BMW M135 F70: Sharper Looks, More Muscle, All-Wheel Thrills
The new BMW M135 F70 is out now and it’s not messing around. This fourth-gen performance hatch has been given a full makeover – inside, out and under the bonnet – to take on the Audi S3 Sportback and Mercedes-AMG A35.
Performance by BMW Engineering
The M135 is powered by a revised 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine. Depending on the market, it produces 300 hp or 317 hp, with 400 Nm of torque sent to all four wheels via BMW’s clever xDrive AWD system.
A new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission replaces the old 8-speed unit, so the M135 can hit 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. Top speed? 250 km/h, of course.
Handling has been tweaked with Adaptive M suspension (lowered by 8mm), a mechanical front diff lock, and stiffer anti-roll bars for more control. You can also spec the M Technology Package for M Compound brakes, a stiffer chassis and lightweight 19-inch forged alloys.
Tech-Forward Interior with M DNA
Inside, the M135 is still a treat. It gets the new BMW Curved Display running BMW OS 9, with sharp visuals and simple controls. Climate controls have been moved into the touchscreen interface, streamlining the dashboard without sacrificing ease of use.
Other interior highlights:
- The cabin features sporty M seats wrapped in a mix of microsuede and Veganza upholstery, complete with integrated headrests and illuminated M branding for that signature BMW touch.
- A thick-rimmed M leather steering wheel with shift paddles from the M3
- The cabin feels upscale with thoughtfully chosen materials, subtle lighting, and a clean layout.
- Buyers can equip the M135 with advanced assistance systems, including adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, and automated parking functions.
- Built-in casual gaming via smartphone pairing (yes, really)
Exterior: Aggressive and Purposeful
The BMW M135 F70 doesn’t shy away from showing what it’s made of. Up front, there’s a flatter nose, a wide horizontal-bar kidney grille and vertical LED DRLs. The sides taper nicely with a dynamic wedge profile and the rear gets quad 90mm pipes, a roof spoiler and dual-piece tail lamps.
For more bling, you can opt for a gloss black contrast roof.
Availability and Indian Relevance
The BMW M135 F70 is already available overseas, starting at around £41,000 in the UK. Unfortunately, don’t expect it in India anytime soon. BMW’s focus here is on higher-volume luxury segments and the 1 Series hasn’t exactly been a hit locally.
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FAQs
Will the BMW M135 F70 come to India?
No. BMW hasn’t confirmed plans for India as the demand for previous-gen 1 Series was low.
Is the M135 F70 more powerful than its predecessor?
Yes. Although torque is slightly down, power and real-world performance is up thanks to a lighter chassis and quicker gearbox.
