First Registered – 01/01/2020
BMW M135i is a very different kettle of fish from its predecessor. Gone are the big six-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive, replaced by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder that’s coupled to a four-wheel drive system with a hefty 309Bhp and 0-62 mph in just 4.8 seconds. That means the lairy, tail-happy handling of the M140i is gone, but don’t worry. In its place is a confidence-inspiring grasp of the road that allows you to fire the M135i out of tight bends with far less drama. Let’s also note that, while inclement conditions would slow your progress considerably in the old car, the same can’t be said of its big successor. So, what’s the secret behind this reformed behaviour? … Well, up front, there’s a limited-slip differential that boosts traction off the line and when you’re accelerating out of corners, while the rear wheels can receive up to 50% of the engine’s power if the electronics feel it necessary. The final link in the chain is an eight-speed automatic gearbox with manual paddles so you can take control of gearshifts. That engine change brings another benefit: more interior space. The compact arrangement of the M135i’s oily bits means there’s more leg room and a bigger boot than in the previous model. Of course, there’s still a pair of sports seats and a chunky leather steering wheel up front, as well as the top version of BMW’s iDrive infotainment system.
The M135i comes with a reasonable list of standard equipment, including automatic lights and wipers, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, 18in alloy wheels and a racy bodykit to set it apart from lesser BMW 1 Series models. As an option, you can turn your smartphone into the key for the car, this feature even going as far as allowing you to unlock and start the car with it.
Inside the cabin a configurable, 10.3in digital display replaces traditional dials behind the steering wheel. Its graphics are very clear and sharp, The view out of the front and rear is very good. Front and rear parking sensors come as standard, and, you can get Park Assist, which includes a couple of very helpful parking aids. One of these is Parking Assistant, which can park the car for you. The other, Reversing Assistant, will remember your steering inputs when you drive nose-first into a space and can repeat them to automatically reverse the car back out again for you.Meanwhile, with LED headlights as standard, it’ll be easy to see at night. The 10.3in touchscreen is standard which all comes with Bluetooth, Sat Nav and apple car play which also comes as standard. Forming the centrepiece of BMW’s iDrive infotainment system, which is certainly one of the best on the market. It can be operated via the screen itself, by using voice command, or through the rotary dial controller and physical shortcut buttons. It’s simple to use, both on the move and when stationary. All the switches and dials have a real feeling of quality to them, the overall effect placing the M135i’s interior a cut above that of most other hot hatches. Poke and prod around all you like, you’ll find no hint of any cheap-feeling flex to the dashboard, although you will encounter harder plastics on the doors and in places where fingers roam less frequently. The driver and passenger have plenty of head and leg room, while the interior is nice and wide. There are also decent-sized door bins and a generous cubbyhole under the central armrest. Add the tray at the front of the centre console and there’s a good amount of interior storage.
If you think this great hot hatch might be the car for you then please don’t hesitate to contact ourselves for any more information or a viewing.
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Please fill out the contact form to allow our team to help you with your enquiry.
We will be in contact with you shortly. Thank you for making an enquiry.
joe@bestcars.im
