Yesterday, BMW Malaysia unveiled the All-New BMW M135i xDrive. This hot hatchback, called The 1 by BMW is the sporting flagship of the third generation BMW 1 Series line-up. This 1 Series is quite different from the previous generation in that it is now mostly front wheel driven, but this hot version comes in the xDrive all-wheel drive system and comes into Malaysia at RM355,646.25.
At the media unveiling, which was the first actual automotive media event coming out of the recent Movement Control Order here in Malaysia, Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia said, “We are privileged to share with you the latest portfolio of premium compact vehicles from BMW Malaysia. At the pinnacle of this portfolio lies The 1 - All-New BMW M135i xDrive, also widely regarded as the benchmark for powerful hot-hatches around the world" .
The All-New BMW M135i xDrive, being the flagship 1 Series does look good. Having all that sporty add-ons makes the new 1 Series look aggressive but still keeping in line with the whole line of vehicles. With the 'M' additions, it exudes greater presence compared to its predecessor. I must say that this newest generation of the 1 Series looks the most balanced in terms of its stance, proportions and overall desirability. To me that is. This is most likely due to the better packaging due to the front wheel drive underpinnings, although this variant has that all-wheel drive set up (which BMW says drives extremely well and will still be very enjoyable).
On a personal note having driven the current all-wheel drive M5, we motorheads have nothing to fear in terms of driveability (and nice four wheel drifting even in that large sedan) as the engineers at BMW M certainly know how to make it work. The M135i is fitted with the M Sport suspension and M Sport brake system which adds more control to the 1 Series chassis. Should be playful when you want it to.
But of course, to make the best of the new chassis, the new M135i gets BMW Group’s most powerful four-cylinder engine, the latest generation of the BMW EfficientDynamics family. A 2.0liter turbocharged engine that makes 306hp and a very potent 450Nm worth of torque. Those numbers and the torsen (torque sensitive) based all-wheel drive system coupled to a 8 speed dual clutch transmission.
The 0-100kmh is done in 4.8 seconds and it has a top speed of 250kmh.
The new M135i does look like it is competitive in terms of performance figures as well as its price here in Malaysia (despite the usual excise duties of course). The price of RM255K is attractive to those that are looking for a premium super hot hatch and takes on the Mercedes-AMG A35 head on in many ways as well as the other hot hatches on sale in Malaysia at the moment (which there area few but not as premium as this one or the A35 mentioned above).
As this is the latest 1 Series, it actually feels like it has more interior space in the front and at the back for most normal sized adults. The rear seems bigger a tad bit and I do think the transmission tunnel isn't as intrusive as the earlier one. The overall packaging in terms of space utilisation is better and there is ample space inside even though is does look like a dainty car.
The materials used inside the cabin also is a grade or might I even say two grades higher than the model it replaced. Interior trim standards have indeed improved over the previous 1 Series. You still get everything in a similar dashboard design and layout though (which I think looks too similar over the years and could use an even larger shake up), which is a good thing for those that want to upgrade to this new BMW from an earlier one.
So yes. This is a very interesting hot hatch if you can go for one.
The 2020 All-New BMW M135i xDrive Official Product Summary
To complement the driving
pleasure, superior advancements in connectivity and driver assistance systems are
crafted to best suit the modern-day driver. The All-New BMW M135i xDrive’s spacious
and contemporary setting afforded by its wider interior dimensions also provide the
luxury of comfort to not just the driver and front passenger, but rear passengers too.
“The BMW 1 Series has been at the forefront of premium compact driving standards for over a decade. The new sporty compact model, now combined with the iconic genes of BMW M, further exemplifies the dynamic, independent spirit of those who constantly innovate to achieve greater success – whether to inspire or be inspired. Indeed, the All- New BMW M135i xDrive has a strong character of its own,” added Hoelzl.
The 1: perfect synthesis of agility and space.
The All-New BMW M135i xDrive stands out with a distinctive kidney grille in Cerium
Grey, whereby the exclusive mesh-design replaces the classical bars. For the first time
in this model range, the two kidney grilles are now merged in the middle. Now slanting in
design, the Adaptive LED headlights complete with high-beam assistant offer a
particularly modern appearance.
The front and side air inlets, exterior mirror caps and the 100-millimetre exhaust
tailpipes in Cerium Grey underscores its status as the sporting flagship of the range.
The sporty compact model comes with the newly designed 19-inch light alloy wheels in
V-spoke Style 557 M Bicolour. At the rear, three-dimensional two-part taillights with the
classic BMW L-shape emphasise the vehicle’s width. The BMW M135i xDrive comes
exclusively with a BMW M rear spoiler.
Powering the All-New BMW M135i xDrive is the BMW Group’s most powerful two-litre,
M Performance TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine. This premium compact all-wheel
drive has a combined maximum output of 225kW/306hp and a peak torque of 450Nm.
The All-New BMW M135i xDrive takes just 4.8 seconds to make the century sprint and
has a top speed of 250km/h.
The sporty compact model is fitted with the M Sport suspension and M Sport brake
which offers excellent fade resistance and abundant reserves of stopping power. The
All-New BMW M135i xDrive is also equipped with Active Sound Design that amplifies
the actual sound from the engine and modulates it for an exhilarating, sporty soundtrack
without emitting increased external noise.
For the first time, the All-New BMW M135i xDrive comes with front-wheel drive
architecture that also features technology transferred from BMW i for superior driving
characteristics. The ARB technology (actuator contiguous wheel slip limitation) – as
seen in the all-electric BMW i3s, improves traction and enables noticeably more
sensitive and faster interventions on the driven front axle. This is made possible by the
slip control system positioned directly in the engine control unit, which results in a
shorter signal path with engine output imperceptibly reduced as soon as threat of wheel
slip on the front wheels is detected.
The All-New BMW M135i xDrive features a newly developed Torsen limited-slip
differential integrated into the Eight-Speed Steptronic Sport Transmission which
optimises traction by distributing power to individual wheels. It functions as a front
differential, and channels power to the wheel with the most traction in fast corners.
Additionally, the Torsen differential features a Launch Control mode that already puts
the full peak torque of 450Nm on tap in the first and second gear.
The cockpit of the All-New BMW M135i is complete with ‘Illuminated Boston’ interior trim
finishers and Leather Dakota upholstery. Characteristically M elements adorn the Sport
seats, seat belts, and leather steering wheel. The M135i designation can be seen on the
front door sill finishers. Electrically-adjustable front seats with driver’s seat memory
function, two-zone automatic air conditioning and the BMW Individual Headliner
Anthracite also equip the vehicle, while its wireless charging capabilities along with the
16-Speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system offer endless entertainment on
every drive.
The All-New BMW M135i xDrive presents a redesigned cabin that features a more
spacious interior for maximum comfort. The new architecture enables a more spacious
interior combined with a shorter wheelbase. The All-New BMW M135i xDrive has grown
in width (+34mm) and height (+13mm) compared to its predecessor, providing additional
knee room and elbow room for easier entry and exit. Thanks to the space-saving rear-
axle design, luggage capacity has also increased to 380 litres (+20 litres).
The BMW Live Cockpit Professional in the All-New BMW M135i xDrive features the
BMW Operating System 7.0 with a customisable 10.25-inch Instrument Display and
high-resolution 10.25-inch touchscreen Control Display. The new premium BMW
hatchback is also equipped with BMW Digital Key, Apple CarPlay, Remote Software
Upgrade and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.
Assistance is offered via the BMW Personal CoPilot which features the Driving
Assistant, Parking Assistant and the Reversing Assistant. The Driving Assistant includes
Lane Change Warning, Crossing Traffic Warning at the rear, Rear Collision Warning
and Speed Limit Assist. It also includes Lane Departure Warning and Frontal Collision
Warning with braking function.
The Parking Assistant is also available, along with the intuitive Active Park Distance
Control. The Reversing Assistant recalls the last 50 metres covered and is able to
manoeuvre back the same way by taking over the wheel while the driver controls
acceleration and braking.
The All-New BMW M135i xDrive is available in Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Misano
Blue, Mineral Grey or Melbourne Red. Owners can choose to complement the exterior
with either black Leather ‘Dakota’ upholstery with black perforations, or Magma Red
Leather ‘Dakota’ upholstery with grey highlight and black perforations.
The All-New BMW M135i xDrive will be available at all authorised BMW dealerships
nationwide by 28 th July 2020. Customers can also book The 1 on
http://www.shop.bmw.com.my/ at RM1,000 and be in the running to bring home a new
BMW i8 Coupé.
Dynamic financial programme.
With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the All-
New BMW M135i xDrive can be owned with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM
4,058.00 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure).
Complete premium ownership experience.
Owners of the All-New BMW M135i xDrive will receive the complete BMW Group
Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which includes:
BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme
BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline
The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App - BMW Privileges Card
BMW Service Online
The retail pricing (on the road, without insurance, and with BMW Group Malaysia’s latest
5 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty, and Free Scheduled Service Programme) for the
All-New BMW M135i xDrive is:
The All-New BMW M135i xDrive is RM 355,646.25
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