As the all-new BMW 1-Series has made its debut, enthusiasts were split on its updated design; however, initial reviews were positive on its driving experience. Then when word got around that an M Performance version would make its way into showrooms, the hooting and hollering was amped up a bit.
People love anything that M touchs. It's a fact.
But it's time to get down to brass tacks and see how the latest M Performance product performs. That's where the UK's Autocar steps in.
Here are some excerpts from its recent, first drive of the all-new BMW M135i:
A mix of dry and damp, tight bends and a narrow road should be challenge enough for a hot hatch with 316bhp to spill from its rear wheels. And if that sounds like a temptingly reckless number then you’d be right – it’s only 19bhp down on the output of the lately departed 1M Coupé, and the M135i’s 320lb ft of torque is identical...
...The result is a an excitingly rapid drive that sits just the right side of hectic, the excitement of the six’s keen blare built on by the ‘box’s light thumps in sport, the ra-ta-tat of the exhaust’s over-run, the lightly clasping support of the seats and an excellent driving position. While some may desire the more uncompromising character of the 1M Coupé, the fact is that this M135i’s ride is less maskingly firm, its steering more delicate and its character easier to live with. And it’s also a whole lot cheaper, being almost £10k less...
Should I buy one?
None of this seriously diminishes the appeal of this car, which has to be one of the most entertaining in the entire BMW range, offers truly memorable go for the money and a highly capable and entertaining chassis besides. It’s a shame that the 1-series, three-door or not, doesn’t make a more appealing eyeful, like a Vauxhall Astra GTC. Maybe the next-gen 1-series coupé will fix that.
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