The BMW M135 is a hot hatch designed for performance enthusiasts who also value style and luxury. As one of BMW’s more affordable models in the M lineup, this car promises a thrilling driving experience. But does it live up to the hype? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into its design, interior features, performance, and more, to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your next vehicle.
Exterior Design: Aggressive, Yet Stylish
From the moment you lay eyes on the BMW M135, you can tell this is a car meant to stand out. With its bold front grille, sleek lines, and quad exhaust tips, it screams performance. The sculpted body isn’t just for looks; it’s carefully designed to optimize aerodynamics, ensuring the M135 handles well at high speeds. Whether parked or in motion, this car is sure to turn heads wherever it goes.
Interior Comfort and Technology: Luxury Meets Innovation
Step inside the BMW M135, and you’re greeted with an interior that balances luxury with functionality. The M Sport seats provide great support, and the premium steering wheel offers excellent grip. But the standout feature might be the advanced infotainment system. While it offers many tech features, it can be slightly overwhelming for some drivers. It’s worth mentioning that the climate control settings are integrated into the system, which might not be ideal for quick adjustments.
BMW M135 Back Seats
While the front seats offer ample space, the back seats of the M135 are a bit of a tight fit, especially for taller passengers. The rear legroom is sufficient for short trips but might feel cramped on long drives. If you’re planning to use the M135 for family road trips, the back seat space might not be as accommodating as some would like. Still, it’s a sacrifice many are willing to make for a high-performance car.
BMW M135 Performance
The BMW M135 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, delivering an impressive 300 horsepower. The car accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds, making it one of the quickest in its class. The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission ensures smooth and rapid gear shifts, allowing you to experience the full potential of the engine. Whether you’re on the highway or winding through tight corners, the M135 offers the kind of performance you’d expect from a true BMW M model.
BMW M135 Driving Experience
On the road, the BMW M135 strikes a solid balance between performance and comfort. On winding country roads, the car grips the asphalt with confidence, though the steering feedback could be more engaging for some drivers. When navigating city streets, the car is surprisingly comfortable, offering a firm ride that doesn’t feel too harsh. If you’re looking for a car that can handle both spirited drives and daily commuting, the M135 does an excellent job in this area.
The Price Tag: Is It Worth It?
The BMW M135 starts at £43,000, which is already on the higher side. With added options like the M Dynamic pack, the price can soar to £55,000. For that amount, you’d expect better interior quality and more standard features like adaptive cruise control, which is not included. Additionally, the lack of adaptive dampers is a missed opportunity, as the previous model had this option for a more adjustable ride.
While the M135 is undoubtedly a great car, it’s hard to overlook the fact that the previous M135i had better performance specs and offered a more thrilling driving experience. Plus, the M135 feels a bit isolated from the road, which takes away from the joy of driving.
Boot Space: Practicality or Style?
Despite its high-performance capabilities, the boot space of the BMW M135 isn’t imposing. Offering just 380 liters of storage, it’s suitable for daily use but not ideal for large cargo or long road trips. The limited storage space might be a dealbreaker if you’re someone who needs ample trunk room, but for those who prioritize style and performance over practicality, it might be an acceptable compromise.
Features You’ll Love: The M135’s Standout Qualities
Despite a few drawbacks, the BMW M135 excels in several areas. M Performance brakes, a limited-slip differential, and an M Sport steering wheel are just a few features that elevate the driving experience. The car offers excellent braking power, ensuring it stops quickly when you need it most. The handling is superb, especially with the added stability of the limited-slip differential, which makes cornering a breeze.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the BMW M135?
The BMW M135 is a car that blends performance, luxury, and style into one well-rounded package. While it’s not the most practical in terms of rear seat space and boot capacity, it excels in areas that matter most to driving enthusiasts. If you’re after a sporty yet luxurious hatchback that provides a thrilling ride without compromising on quality, the M135 is worth considering.
Final Verdict: The BMW M135 offers amazing performance and luxury, but its price and limited space might be drawbacks for some. If you’re looking for a car that’s as fun to drive as it is stylish, this is the one for you.
