The BMW 1 Series is a range of subcompact executive cars (C-segment) manufactured by BMW since 2004. Positioned as the entry-level model in BMW range of products, the first generation was produced in hatchback, coupé and convertible body styles.
That would be a case if i just wouldnt like the design, but now i just hate it. Just like i did previous 1er. However they managed to make 1m look fantastic, so i still have some hope
Human
You. The Road. Nothing else.
BMW M135i xDrive first drive review - AUTOCAR UK
BMW’s hot hatchback gets four-wheel-drive for added stability and security, without compromising the rear-drive version’s entertainment factor
What is it?
The BMW M135i xDrive is a four-wheel-drive version of the popular high-performance hatchback. It has been designed to meet the requirements of mainland Europe markets, where predictable periods of heavy snowfall make four-wheel drive a necessity, rather than a nicety.
Unfortunately, BMW has no immediate plans to offer the model here. As the manufacturer rightly observes, it would occupy an even smaller niche than the rear-drive M135i, meaning negligible sales.
With more four-wheel-drive models creeping into BMW’s range, however, and powerful AWD variants likely to appear eventually as a result, it’s worth taking a closer look at this car to find out whether the addition of xDrive compromises or complements BMW’s ethos.
What is it like?
Internally and externally, this looks like a standard M135i. Its single-turbo 3.0-litre straight six is the same, delivering 315bhp and 332lb ft through a rapid-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. For the purists, a six-speed manual is offered.
The key difference is the addition of the intelligent xDrive four-wheel drive system. It uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch to distribute power between the front and rear axles.
In normal conditions, 60 per cent of the engine’s output is sent to the rear, helping to retain the typical rear-drive BMW feel. If the system detects oversteer or understeer, however, it quickly shuffles torque between the axles to stabilise the car. The additional traction also means the xDrive M135i is 0.2sec quicker from 0-62mph than its rear-drive equivalent.
We found the M135i xDrive to be eminently capable on a snow-covered slalom, while stop-start manoeuvres on icy inclines were fuss-free and ice-covered corners could be dispatched in a surefooted fashion.
Even moderately deep snow was tackled with relative ease, as long as some momentum was maintained. Some of those capabilities were no doubt down to the test car’s winter tyres, but nevertheless, there’s no doubting that an xDrive-equipped BMW would prove both easier and more reassuring to drive in poor conditions.
More importantly, the addition of four-wheel drive doesn’t appear to have notably compromised the M135i. The steering remains precise and uncorrupted, while the xDrive means you can exploit the available power more controllably, which some might prefer. Multi-stage stability control also allows for a modicum of tail-out action, ticking the requisite box for many an enthusiast.
Should I buy one?
If you frequently travel to European ski resorts, and want a practical hatch with some punch, then this could be just the ticket. That's assuming, however, that you don't mind the fact it's left-hand drive.
Those who find the idea of an xDrive-equipped 1-series appealing can at least partially sate their appetite with the UK market 120d xDrive, which is available now for £26,190.
It may not have the M135i’s pace, but it’s still a thoroughly decent car to drive, albeit one that majors on practicality and efficiency.
BMW 1-series M135i xDrive
Price £35,550 (est); 0-62mph 4.7sec; Top speed 155mph; Economy 36.0mpg (combined); CO2 182g/km; Kerb weight 1595kg; Engine Straight six, 2979cc, turbocharged, petrol; Power 315bhp at 5800rpm; Torque 332lb ft at 1250-5000rpm; Gearbox 8-spd automatic
BMW’s hot hatchback gets four-wheel-drive for added stability and security, without compromising the rear-drive version’s entertainment factor
What is it?
The BMW M135i xDrive is a four-wheel-drive version of the popular high-performance hatchback. It has been designed to meet the requirements of mainland Europe markets, where predictable periods of heavy snowfall make four-wheel drive a necessity, rather than a nicety.
Unfortunately, BMW has no immediate plans to offer the model here. As the manufacturer rightly observes, it would occupy an even smaller niche than the rear-drive M135i, meaning negligible sales.
With more four-wheel-drive models creeping into BMW’s range, however, and powerful AWD variants likely to appear eventually as a result, it’s worth taking a closer look at this car to find out whether the addition of xDrive compromises or complements BMW’s ethos.
What is it like?
Internally and externally, this looks like a standard M135i. Its single-turbo 3.0-litre straight six is the same, delivering 315bhp and 332lb ft through a rapid-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. For the purists, a six-speed manual is offered.
The key difference is the addition of the intelligent xDrive four-wheel drive system. It uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch to distribute power between the front and rear axles.
In normal conditions, 60 per cent of the engine’s output is sent to the rear, helping to retain the typical rear-drive BMW feel. If the system detects oversteer or understeer, however, it quickly shuffles torque between the axles to stabilise the car. The additional traction also means the xDrive M135i is 0.2sec quicker from 0-62mph than its rear-drive equivalent.
We found the M135i xDrive to be eminently capable on a snow-covered slalom, while stop-start manoeuvres on icy inclines were fuss-free and ice-covered corners could be dispatched in a surefooted fashion.
Even moderately deep snow was tackled with relative ease, as long as some momentum was maintained. Some of those capabilities were no doubt down to the test car’s winter tyres, but nevertheless, there’s no doubting that an xDrive-equipped BMW would prove both easier and more reassuring to drive in poor conditions.
More importantly, the addition of four-wheel drive doesn’t appear to have notably compromised the M135i. The steering remains precise and uncorrupted, while the xDrive means you can exploit the available power more controllably, which some might prefer. Multi-stage stability control also allows for a modicum of tail-out action, ticking the requisite box for many an enthusiast.
Should I buy one?
If you frequently travel to European ski resorts, and want a practical hatch with some punch, then this could be just the ticket. That's assuming, however, that you don't mind the fact it's left-hand drive.
Those who find the idea of an xDrive-equipped 1-series appealing can at least partially sate their appetite with the UK market 120d xDrive, which is available now for £26,190.
It may not have the M135i’s pace, but it’s still a thoroughly decent car to drive, albeit one that majors on practicality and efficiency.
BMW 1-series M135i xDrive
Price £35,550 (est); 0-62mph 4.7sec; Top speed 155mph; Economy 36.0mpg (combined); CO2 182g/km; Kerb weight 1595kg; Engine Straight six, 2979cc, turbocharged, petrol; Power 315bhp at 5800rpm; Torque 332lb ft at 1250-5000rpm; Gearbox 8-spd automatic
However, still amazing car.
Evo drove the M135i with an LSD:
Rating:
The BMW M135i is one of the best value and best to drive hot hatchbacks on sale
Powertrain, noise, chassis, price
Odd styling, steering lacks feel
Link to the article
Rating:
The BMW M135i is one of the best value and best to drive hot hatchbacks on sale
Link to the article
mini_cooper4
Autotechnik Ace
Everything seems better with some LSD 
If there will be an M2 it will have a hard time beating this beast by big enough margin in order to justify the premium and M letter!
If there will be an M2 it will have a hard time beating this beast by big enough margin in order to justify the premium and M letter!
as7920
Autobahn Adventurer
Hi Scott. Would you be able to shed any light on the M135i M Performance exhaust stock issues?
I have had one on order since August 10th. Apparently there are supply issues.
Thanks.
mini_cooper4
Autotechnik Ace
Price included, LSD included... most probably the best car in the world for me!
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BMW
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, abbreviated as BMW is a German multinational
manufacturer of luxury vehicles and motorcycles headquartered in Munich, Bavaria, Germany.
The company was founded in 1916 as a manufacturer of aircraft engines, which it produced
from 1917 to 1918 and again from 1933 to 1945.
Official website: BMW (Global), BMW (USA)
Official website: BMW (Global), BMW (USA)
