Singapore. BMW Asia and Performance Munich Autos today announced the availability of the new BMW M135i xDrive. The sporty flagship of the BMW 1 Series range combines a cutting-edge chassis system and the BMW Group’s most powerful four-cylinder engine. The result? A dynamic sharpness unprecedented in front-wheel drive cars, allowing the new BMW M135i xDrive to set new standards in the premium compact class.

Exterior and interior design: a real head-turner.

The new face of the BMW 1 Series and its fresh interpretation of iconic BMW features is seen most clearly on the new BMW M135i xDrive. The range-topper stands out with a distinctive kidney grille featuring a pronounced mesh design that replaces the classical bars – this three-dimensional element is inspired by racing cars and lends the front end additional depth and stature. Another distinguishing feature is the additional insert fitted in each of the eye-catching outer air intakes, making a strong statement of sporting intent.

The new BMW M135i xDrive also underscores its status as the sporting flagship of the range with exclusive looks and colour accents in Cerium Grey. Its surround and three-dimensional elements come in Cerium Grey, likewise the additional model-specific trim of the outer air intakes, the mirror caps and the angle-cut exhaust tailpipes (100 mm in diameter) tracing the contour of the bumper. Other elements of the exterior mirrors and the BMW M rear apron come in High-gloss Black. The window graphic surrounds adopt BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line trim, while the exclusive BMW M rear spoiler in body colour adds a final flourish to the hatchback’s distinctive design. The new BMW M135i xDrive is fitted with 18” M wheels in the Double-spoke style 556 M Bicolour as standard.

The sporty elements continue in the interior, where the upholstery in cloth and alcantara mix combine with a driver-oriented layout to create a premium ambience. The M Leather steering wheel is pleasing to the touch, while the new M Sport seats reinforce the dynamic driving experience. Optionally available in the signature Magma Red leather, the seats feature an integrated headrest with M marking, setting powerful optical accents in the interior of the new BMW M135i xDrive. The discreet lighting of the illuminated interior trim finishers (Illuminated Boston design) and the optional large panoramic glass roof add a further layer of appeal in the range-topping BMW 1 Series.

Operation by iDrive Controller, touch, or voice: intuitive in every way.

The new BMW M135i xDrive lets drivers use a variety of operating methods, depending on the situation and personal preferences. In addition to the usual buttons on the centre console and steering wheel, other frontline control elements include the iDrive Controller and touchpad for intuitive usage. The standard-fit BMW Live Cockpit Professional, based on the new BMW Operating System 7.0, brings together the fully digital display and operating system (including two 10.25-inch displays) with maximum connectivity and customisability. Standout features include an adaptive navigation system and a hard-drive-based multimedia system.

Powertrain and chassis: modern front wheel drive with a sporty BMW character.

The third generation of the BMW 1 Series showcases the debut appearance of BMW’s cutting-edge new front-wheel-drive architecture, creating benchmark driving dynamics for the segment. The fast, precise responses of the BMW M135i xDrive are clearly perceptible and elevate the driving experience to new heights.

To create a torsionally rigid body, the tower-to-tower strut is complemented with additional bracing at its front end and in the tunnel area, plus an anti-roll bar mounting with high preload and a multi-link rear axle, thereby providing excellent support for the body and a smooth ride. The M Sport steering has power assistance that is varied according to road speed and lateral acceleration, thereby reducing the steering effort required. When combined with the Adaptive suspension including VDC (Variable Damper Control) on the new BMW M135i xDrive, there is a noticeable increase in the car’s agility, creating an even bigger appetite for corners. Handling poise at high speeds is enhanced by sophisticated aerodynamics that reduce axle lift. Finally, the M Sport brakes offer excellent fade resistance and abundant reserves of stopping power at all times.

The BMW xDrive system’s intelligent control logic varies the distribution of drive power between the front and rear wheels automatically and dynamically in response to the accelerator pedal position, engine torque, speed and steering angle. It can split drive power 50:50 if necessary and is designed to ensure predictable handling in all driving situations. This applies even if the Driving Experience Control switch is set to Sport mode, DTC is selected, or DSC is deactivated. In Comfort or Eco Pro mode, drive is split as required, while keeping fuel consumption as low as possible. Fuel economy is therefore improved without any discernible impact on driving dynamics or traction.

As well as the all-wheel-drive system, standard specification for the sporty BMW M135i xDrive range-topper includes a newly developed mechanical Torsen limited-slip differential, which gives the car an even sportier edge by creating a locking effect between the front wheels. The differential is integrated into the standard-fit eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission on the BMW M135i xDrive and also features a Launch Control mode that already puts the full peak torque of 450 Nm on tap in first and second gear.

Power plant: the BMW Group’s most powerful four-cylinder engine.

Of the various engines available for the new BMW 1 Series, it is the newly developed four-cylinder unit under the bonnet of the new BMW M135i xDrive that really steals the show. This is the BMW Group’s most powerful four-cylinder engine – it produces a formidable 306 hp from its 2.0-litre displacement between 5,000 and 6,250 rpm with the help of BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. Its peak torque of 450 Nm comes on stream at 1,750 rpm and stays there up to 4,500 rpm. The flagship model races to 100 km/h from rest in a mere 4.8 seconds, while top speed is limited to 250 km/h.

A reinforced crankshaft drive featuring a main bearing with a larger diameter, new pistons with an altered compression ratio, and modified con rods with non-bushed ends provides the necessary basis for the formidable power unleashed by the new BMW M135i xDrive. A larger turbocharger featuring a built-in exhaust manifold and integral diverter valve increases engine output and is thermodynamically efficient at exhaust temperatures of up to 1,025 degrees Celsius. Modified injectors have also been fitted to increase the flow volume. The capacity of the cooling package has been maximised with an independent transmission oil cooler that is separated from the engine’s coolant circuit, an electric 850-watt fan, two remote coolant radiators in the wheel arches and an enlarged expansion tank, ensuring that the new BMW M135i xDrive is able to display its performance capabilities even under the most demanding conditions. The range-topping engine is assisted by a newly developed twin-pipe exhaust system with minimal exhaust backpressure, which is instantly identifiable by the pair of bespoke angle-cut tailpipes. The standard-fitted Active Sound Design (ASD) system amplifies the actual sound from the engine and modulates it so the driver is treated to an exhilarating, wonderfully sporty soundtrack without any increase in external noise emissions.

Parking Assistant: providing the latest in smart driver support.

The new BMW M135i xDrive provides assistance with parking in the form of the Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant systems. The Parking Assistant enables automatic assisted parking in parallel and perpendicular spaces, as well as automatic manoeuvring out of parallel parking spaces. Celebrating its premiere in the premium compact class is the innovative Reversing Assistant, which stores the steering movements for any section the car has just driven forward along at no more than 36 km/h. The system is then able to steer the vehicle in reverse – for distances of up to 50 metres at up to 9 km/h – along exactly the same line it took when moving forward.

Comfort Access: unparalleled convenience with the smartphone becoming a car key.

With the Comfort Access features as standard, the BMW Digital Key allows the new BMW M135i xDrive to be locked and unlocked from a smartphone using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. Holding the smartphone up to the door handle opens the car – even if the phone battery is depleted. The engine can be started as soon as the phone has been placed in the wireless charging tray. Accessible via BMW Connected once the owner’s identity has been checked, the Digital Key offers unrivalled flexibility, as the driver can share it with up to five other people. The BMW Digital Key is available for top-of-the-range NFC-capable Samsung Galaxy smartphones running Android 8.0 and above. Alternatively, the BMW Key Card can be used – this sophisticated option also features NFC technology and so offers the same functionality as a suitably equipped smartphone.

BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant: expert and conversation partner.

Another new element has been added to the control and operating concept for the new BMW M1355i xDrive in the form of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant first unveiled in the BMW 3 Series Sedan. The Intelligent Personal Assistant is a genuine BMW expert and is familiar with virtually all the car’s functions. After waking the system with the prompt “Hey BMW”, drivers can operate their car and access its functions and information simply by speaking. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is a digital character with his own personality, who can learn routines, preferred settings and habits – and subsequently apply them in the appropriate context or engage in casual conversation. One unique feature over other digital assistants is that drivers can give this one a name of their choice.

Connected Navigation: for a more relaxed arrival.

Connected Navigation services allow internal and external information to be factored into route planning. BMW 1 Series drivers will be able to send destinations from various apps straight to their car’s navigation system. The most important destinations will be stored in BMW Connected and synchronised with the car, so that key addresses can be accessed from any device at any time.

The new BMW M135i xDrive is now available for viewing at the Performance Munich Autos showroom.

Additional information enclosed:

• The new BMW M135i xDrive price.
• The new BMW M135i xDrive specifications.

-End-

1. The new BMW M135i xDrive price.

2. The new BMW M135i xDrive specifications.

Four-cylinder petrol engine, BMW TwinPower Turbo technology: turbocharger, High Precision Direct Injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve timing, Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing
Capacity: 1,998 cc.
Output: 306 hp at 4,500 – 6,250 rpm.
Torque: 450 Nm at 1,750 – 5,000 rpm.
Acceleration (0 – 100 km/h): 4.8 seconds.
Top speed: 250 km/h.
Fuel consumption (combined): 7.5 l/100 km.
CO2 emissions (combined): 171 g/km.