BMW Malaysia has just launched the all-new 2020 F40 BMW M135i in Malaysia alongside the 2020 BMW X1 sDrive18i. This comes shortly after BMW Malaysia teased the model on its Facebook page. It is priced from RM 355,646 (on-the-road, without insurance, with SST deduction, until 31-Dec 2020).

The model is imported from BMW's plant in Leipzig, Germany. Local assembly (CKD) of the F40-generation 1 Series won't happen, so don't hold your breath for that. 

What’s under the bonnet?

As the name suggests, this is the top-of-the-line 1 Series variant, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that does 306 PS and 450 Nm – almost on par with the Mercedes-AMG A35. Unlike the A35’s dual-clutch automatic, the M135i gets an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

It is also fitted with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system and a newly-developed Torsen limited-slip differential.

BMW quotes a 0-100 km/h sprint of just 4.8 seconds, while top speed is 250 km/h. Compared to the A35 AMG, the M135i takes 0.1 of a second longer to complete the century sprint, but does it really matter?

Funky new exterior design

Being the range-topping M135i variant, it gets a whole lot of M-inspired bits and pieces, including large 19-inch Style 557 M alloy wheels with M brake calipers hiding behind, Cerium Grey kidney grille inserts, adaptive LED headlights, and model-specific front and rear bumpers. It also gets M Sport suspension.

Swanky cockpit that befits the model

The M theme continues inside – the M135i gets M-specific power-adjustable front seats, seat belts, and leather steering wheel. It also gets dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display running on BMW Operating System 7.0, Apple CarPlay support and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.

As for the M135i’s safety suite, it includes Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning with Braking (AEB), Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Braking, and Speed Limit Info. It is also equipped with Reversing Assistant.

Like the Mercedes-AMG A35, the BMW M135i lacks Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). 

Five body colours are available: Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Misano Blue, Mineral Grey, and Melbourne Red. BMW also offers two colours for the interior, namely black Dakota leather or Magma Red Dakota leather with grey highlight and black perforations.

The BMW M135i is backed by a 5-year, unlimited mileage warranty. BMW is also offering free scheduled servicing for 5 years/100,000 km.