This is a long time coming, the replacement model of the most extreme compact vehicle in BMW’s garage. Welcome to the BMW M135i xDrive. Yes, it is a hatchback, and yes, it is still BMW’s most powerful vehicle of this size. There are a couple of major differences from the old M135 though, with this one.
Its visuals, for example is a little more imposing than before. It has got bigger ‘nostrils’ that is the BMW signature Kidney Grille as well, to breathe better in the more practical context. But it is more than that, the bigger grilles come with a few more slots and vents at the front bumper that makes it look that much more menacing. This thing not only breathes better, it looks better.
Somehow, they managed to retain the very distinct long bonnet that identifies with the BMW 1-Series. That longer bonnet does contribute to a slightly longer wheelbase which is preferred when you send power to the rear wheels. There is a problem here though, the BMW M135i xDrive now is no longer a rear-wheel drive. It is now a part-time all-wheel drive with a front-wheel drive bias. An M-car that is a front-wheel drive bias is here.
Before you send in hate mails to BMW though, you have to understand that times are changing. A few years ago we seem to remember that the director of BMW’s M-division said that no M-cars will be turbocharged. Fast forward to the F10 BMW M5 and it packs a Twin-Turbocharged eight-cylinder internal combustion engine. Even the next generation M3 after than is a Twin-Turbocharged inline-six engine. You have Emissions regulations to thank for that.
The modern vehicle market is now revolving around more practicality too. That also means better fuel consumption, more relaxing drive, and more room in the car. That is what front-wheel drive vehicles tend to offer. That is what the BMW M135i xDrive offers; a 380-litre boot space. The 20-litre advantage over the older car is also thanks to some growth in the car’s physical size though, an additional 34mm in width and 13mm in height.
Underneath the long, sweeping bonnet is BMW’s most powerful 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine to date. The 2.0-litre has some help from forced induction to produce 306 hp on all wheels. That is about as powerful as Honda Civic Type-R, to put into context. The Honda Civic Type-R is also the fastest front-wheel drive car around the coveted Nordschleife, Nürburgring track known as the Green Hell. Not that it means that much on Malaysian roads anyway.
Still, the BMW M135i xDrive will hit 100km/h in just under 5 seconds (4.8 seconds) with Launch Control. With its 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, top speed is at 250 km/h. Not that you might be travelling at that speed, since our national speed limit is only at 110 km/h. We are just saying that this has no problems driven at the national speed limit.
What matters in the modern market is also what you get inside the car. The larger cabin is bolstered with BMW’s very comfortable and body-hugging sports seats. You’d want that, to stop you sloshing in the car when you turn a corner hard, it is an M-car after all. Greeting you is a pretty looking 10.25-inch LCD display with anti-glare coating to replace the traditional instrument cluster. In the center console is a display just as large for your in-car infotainment stuff. You get to control some of the car’s functions from there too with BMW’s new Operating System 7(OS 7).
BMW’s OS 7 is their latest and biggest update to their iconic infotainment system. It is much cleaner, and more intuitive, they say. We will not be able to tell you much until we try it ourselves. At least Apple CarPlay comes as standard in this hatchback now. But OS 7 is much more than that.
BMW’s OS 7 now comes with BMW Digital Kay and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. BMW Dgital Key allows you to access some basic car controls with an BMW app you can find on your Apple iPhone or Android device. BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is exactly what it sounds like; a voice command control interface. With BMW’s Remote Software Upgrade, the system will be kept up to date without needing a physical connection to any station. More about the BMW Operating System 7 on our sister site.
BMW Personal CoPilot is also in the BMW M135i xDrive. Nope, it is not going to help you drive itself on the expressway. Not yet, anyway. It does help you with parking while you do your make up or do up your hair. Of course, like any modern cars, there is the usual Lane Change warning, Crossing Traffic Warning, Rear Collision warning, Speed Limit Warning, Lane Departure warning, and Frontal Collision Warning with bake assist.
The all-new BMW M135i xDrive is available at all BMW’s authorised dealerships across the nation by 28th July 2020. It will set you back MYR 368,800 (MYR 355,646.25 after SST exemption). Of course, according to times, you can also book your 1-Series on BMW’s online store. Booking fee is at MYR 1,000 and you will be in the running to bring home a new BMW i8 Coupé as your weekend car.
You can choose between Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Misano Blue, Mineral Grey, and Melbourne Red colour options for its shell. The old drab, all-black interior is now replaced with an extra colour choice of Magma Red Leather ‘Dakota’ upholstery with grey highlight and black perforations. Of course, you still can opt for the old all-black leather interion with black perforations. A purchase of the all-new 2020 BMW M135i xDrive will come with BMW’s 5-year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme, BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline service, a BMW Privileges Card with Group Loyalty+ Mobile App access, and BMW Service Online.
