The new BMW M135i is quite possibly the most controversial hatchback we’ve seen in a while. Aside from the aesthetics (which I quite like), controversy lies in its’ engine and drivetrain. BMW has ditched the B58 motor in favour of a four-pot motor that you find in the new MINI Countryman & Clubman JCW models. It’s also gone from rear-wheel drive to all-wheel-drive. These changes have BMW fanboys in a frenzy. But have these changes affected such a well put together hot hatch? Let’s find out.
Styling
Finished in a rather striking Misano Blue paint and 19-inch wheels, the M135i is a good looking car. But like I said in my review of the BMW 118i, I’d rather spec it with BMW’s Individual high-gloss Shadow Line trim. This trim gets rid of the faded like trim you get on the grille surrounds, wheels and side view mirrors. It’s replaced by a high-gloss black finish. The wheels are also replaced by black sports wheels but are slightly smaller at 18-inches rather than 19-inches. To differentiate it from a normal 1 Series, the M135i comes with a rear spoiler, two exhausts, a weird but interesting grille, sportier front and rear bumpers. Many will hate on it, but I think it looks really good.
Inside
Similar to the 118i I drove, the interior of the BMW M135i is solid. High-quality materials are evident throughout the cabin. The dash is similar to that of the new BMW 3 Series, clean and simple. Running off BMW’s latest iDrive infotainment system that comes with Apple CarPlay, it can be controlled via the touch screen or the rotary wheel. The instrument cluster is crisp and easy to read, though it’s outdone by the likes of the Golf 7.5 R and Mercedes-AMG A35 when it comes to customization.
Thanks to its’ new UKL2 platform, it has a bit more room inside compared to the previous generation 1 Series. There’s plenty of room up front. Thanks to optional M Sport seats – which look amazing- their comfortable and make journeys that much more pleasant. Gaining 20 litres in the boot, there’s more space for luggage and groceries.
I managed to average around 8 l/100 km. Weirdly enough though, a trip coming back Mooi River which is a 110 km from Durban, I managed a 5.6 l/100 km/h.
The Drive
The biggest question on many people’s minds is how it drives. For one, the sound of the B58 is missed, in its place is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine you find in the new MINI Clubman and Countryman JCW. It produces 225kW and 450 Nm of torque. “Nywe nywe nywe, it’s no longer a six-cylinder, nywe nywe nywe, it’s all-wheel-drive instead of rear-wheel drive”. Come drive this thing, and then talk. It is absolutely quick. If you’ve watched some drag races on YouTube, you’ll see that it’s pretty fast in a straight line. BMW claims 0 – 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds.
The M135i is front-wheel-drive most of the time, but when spirited driving mode is engaged you can feel the power being shifted around. BMW says it call send 50% of it’s torque to the rear wheels when needed. The car is nicely balanced and fun to drive. The eight-speed transmission works very well with this car. It has three drive modes: Sport, Comfort, and Eco Pro. I spent the most time in Eco Pro and Comfort, then when my mood was a bit spicy I chucked it into Sport. Though it’s a four-cylinder, in the cabin you get that occasional pop of the exhaust on upshifts. I was surprised by the ride quality, running on 19-inch low profile tyres it soaks up imperfections, and the car offers a very smooth ride. When it comes to fuel consumption BMW Claims 7.5 l/100 km. I managed to average around 8 l/100 km. Weirdly enough though, a trip coming back Mooi River which is a 110 km from Durban, I managed a 5.6 l/100 km/h. Even though half of the journey was downhill, that’s quite impressive.
Verdict
Starting at R763 300, the BMW M135i is priced between the Golf 7.5 R and Mercedes-AMG A35. That makes it very competitively priced. The big difference is when you start adding optional extras, our test unit soared past R920 000. But then again, if your pockets can handle it then why not. It’s a lot of car for the money. If you look past the platform change, you’ll see that this is still a great hot hatch from BMW.
Specs
- Engine: 2,0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
- Power: 225 kW @ 5000-6250 r/min
- Torque: 450 Nm @ 1750-4500 r/min
- Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
- Acceleration: 4.8 seconds (claimed)
- Top Speed: 235 km/h
- Fuel Consumption: 7.5 l/100 km
- Price: R763,300.00 (base price)
