BMW Concept M135i previews new hot hatch | CarAdvice

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BMW Concept M135i previews new hot hatch

By Anthony Crawford |
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BMW’s all-new ‘M Performance Automobiles’ model line that is set to launch in Australia in around June this year is already gearing up for expansion with the BMW Concept M135i revealed ahead of next month’s Geneva motor show.

The Concept M135i is a three-door version of the new 1-Series and will be the first in the line-up to feature a classic BMW straight six-cylinder petrol engine with the company’s TwinPower Turbo technology. Performance data is unconfirmed at this stage, but the car will have more than 223kW of power driving the rear wheels, making it unique in the premium small-car segment.

Just like the X5 M550d and the X6 M550d from the M Performance Automobiles range, the M135i has been engineered for better handling, more agility and more overt styling to signify the added exclusivity and performance characteristics of the M Performance range.

The front and rear wheel arches are flared for a more aggressive visual profile, and there are also larger air intakes with special motorsport-like flaps for more efficient cooling of the uprated engine and brakes.

Also included is an M sports brake system and M light alloy wheels with a double-spoke design for a more distinctive look. The brake calipers are painted blue metallic in recognition of the car’s performance characteristics, as with the ‘M’ badges on the side and rear panels.

The M Performance styling continues with the rear apron painted a dark shadow metallic, housing the dark chrome double tailpipes. You’ll also notice the ferric grey mirror caps and the BMW Individual high gloss side window surrounds that are another feature of the M Performance Automobiles line.

BMW calls the M135i a ‘pre-series’ concept car, so expect the series production version to appear in BMW showrooms later in 2012. BMW Australia has told CarAdvice that they would be keen to bring the car to Australia, but most likely it would be a five-door version, if available.

BMW will unveil the Concept M135i for the first time at the Geneva on March 6.


 

  • Crummydore

    Although I have yet to see the new 1 Series in the metal, I still cant warm to the front end design.

    And this version doesn’t improve things much at all.

    As much as the superseded models look polarised opinions I think it was still better than the new look.

  • Gianni

    I like most of the car. It’s the front end I dislike. It’s just the traditional BMW grill that doesn’t match the car.

  • Shak

    Didnt another article state that the M Performance division was meant to be a diesel performance sub-brand? Or am i just imagining things?

    • K20A

      Nah, not exclusively Diesel. It can be Petrol or Diesel.. so long as it has been fettled by the good folks at M GmbH. In my opinion the M performance models should be a good rival to Audi ‘S’ models. The real M versus the RS.

  • WayneTSV

    VW called, the Polo wants its tail lights back.

  • Grammar Nazi

    All I know is that when they begin to throw around the ‘M’ badge will-nilly, it devalues it.

    It should only really be on proper ‘M’ cars. 

    Otherwise it will turn into something as non-profound as Toyota’s ‘Sportivo’.

    • Birty_B

      I have to disagree, it makes sense to me. An M3, M5, M6 will always be a special car. Have M Division involved in the regular performance models seems like it can only benefit everyone. It also helps establish some more legitimacy for cars like the 135i which were already brilliant. 

      You’d be mad not to take advantage of such a massive resource. 

    • Chuck

      Nothing could become as non-profound as a Toyota sportivo.
      It’s not the over use of a name that’s a problem…as long as there’s the substance to go with it.

    • K20A

      I agree wholeheartedly. That’s why BMW never (used to) badge their M Sport Paket-ed cars externally… only subtle badging on steering wheel, gear knob, carpet mats and door sills.

      To quote David Brent: “I Will Not Have the M Badge Bandied Around The Car Willy Nilly”.

  • Tom

    I think the day they allowed people to put full M kits on 318i’s, they devalued themselves beyond this. Besides, that new diesel motor is absolutely MIND-BLOWING and totally worth the M badge!

    I do see your point though, but I saw the devaluing with the E46 318i M-kit…

    But hey, everyone wants a CHEAP BMW that looks like a more expensive one. Hence all the damn 320i M-packs running around debadged.

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    And the new 1-series looks awful… It’s slightly better in person though.

    But still awful.

    Lucky the 3-series looks good =)

  • gt86.com.au

    in desperate need of a facelift.. nothing can polish this turd..
    Sorry BMW.. biggest styling fail EVER!
    Must have been snowing and foggy in Germany when this got approved..

  • CUL8R

    I don’t get the styling of the front end? Just ugly & weird.

  • Mr McKenzie

    Its not the only BMW to polarise.I think they do it on purpose .

  • Peter G

    BMW  knows  that if it looks like sex and drives like sh.t you won’t buy it
     buy it  it drives like sex and looks like sh.t you will
    Imagine if it looked like sex and drove sex .
    BMW please talk to the Italians about how to look good and stick to handling and engines.