The power remains the same, but new tweaks will make it more fun to drive.
The Volkswagen Golf R, Audi S3 and Mercedes-AMG are now available. BMW has several updates for its compact hot hatch. Although the 1 Series is not yet worthy of the full-fat M treatment after just three years, the M135ixDrive gets several mechanical improvements.
This is not a mid-cycle update (which BMW calls Life Cycle Impulse (LCI), in BMW’s terminology), but rather an evolution of the range-topping 1er. The roll behavior of the car is improved by the use of dampers and springs that have been recalibrated. Engineers have also refined the mounting arrangements for the rear axle’s control and trailing arms. A new hydromount is used on the front axle to attach the front suspension wishbones. The camber values were also increased to absorb cornering forces better.
The M135ixDrive maintains the mechanical limited-slip differential that is built into the eight speed automatic transmission. The same can be said for the turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline motor. The four-pot still produces 302 horsepower (225kilowatts) as well as 450 Newton-meters (332 pounds-feet), of torque to all four wheels. BMW’s smallest performance vehicle rides on standard 18-inch alloys. You can also choose a larger 19 inch set.
Now we come to the controversial part. BMW has made improvements to the artificial engine noise pumped through the speakers inside the cabin. Bavarians claim that the sound channeled through the cabin has been “carefully amplified,” but most enthusiasts will agree that this “feature” should be eliminated.
BMW now offers Individual paints to the regular 1 Series. It makes sense that the M135iXDrive also gets a splash of fancy colour. This example is finished in the non-metallic Sao Paulo Yellow, but there are new colors such as Frozen Pure Grey or Frozen Orange.