BMW M135i concept for Geneva Motor Show revealed
By Greg Kable
BMW is set to crown its second-generation 1-series lineup with an exciting new 300-hp-plus, six-cylinder M135i model pictured here in lightly veiled concept guise ahead of a public premiere at the Geneva Motor Show.
The Audi RS3-rivaling hatchback, planned for European sale before the end of 2012, forms part of BMW's new M Performance lineup, joining the recently revealed M550d xDrive sedan and touring, the X5 M50d and the X6 M50d.
It is also the first three-door version of BMW's second-generation 1-series that is set to be sold from mid-year on with the same range of four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines as its more practical five-door sibling across Europe. While not a full-fledged M-car, the M135i draws heavily on the year-old M135i coupe, sharing its engine and gearbox among other go-fast components.
Full details are yet to be revealed, but BMW insiders hint that the hatchback's twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter, inline six-cylinder engine--the M54S as it is known internally--kicks out nearly 320 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.
Unlike the rear-wheel-drive-only M135i coupe, though, Autoweek can reveal that BMW plans to offer the new M135i hatchback with both standard rear-wheel drive and optional four-wheel drive.
Munich's new hyper hatch is expected to deliver performance comparable to that of the M135i coupe--0-to-62-mph acceleration in 4.9 seconds, 0 to 124 mph in 17.3 seconds and a top speed limited to 155 mph.
There's also a heavily reworked suspension with wider tracks, a lower ride height and larger 18-inch wheels than on standard 1-series models. The brakes also are upgraded, with 14.2-inch steel rotors up front and 13.8-inch units at the rear.
As previewed by the concept set to appear at Geneva, the M135i will receive a distinctive body kit to differentiate it from other less powerful three-door 1-series hatchback models. Included is a deeper front bumper boasting typical M division styling cues, LED-imbued headlamps, unique mirror housings, wider sills under the doors and a substantial rear bumper featuring a black lower section and twin tailpipes.
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Steve-80's comment about the CTS-V not being on the same level as the Germans is way off base. The V matches or surpasses the Germans in nearly every category for thousands less.
However, he WAS correct in saying that you cannot compare the CTS-V to the M135i. They are simply two very different classes of vehicle. It's important to compare apples to apples.
Steve-80,
The Cadillac CTS V series (Wagon) is every bit as sophisticated technically as the BMW M or Mercedes AMG. Magnetic Ride Control (GM), Computer enhancements, quality of materials, performance etc. for far less money then the cliche brands with warranties that are above and beyond all of which are made right here in America. Your statement that American cars (Cadillac) is not on the same level as the Germans is absolutely untrue! All stay true and proud of American firepower.
Maccdaddy,
Hmmm.....LET'S SEE. IS THIS CAR IN THE SAME CLASS AS THE CADILLAC 556 HP CTS V WAGON? NO! Who cares what you want, because your argument is NOT valid for multiple reasons.
The M-Class is a Mercedes SUV. BMW does not have an M-Class, they have the M Series, which is a line of multiple cars.
The M135i is NOT BMW's "crown" wagon. The M5 wagon would be their "crown" wagon. You are aware that the new BMW M5 (sedan) and Mercedes E63 AMG wagon with Performance Pack both post better performance figures than the CTS-V wagon right? Do you remember in 2010 when Bob Lutz set up the CTS-V Challenge? Guess what they lost to? A BMW M3! So, BMW has brought more than enough to the game. Yes, the CTS-V has great performance for the money, and has a vastly improved build and interior quality compared to Cadillacs of the past. However, on the general overall level, the CTS-V is not on the same level as the Germans.
The other problem with your argument is that you're basing your argument on numbers ONLY (hp and torque). You CANNOT ascertain a car's value by numbers only. You have to actually drive the car. Horsepower and torque aren't everything. Sure, the the M135i has less hp and torque, but it is probably considerably lighter than the CTS-V. Regardless, these two cars are not in the same class as I mentioned before.
I'm glad you love the CTS-V, but you can keep your Cadillacs.
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