By Otsile Kadiege

Shortly after unveiling the facelifted new 1 Series, BMW took the wraps off the most potent derivative – the new M135 xDrive. Like its less powerful siblings, the potent M135 xDrive gets a new exterior and design with model-specific styling. It also gets new tech and is still powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with uprated power.

Performance

Sadly, the new M135 xDrive is not powered by the much-loved B58 3.0-litre straight-six. Instead, it’s still powered the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. That said, power has been increased from 221kW to 233kW. Torque output is yet to be confirmed. The outgoing model develops 450Nm. Maybe BMW might add an additional 50Nm of pulling power. Stopping power comes in the form of 19-inch M compound brakes. Perforated brake discs are optional extras.

It’s paired with a 7-speed dual clutch Steptronic transmission and has a claimed zero to 100km/h of 4.9 seconds. Its top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h. Fuel consumption is at a claimed 8.1-7.6l/100km (WLTP).

M135 exterior styling

On the exterior styling side of things, the new M135 sets itself apart with a black M Kidney grille with horizontal slats, exclusive 19-inch 976 M Y-spoke alloy wheels, exterior mirrors with M geometry, an M-specific rear spoiler and a model-specific rear bumper with an integrated quad exhaust system. An Easter egg worth mentioning is the deletion of the ‘i’ letter designation from the BMW M135 badge. According to BMW, the said letter will be reserved for the brand’s fully-electric range.

M135 interior

Inside, the M135 gets a sporty M leather multifunctional steering wheel with M colour stitching and a 12 o’clock marker, a dashboard with decorative stitching in M colours, backlit interior trim in aluminium hexacube matt and optional M Sport seats with backlit M logos. Other noteworthy features is the BMW curved Display which is running on the brand’s latest Operating System 9 with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a panoramic sunroof and a Harman Kardon sound system.

Availability

In South Africa, the model lineup at launch will comprise the three-cylinder BMW 118 and the BMW M135 xDrive, with the BMW 120 following in 2025.