BMW M135i
BMW’s M Performance range is a step down from a full blown BMW M, but very appealing nonetheless. But so far we’ve only had diesel-engined M Performance cars as official production models. But no more.
The first petrol-engined BMW M Performance car has arrived in production guise as the new BMW M135i – previewed at Geneva this spring – and is an appealing little hot hatch.
Available as a three or five door, the M135i gets the 3.0 litre straight six with Twin Scroll Tuirbo, Valvetronic, and double VANOS to deliver 315bhp through a six speed manual ‘box and a 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds (opt for the 8-speed auto and that drops to 4.9 seconds).
Cosmetically the M135i gets a butch new front apron with big vents, shadowline high gloss trim, Ferric Grey door mirrors, side skirts, 18″ M double-spoke alloys, dark shadow metallic rear apron with dual exhaust pipes and aluminium sill plates.
Inside there’s Hexagon/Alcantara upholstery , an M leather steering wheel with multi-function buttons and blue stitching, leather gear and handbrake gaiters, red lettering on the rev counter and speedo and variable interior lighting.
Despite its clear performance intent, the M135i gets BMW’s full raft of EfficientDynamics gubbins like Brake Energy Regeneration, Stop-Start, gear shift indicator (unless you opt for the auto ‘box) and reduced rolling resistance tyres. That helps the M135i achieve headline economy of 35.3mpg (37.6mpg auto) and emissions of 180g/km (175g/km auto).
We have no on sale date or prices yet but we’ll update as soon as we do, but we do know that there will also be a BMW M135i xDrive – yes, a 4WD M135i – by the end of 2012.
BMW M135i photos
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BMW M135i Video
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