2021 (21) BMW 1 Series M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

BMW's M135 xDrive sharpens up its act in F70 form. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

BMW's fourth generation F70-era 1 Series line-up is topped by this potent M135 xDrive hot hatch model. There's a sharper exterior look and a redesigned front-of-cabin experience, but otherwise, things are much as with the previous F40-series version of this model. Which means around 300hp, all-wheel drive and a more mature drive experience than old-school rear-driven 1 Series hot hatches served up.

Background

Once upon a time, a BMW 1 Series hot hatch was a rather unique hot hatch confection, rear driven with a howling straight six engine - a car for the hot hatch cognoscenti. The sort of model a race track instructor would use as his day-to-day drive. But then in 2019 with the introduction of the mainly front-driven F40 version of this car, everything changed. Out went rear wheel drive; in came xDrive AWD and a four cylinder 2.0-litre powerplant for what was then called the 'M135i xDrive'. The replacement F70-era version of this car retains that mechanical set-up, but loses the 'i' from its name (that letter now used to designate BMW's EVs). More importantly, it gains a sharper look and redesigned screen tech. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

So what's different with this F70-era M135 model? Not too much. Emissions tweaks have reduced total output by 6hp, but the 300hp total is still enough to power the car to 62mph in just 4.9s. BMW says that agility, steering precision and cornering dynamics benefit from the increased rigidity of the body structure and the chassis connection. Advanced chassis technology includes optimised kinematics, highly preloaded anti-roll bar mounts and new shock absorber technology. The caster of the front wheels has been increased by 20 per cent, ensuring particularly stable directional stability and optimised steering feedback. Otherwise, things are as before, which means there's a 2.0-litre four cylinder turbocharged engine beneath the bonnet - we still miss the pre-2019-era M140i model's sonorous 3.0-litre straight six. But since 2019, BMW has added AWD in place of that older car's classic rear-driven set-up. In addition, like the previous F40 M135i model, this F70 car has Launch Control and a mechanical Torsen limited slip differential to get its grip to the gravel. Which is much the same kind of approach that's on offer from obvious rivals like the Golf R and the Audi S3. There's not the same challenge in driving it that characterised the previous generation pre-2019-era model - but then, you might have expected that. As before with the M135 xDrive, this car differs from lesser 1 Series variants with its stiffer suspension set-up and features a 10mm-lower ride height, with two-stage adaptive dampers being optional. At the front, the subframe features an extra couple of bracing bars for extra steering accuracy and the electrically assisted rack features a quick ratio of 14:1, as opposed to the standard car's 15:1. Finally, the brake master cylinder is bigger than that of a standard 1 Series for better response and more consistent pedal pressure.

Design and Build

As you might expect, the top M135 xDrive variant has its own unique 'M Performance' look. There's an M radiator grille with horizontal bars, M exterior mirror caps and four exhaust tailpipes to make this variant instantly recognisable as the top-of-the- range model. This F70-era model gets a sleeker nose, which sees swept-back headlights frame kidney grilles that now lose the previous colour-coded central strake, merging instead to form a single, large vertical panel. In profile, a previous owner will notice the embossed number '1' on the C-pillar incorporated within the use brand 'Hofmeister kink' over the rear wheel. And at the back, there are revised LED light clusters and a restyled bumper. The dimensions have changed a surprising amount, this 'MK4' car 42mm longer and 25mm taller than its predecessor. Even bigger changes feature inside, where the cabin gains a single piece curved infotainment display made up of a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch centre screen, the latter running the brand's latest OS9 software. This features 'Quick Select' on-screen short-cut functions, which further reduce the dashboard button count. Other changes include redesigned seats, a new steering wheel and a leather-free interior; customers can specify 'Econeer' upholstery made up of recycled PET. As before, this M135's interior is set apart by M seat belts and M sports seats. Otherwise, the recipe is as with the base 120 model. This car has the cabin feel of a larger, more luxurious product. Some of that's down to cabin quality - soft-touch surfaces and the sold feel of all the fixtures and fittings matched on a plusher model like this one by things like contrast stitching and intricate 'Extended lighting' door panel strips. Two adults can comfortably fit on the back seats without having to squash in their knees. And out back, there's a decently-sized 380-litre boot (or 1,200-litres with the rear seat bench folded down).

Market and Model

BMW wants £43,000 for an M135 xDrive. That's £10,000 more than a 120 M Sport - but then you're getting a lot more power and 4WD for that. If you want to spend more, an 'M Technology Package' with specific suspension components, stiffness and lightweight measures, an M Compound brake system and 19-inch forged light-alloy wheels is available. You can also add an 'M Sport Pro' pack and model-specific BMW M Performance Parts. Standard equipment now includes the Harmon Kardon audio upgrade that was an option on the previous model. That's in addition to kit like automatic air conditioning, an alarm system, electrically folding exterior mirrors, LED headlights, heated front seats and the 'BMW Live Cockpit Plus' package including the BMW Maps cloud-based navigation system. There's also Adaptive suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels. The optional 'Tech Plus Package' includes 'BMW Live Cockpit Professional' with a Head-Up Display and Augmented View on the Control Display as well as the brand's 'Parking Assistant Plus' pack. The 'Tech Package' includes wireless charging, Comfort Access keyless entry, logo projection from the exterior mirrors, an automatic dimming interior mirror and adaptive LED headlights. You can also add a panoramic glass roof.

Cost of Ownership

Despite the emissions trweaks to the engine, the efficiency figures are actually a fraction worse than those we quoted for the previous generation version of this model, possibly because of the stiffer (and therefore slightly heavier) body structure. the figures (on 18-inch wheels) are now quoted at 36.7mpg on the combined cycle and up to 175g/km of CO2 (BMW quoted 38.2mpg and 168g/km for the old M135i xDrive). The revised figures still leave this car well placed in its segment though; an Audi S3 Sportback manages only 33.2mpg and 192g/km, though that car admittedly has 30hp more. Routine maintenance is dictated by 'Condition Based Servicing' that monitors oil level and engine wear, taking into account how long it's been and how far the car has travelled since its previous garage visit. You can check all of this using menus in the 'iDrive' centre-dash display; the centre-dash screen's 'Car' section tells you engine oil level, service requirements and (on a diesel model) your AdBlue level. Plus the car will give you four weeks' notice of when a check-up is needed so you have plenty of time to book it. A TeleServices' feature comes as part of the BMW 'ConnectedDrive' services you can also access through the iDrive infotainment system. Via this, before each service appointment is due, your 1 Series can automatically put in a 'TeleServices' call to your nominated BMW service centre, complete with detailed information on vehicle condition. You'll then get a call to arrange a service appointment, something you'll already have budgeted for if, at the point of original purchase, you opted for one of the two fixed cost 'Service Inclusive' or 'Service Inclusive Plus' packages which cover you for five years or 50,000 miles.

Summary

What you think of the M135 xDrive depends largely on the expectations you approach it with. If what you want is something track-tamed, like a Honda Civic Type-R or the old Hyundai i30N, then you probably will find it a bit too repressed and buttoned-up for its own good. If, on the other hand, your shopping list in this segment includes AWD models like the Audi S3 or its similarly-engineered cousins, the Volkswagen Golf R or the top version of the CUPRA Leon (all of which share a more powerful 333PS 2.0-litre turbo engine), then you'll probably find this BMW an admirable alternative. True, compelling isn't the first word that springs to mind when considering the drive experience this car serves up, but it's undeniably impressive. Traction out of corners, that thing you had to fight for in the old pre-2019-era 1 Series rear-driven hot hatch models on damp roads, is superb. And the four cylinder powerplant makes up for in willingness what it lacks in authentic howling character. The M135 may not be a unique confection. But these days, it's an undeniably more complete one.