Test drive BMW M135i xDrive, a rocket shaped like a compact

Compact GTIs have always been admired and desired by many car enthusiasts thanks to their versatility and driving fun.

For some time now, however, GTIs are no longer the “latest thing” in hot compacts. A good example of this is the M135i from BMW, which this week joins us in the road test section of Highmotor.

Exterior design

The 1 Series has always been a controversial model within the BMW family. With a first generation launched in 2004, it lowered the average age of BMW buyers. With the second generation, the design took on special relevance, raising eyebrows with a somewhat peculiar front end.

This second generation underwent a restyling in 2014 that brought a smoother, more harmonious design, more BMW. Its front end is now more proportioned and more pleasant to look at. Without a doubt, the change has suited it wonderfully. The kidney grilles stand out, as they could not be otherwise, which together with the M sport bumper make for a very sporty nose.

The side view is possibly the one most related to the first generation. The shape of the rear door glazing keeps the Hofmeister kink, an unmistakable identity sign of the manufacturer in its models since 1961.

The restyling has suited the 1 Series more than well; it is more harmonious without losing personality

In this version, the 18-inch anthracite-coloured wheels reveal an oversized braking system with 4-piston fixed calipers on the front axle, ready to stop such a machine decisively. The position of the door handles, right on the crease that runs along the entire side, is also a brand signature. It is the most technically challenging position, although the visual balance is undeniably far more precise.

At the rear, the M135i is exactly the same as any other 1 Series fitted with the M trim, that is, with a bulky bumper featuring a lower moulding finished in black, with integrated reflectors. The only difference is found in the exhaust, which in this case is dual, with the outlets in a very attractive dark finish. Otherwise, we are looking at a 1 Series with its restyling, with the new horizontally arranged tail lights resembling those fitted to the rest of the brand’s vehicles.

Interior design

The interior exudes a 100% BMW atmosphere. The dashboard, with its classic lines, fully retains the brand’s identity, with details such as the orientation towards the driver, something the first generation of the 1 Series could not boast.

With a design very similar to that of the current 3 Series and 4 Series, the 1 Series feels more like a “proper car” also thanks to a significant advance in build quality, both in terms of materials and fit between the different parts. Only some hard plastics on the centre console let down an assembly that is generally well finished and offers a good sense of quality which, however, is not superior to other models such as the Audi A3 or even the VW Golf.

The instrumentation, very compact, is also typically BMW, with two large gauges and an additional indicator for fuel level. I miss indications at least for coolant and/or oil temperature, especially in this version, with a clearly performance-oriented and sporty focus. The orange backlighting of the interior is another clear “symptom” that you are at the controls of a BMW.

The interior is typically BMW

As an M trim, this model comes standard with sports seats and steering wheel, the latter being one of the best steering wheels currently available, with a perfect feel, cushioning and thickness. The seats, which on this unit are fully upholstered in leather, also feature electric adjustment and memory, which is of course optional.

In terms of space, the current generation has made a very significant leap forward over its predecessor, which suffered above all from rear seats that were too small. In the current model this has changed, and without being the most spacious compact in the world, it can now comfortably accommodate four adults. The centre seat is more limited, mainly due to a very wide transmission tunnel.

The boot offers 360 litres of capacity, mid-range for the segment, expandable to a decent 1,200 litres. It is evident that the sophisticated suspension and rear/all-wheel drive take a toll on the German compact’s load capacity, being somewhat behind its rivals in this respect.

Driving dynamics

The BMW M135i is, without a doubt, one of the best sporty compacts on the market today. As is tradition at BMW, it relies on an extraordinary powertrain as the cornerstone of its dynamics. In this case we are talking about a magnificent 3.0 turbo inline six-cylinder engine -internal code N55- with no less than 326 CV at 5,800 rpm and 450 NM between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm.

This engine -like the mechanical configuration of the whole- is unique in the segment, as it is the only compact with a six-cylinder engine, since the disappearance of the Golf R32 several years ago. Valve lift control systems (VALVETRONIC) and variable valve timing systems (double-VANOS) are also included.

As standard, the M135i has a 6-speed manual gearbox that transmits all the power to the rear axle, although it is possible to choose, as in the case of this unit, a permanent xDrive all-wheel drive system, which is mandatorily paired with the 8-speed Steptronic automatic torque converter gearbox.

In addition, the M135i has differentiating elements compared to its siblings in the range, such as an M Sport sports suspension which, moreover, can be adaptive, as in our unit, as well as a recalibrated steering and an oversized braking system with ventilated discs on all four wheels with 4-piston fixed calipers on the front axle and 2-piston on the rear, all mounted on exclusive design 18″ alloy wheels with 225/40 R18 tyres at the front and 245/35 R18 at the rear.

Just starting the engine is enough to realise that this BMW is not “an ordinary 1 Series”. When you press the start button, the M135i gives you a wonderful “growl” while its idle settles at around 600 rpm. The refinement of this powertrain is admirable, transmitting not a single vibration to the cabin.

The powertrain offers a smoothness and a sound unattainable for any four-cylinder

On the move, the M135i is a clear demonstration of its dual personality. In town it behaves like any other hatchback, with its compact size and practicality. Only the purr of the engine and somewhat high consumption in urban conditions hint at its potential.

The driving mode selection system is the perfect complement to the whole. In ECO PRO mode the BMW is capable of motorway consumption of around 8 litres, cruising at 120 km/h at just 2,000 rpm with eighth gear engaged. The gearbox’s sailing function is only available in this driving mode. In mixed use it is easy to hover around 9.5 litres/100 km.

However, it is in Sport and Sport+ modes that the M135i unleashes its full potential. We are talking about a compact capable of accelerating from standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds, with a top speed limited to 250 km/h. Even more surprising is the 80-120 km/h in-gear acceleration figure, just 3 seconds.

In the absence of a limited-slip differential to curb the loss of traction, the all-wheel drive system becomes the perfect complement for all those seeking maximum acceleration, as it is capable of transmitting all and every one of the 326 CV to the road without any loss.

When we “get down to business”, the M135i xDrive proves to be a true locomotive, capable of covering ground at devilish pace in seconds, always offering a high margin of safety and confidence. Without a doubt it is one of the most effective vehicles on the market.

Cornering inertia is minimal and the steering is well calibrated. Perhaps the brakes are the weakest point of the whole, as they show fatigue prematurely. The engine, for its part, pushes like a rocket from just 1,500 rpm without respite until the fuel cut-off, located at 7,200 rpm, with a very pleasant sound that turns into a howl as the needle of the rev counter advances.

Range and versions

The M135i is making its final bows within the BMW range, as it is being replaced by the M140i, with a new B58 engine with more power and lower consumption. The range remains unchanged, starting with the three-door M140i, rear-wheel drive and manual gearbox, priced at €44,750. In five-door form the price rises to €45,700.

If choosing the automatic gearbox, the three-door bodystyle costs €47,395. With five doors and automatic gearbox, the price starts at €48,345. If we also add xDrive all-wheel drive, which mandatorily implies the automatic gearbox, the price reaches €49,150 for the three-door bodystyle and €50,100 for the five-door bodystyle.

How much is the unit you see worth?

With no discount whatsoever, the unit you see in the images, having five doors, all-wheel drive and automatic gearbox, has a starting price of €50,100, to which various extras would have to be added, since our unit had an extremely extensive optional equipment list, adding up to more than €12,000.

In total, and we repeat, without any discount applied, the final price comes to €62,421. Among the optional equipment fitted to this unit, the BMW Professional navigation system (€2,202), the Dakota leather upholstery (€1,700), the Harman Kardon HiFi system (€972) or the front seats with electric adjustment and driver memory (€1,169) stand out.

Photographs | Daniel Valdivielso

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackBMW Serie 15 versions · from 35,150 €