Currently reading: Hottest BMW 1-series spied

M135i is likely to be powered by a 16bhp turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six engine

These spy pictures show the most potent version of the new BMW 1-series, which is set to launch alongside the new three-door model later this year.

A BMW M insider confirmed to Autocar that the new model was likely to wear the M135i badge and would be part of the firm’s upcoming M Performance Automobiles line-up.

See pictures of the new BMW M135i

According to the insider the M135i model, pictured here in testing for the first time, was likely to be powered by the same 316bhp turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six engine found in the BMW 640i.

Like all M Performance models, the M135i will also sport a whole host of chassis and styling tweaks as part of its makeover. Insiders say the model should be viewed as a three-door hatchback version of the current 135i coupé, with a more focused M-honed chassis and more muscular styling.

The spy pictures also reveal the look of the three-door 1-series for the first time. It gets a gently sloping roofline and a more angular rear glasshouse for a sleeker profile than the five-door model.

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507 24 January 2012

Re: Hottest BMW 1-series spied

An M150d xDrive would weigh about 1615kg as an F20 (5 door) and 1595kg as an F21 (3 door). I wouldn´t worry too much about the handling as BMW destest the Audi understeer and avoiding that is a priority. The Autocar idea that "they forgot the handling" is a rather strange notion and hardly a representative one.

What would be interesting to hear is what competitors an M150d xDrive would have. Would there be anything similar?

Dimebar 22 January 2012

Re: Hottest BMW 1-series spied

Brava wrote:
And to the detractors, what would you prefer, a gorgeous looking dud or the best handling chassis in its class, RWD and world beating engines?

Confident about the handling? A recent 1 series road test by Autocar said 'shame they forgot the handling'.

matsoc 21 January 2012

Re: Hottest BMW 1-series spied

507 wrote:
Of further interest will be whether the 376bhp,745Nm diesel six xDrive will turn up in the F20/F21 under the "M performance" logo. This would also offer also 0-60mph in 4 sec but also achieve 56mpg. Strong forces within BMW are in favour so why not?

The performance / consumption ratio would be impressive but I think M performance would have to put at first driving pleasure, not mpg. A "M150xd" would be a very illogical car in my view...to deal with 745Nm you need an hell of a transmission, weighing a lot! And than there's the awd...it will end with a 1700kg car...come on!