BMW reveals new M135i hyper hatch

[AVANTI R5]

BMW is set to crown its second-generation 1-series line-up with an exciting new 300bhp plus six-cylinder powered M135i model pictured here in lightly veiled concept car form ahead of a public premiere at next week’s Geneva motor show.

The Audi RS3 rivaling hatchback, planned for UK sale before the end of 2012, forms part of BMW’s new M Performance line-up, joining the recently revealed M550d xDrive saloon and touring, X5 M50d and X6 M50d.

It is also the first three-door version of BMW’s second-generation 1-series that is set to be sold with the same range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines as its more practical five-door sibling from mid-year.

Although not a fully-fledged M-car, the M135i draws heavily on the year-old M135i Coupe, sharing its engine and gearbox among other go-fast components.

Full details are yet to be revealed, but BMW insiders hint new hatchback’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder engine, the M54S as it is known internally, kicks out in the region of 320bhp, together with 332lb ft of torque.

Unlike the rear-wheel drive only M135i Coupe, though, Autocar can reveal that BMW plans to offer the new M135i hatchback with both standard rear-wheel drive and optional four-wheel drive. But like other non SUV xDrive models sold by BMW, the upcoming M135i xDrive is likely to come in left-hand drive form only, ruling out UK sales of the four-wheel drive version.

With a rumoured 1500kg kerb weight and power-to-weight ratio described as being better than 220bhp/tonne in rear wheel drive guise, Munich’s new hyper hatch is expected to deliver performance comparable to the M135i Coupe - 0-62mph acceleration in 4.9sec, 0-124mph in 17.3sec and a limited 155mph top speed.

Allied to the upgraded driveline is a heavily reworked suspension with wider tracks, lower ride height and larger 18-inch wheels than standard 1-series models. BMW describes the handling as offering “a noticeable improvement in overall agility and more precise characteristics”. The brakes have also been upgraded, with 360mm rotors appearing up front and 350mm units at the rear.

As previewed by the concept set to appear at Geneva, the M135i will receive a distinctive body kit to differentiate it from other less powerful three door 1-series hatchback models. Included is a deeper front bumper boasting typical M division styling cues, LED imbued headlamps, unique mirror housings, wider sills under the doors and a substantial rear bumper featuring a black lower section and twin tail pipes.

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[AVANTI R5]

bring it over.. awd stick hatch, 320hp

[lordgrinz]

I am going to guess very expensive, but nice!

[aschen]

Want5

[delongedoug]

I still have an incredible lust for this car that isn't present in the new BMW. The aggressive styling isn't there.

[KC]

xDrive, hatch & 320hp?

I wouldn't kick it out of the garage if it were given to me.

--kC

[woody06967]

Originally Posted by delongedoug

I still have an incredible lust for this car that isn't present in the new BMW. The aggressive styling isn't there.

I still want an 01-02.

[delongedoug]

Originally Posted by woody06967

I still want an 01-02.

Ditto. I hate how rare (read: $) they are.

[woody06967]

Originally Posted by delongedoug

Ditto. I hate how rare (read: $) they are.

Yeah, and time isn't helping...

[Allch Chcar]

Heh, the compact is finally getting some love.

[nhat]

Originally Posted by KC

xDrive, hatch & 320hp?

I wouldn't kick it out of the garage if it were given to me.

--kC

too bad the styling is a huge let down.

[SamXp]

Do want! BMW M Power is delicious. I had an e46 M3 and I severely miss that power delivery. Couple it with AWD and hatchback versatility and they better import this into the US or I would rather not know it exists.

[HipToBeSquare]

A turbo is going to have different power delivery than a well tuned atmospheric engine.

BMW ///M division used to know that better than most.

But now they are going all turbo, and even turbo diesel. lusty naturally breathing engines are becoming a by-gone thing for the BMW Motorsport division, evidently.

Then there is the whole 'sad kitteh' front end styling thing...

[keepclam]

Even with stripes plastered on it it's a boring design.

[lordgrinz]

Originally Posted by HipToBeSquare

A turbo is going to have different power delivery than a well tuned atmospheric engine.

Except unlike our Subaru motors, the 135i and M1 have all their torque available at 1500 rpms, rather than 4000 rpms in my WRX. I'll take that kind of power delivery any day!

[AWDPilot]

Originally Posted by lordgrinz

Except unlike our Subaru motors, the 135i and M1 have all their torque available at 1500 rpms, rather than 4000 rpms in my WRX. I'll take that kind of power delivery any day!

This is why I can't wait for the next FI impeza.

Assuming they goto the new turbo placement like it exists in the newer legacy GTs, spoolup will be happening much faster.

[im2lazy789]

I think the 1 Series designer is a bit of cat person. They managed to do away with the cat belly, but now all I see is hello-kitty in the front fascia

[dave07]

Originally Posted by woody06967

I still want an 01-02.

There was one a few days ago in the Vehicle Classifieds.

[Derbagger]

Imho, not a fan of AWD in this application. The last thing the 1 series needs is more weight.

[richde]

Originally Posted by nhat

too bad the styling is a huge let down.

The hatch has always looked better than the coupe', while it's not that exciting, it isn't bad looking.

[delongedoug]

Right, it's not bad looking but it's not exciting. For an M car, it better not look like a generic cheapo Eurohatch with stipes.

[White out]

A new shoe! Sweet!

No AWD for me. My M3 is too good to want a toss'able car with AWD from this manufacturer.

Nick

[Len]

I know I'm gonna sound superficial, but I really really can't get over those horrible headlights. Even if the car is awesome, especially since this won't be cheap.

[4S-TURBO]

Shoe-ting Break!

[BryanH]

Originally Posted by nhat

too bad the styling is a huge let down.

I think you are being very generous. I have seen more aggressive styling on late 80's Minivans. It is a face a mother would apologize for and hide the child.