2012 BMW M135i
 

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, BMW, First Drives

M Performance Makes Another Case For Itself

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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 Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jul 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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