In the RM355,646.25 BMW M135i xDrive lies BMW’s most powerful four-cylinder engine. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine generates 306 hp at 5,000 to 6,250 rpm and 450 Nm of torque from 1,750 to 4,500 rpm. The engine has been upgraded with a reinforced crankshaft, larger diameter bearings, a larger turbocharger and increased cooling capacity.
Transmission
In the BMW M135i xDrive, the transmission is an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission with shift paddles and Launch Control function. The transmission fluid also has its own oil cooling circuit, independent from the engine coolant system.
To properly channel all the driving force, the front axle is also fitted with Torsen limited-slip differential (LSD). An electronic version is also added to control the slip between the front wheels called EDLC or electronic differential lock control.
The biggest change when moving from the F20 BMW 1 Series to the new F40 BMW 1 Series is the layout of the engine, switching from the brand’s signature rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive. Even without the structural central hump, the bending and torsional stiffness of the bodyshell is better than the predecessor.
The BMW M135i xDrive is fitted with M Sport suspension and M Sport steering with its more direct ratio and even sharper response.
A new electronic traction control system is featured in the new F40 BMW 1 Series. This system called ARB controls the wheel slips ten times quicker and more sensitively as the controller unit is placed directly in the engine control unit rather than in the stability control unit, accurately adjusting engine torque rather than using the brakes to match the grip levels.
The F40 BMW 1 Series is now a front-wheel drive premium hatchback. However, in the range-topping RM355,646.25 BMW M135i xDrive, xDrive all-wheel drive system is fitted as standard to intelligently shuffle power between the front and rear wheels. The xDrive’s control system can lock up the rear multi-plate clutch to deliver a 50-50 equal torque but that is an uncommon occasion, as it dynamically adjusts the power to the rear wheels.
Segment | C-Segment |
BodyType | Hatchback |
Transmission | AT |
Capacity | 2.0 L |
Horsepower | 306 PS |
Seats | 5 |
The BMW 1 Series, as the model number suggests, is the entry model to the BMW family, slotting below the evergreen 3 Series sedan. Being developed with Germany and overall Europe in mind to compete with the Audi A3, Volvo 40-range and Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the 1 Series was exclusively developed as a hatchback only and a coupe body style followed later.
Another key feature of the BMW 1 Series was the driven wheels- it was the only rear-wheel drive premium hatchback and coupe for the first two generations (E87, F20). However, due to the ever-competitive nature of the hatchback segment in Europe, BMW moved to an all-new front-wheel drive platform for this current third-generation F40 BMW 1 Series.
BMW Malaysia currently only offers the range-topping BMW M135i xDrive as the sole representative of the F40 BMW 1 Series range in Malaysia. The previously-popular locally-assembled F20 BMW 118i rear-wheel drive compact hatch that was priced around RM220,000 is currently represented by the all-new F44 BMW 218i Gran Coupe, also front-wheel drive.
Being the top of the range as well as a M Performance model, the fully-imported BMW M135i xDrive does not come cheap, in fact, more expensive than the common 3 Series and even the 530e at RM355,646.25. Its closest competitor is the Mercedes-AMG A35 4Matic at RM366,785.05. The Renault Megane RS 300 is now priced at RM326,477 while the Audi S3 and Honda Civic Type R are not available in Malaysia.
No. BMW 1 Series has no launching plans in 2021.
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