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Performance,
Europe,
Hatchback,
BMW,
First Drives
M Performance Makes Another Case For Itself
Here is a sign that (1)
BMW is still intent on having fun with its ultimate driving machines and (2) it realized quickly that it got it wrong on the
1 Series hatchback redesign and needed to dress it up, literally, to save face. Whatever the justification for its existence, this M135i three-door hatch is as close to outrageously fantastic as the recently decommissioned
1M Coupe.
The new hatch comes with BMW's turbocharged N55 direct-injection 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 315 horsepower at 5,800 rpm - just 20 fewer horses than that 1M Coupe - and exactly the same torque rating of 332 pound-feet between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm. Plus, the M135i weighs a precious 120 pounds less than the 1M, even when carrying the eight-speed Steptronic sport automatic (155 pounds less with the six-speed manual).
Among top-tier hot Euro hatches like this, the M135i is the first one on the field, to be followed by the future
Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG, next
Audi RS3 and hopefully a worthy MkVII successor to the Volkswagen Golf R32 legacy. Nothing says "niche" like a high-priced 300-hp hatchback, so it's a fool's game. And we feel foolish.
Continue reading 2012 BMW M135i
2012 BMW M135i originally appeared on
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