odd.
Mercedes-AMG A35 from about $76,000 drive-away
In a two-pronged strategy, Mercedes introduced the mild A35 to accompany the wild A45 S. Impressive on the road, the 225kW A35 is also well-appointed.
Volkswagen Golf R, from $55,490 drive-away
It may lack a premium badge but the Golf R has been the benchmark for real-world hot-hatch performance, thanks to its 213kW turbo, all-wheel drive and dual-clutch automatic.
Originally published as New BMW M135i review: The hatch that broke its own rules
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