BMW M135i 2020 review: did they ruin it?
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- Опубліковано 4 гру 2019
- The BMW M135i is a new hot hatch from BMW. Unlike the old M140i, it is no longer a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, nor does it have a six-cylinder engine. It runs a front-drive platform with added xDrive all-wheel-drive with a turbo four-cylinder. So, is the new M135i a good hot hatch? Is it better than a Golf R? To find out, Tom heads to the Yarra Valley in the 2020 M135i to find out.
What do you think of the new 1 Series? Should they have kept RWD? Is it outclassed by an Audi S3 or a Mercedes-AMG A35? Let me know all your thoughts in the comments.
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Covers the exterior, interior, engine and handling of the BMW M135i 2020 / 2019 M135i hatch.
READ our detailed Australian coverage of the 2020 BMW 1er range here: chasingcars.com.au - Авто та транспорт
In today’s episode, Tom ponders whether the new M135i has what it takes.
Chasing Cars why wouls you buy 330i instead 1m bro ?
Lighter, more refined, RWD, and the right size. Just an opinion of course.
Ed Sheeran's car reviews are way better than his music.
i'll take that.
Ah now I see it! Thank god because I always got a junior K Rudd vibe.
Tom is way better looking than Ed.
lol
@@EastWood2004sus
This new m135i looks much better in person then pictures and videos. I was pleasantly surprised seeing one in person.
Gone is the inline 6 and RWD but it's still a cracking drive!
Nice work Tom : )
Great review Tom, and glad that there's someone else who thinks that digital screens are not necessarily an improvement over the analogue versions.
Thanks, Mark. I reckon digital gauges can be great - the Audi Virtual Cockpit is an example - but the BMW effort feels a little half-baked, especially when you consider how lovely their former analogue dials were.
love that colour, bit of a weird design for a BMW, does it have a limited slip diff?
Like the M135i love it 🔥🔥. Like to have one ! Good revieuw 👍
Does the AEB on this car brake to a complete stop? Or is it still the partial autonomous braking?
Great review Tom - like the new car way more than I thought I would as it looks great and would be my preference in this segment although if I had the money it would be an M240i or M2 :)
Thanks, Malcolm. As I hope I got across, for what it is, I like the new 1 Series. It is a good, focussed hot hatch. I just reckon the old one had a really unique nature.
Unless I missed it how much cheaper is it than the ougoing 124?
Genuinely thought this was a new focus from the thumbnail. Every medium hatch looks the same.
Except the Mazda 3, I’d wager
@@chasingcars and corolla
3:16 Apple CarPlay is now free indefintely in BMW's
Good video I agree that feel very diferent from F20, but why not compare with previous 135i? To compare to old 140i, must wait for the new 140e with more than 400hp...
Nuno Flores but this one is smaller displacement and fwd. That's kinda the point.
Losing i6 engine and RWD drive, also going from 8 speed ZF to Aisan automatic gear - a big loss, really really big loss.
Exterior design - doesn't look so BMW, more like Toyota, I do not like it really. But that's a matter of taste.
Interior design - real upgrade.
Love all the reviews Tom, keep it up man.
Review for the new honda accord on the horizon?
Yep - we are driving it next week and will have content shortly after.
Great fair minded review Tom. I look forward to your review of the 3 cylinder 118i. It will still be their volume seller. I wonder how well it will drive (no X-drive and way less torque. I tend to swap my 1 series every 3 years but not sure I will like FWD dragging the wheels round the corner.
Thanks, Derek. 118i review coming soon.
The short answer is yes. It looks like a shrunk down BMW 2 active tourer and it's slower than the outgoing 140i. Both Mercedes and Audi looks better. They could've kept the old configuration and made the new 1 series slightly bigger. No BMW fan with the right mindset is going to buy an ugly expensive front drive 1 series. So this is a bonus for other brands
I agree, also the RWD BMW was attractive simply because it wasn't like the Golf or A-series, now they've lost that.
I believe this (and many other) review states that the m135i is faster on most roads than the 140i, and a lot more agile and focused. How it looks is a personal taste, I don’t like the grille but love the backside of this car.
Anyone think interior spec improved/upgraded to compensate for the smaller engine?
This car very much interests me. Regards.
It looks better in the flesh than it does on camera. I was skeptical when they first announced the move away from rwd, but I think I’m coming around after hearing so many good things about it. There are still some brand new 140is going around, including some Finales and some low km ex-fleet and demos on Carsales for those who want one.
I was at BMW today and saw the 135 in blue, you're bang on in pics and vids this looks ok but amazing yet in the flesh I was totally impressed. Especially the blue paint under bright lights, the interior quality and the size inside too. Lines are much improved. I've been around BMW for 20 years and never really liked the old 1 series for looks but engines in 6cyl were porn. This F40 is great and I hope folks don't like it so it doesn't sell and BMW throw money at deals and I get one for a great price and see little on the road! Haha
I know the times are changing, but BMW used to be about inline sixes and RWD. By conforming to what all of the competition is doing, BMW has lost much if not all of the reasons to exist, except for badge snobs.
I fear you’re right Steve. At least the core products - 3 and 5 Series - are still great. So is X3, to be honest.
@@chasingcars They're not even conforming, they're going backwards the M135i should at least be bigger than 2.0 litre, it should be the Focus RS contender or S3 contender so it needs 4x4 not crappy FWD.
I'm glad I've got an M235i the last properly made almost M car with a manual gearstick and rear wheel drive.
Why Notagain have to agree. Realise BMW are looking at sales figures and realising that (in the UK which is where I’m from but I think the trend is emulated worldwide) flat 4, every time. Sign of the time’s I guess. Emissions and the death of petrol means I’ll never get rid of my f20.
Not bothered about any of the rwd 6 cylinder changes
This car is great for different reasons
And if you want rwd and 6 cylinders there are plenty options
Love the outside love the inside and its great for everyday use, stage1~350hp, in real life scenarios will keep up with m4 rwd no problem! So whats the problem? Whoever buys m135i they know its not rwd and its 4cylinder engine
Performing well still!
i had very mixed feelings about the new 1 and 2 but have actually begun to like the way they look .. Seriously considering the M135i in an Individual colour (Maybe in Sakhir or Misano) - Though Im curious about how the upcoming F70 would look
I think I will stick with my m140i thank you very much 👍
And- even though it's only 3 cylinder- I will stick with my RWD 118i. A punchy little engine. 👍 (similar logic to gentleman above me except he has 6 cylinders 🤣)
You will be pleased to hear carplay is now free as of today. Your comments must have worked :)
We have kept up the pressure for a while - but so have customers and other journos. It can work!
Nice channel
Thanks!
do a comparison w/the new 2020 MINI JCW Countryman.. ;)
Good idea!
As for comparisons, I'd like to see how it compares to the 2 Series Active tourer.
The tourer never was a real BMW. Frontwheel driven family Hyundai
@@GertoHeupink Sounds like a 1 Series.
They killed off the 2 series MPV and killed off the 1 series heritage to make this hybrid monstrosity. It has more space and is more practical for a family car but people that bought the 1 series for pure performance will be shedding a tear. The looks remind me of the Hyundai i30N for some odd reason and to be honest that's the hatchback I'd get now knowing the 1 series has gone this way.
my 2016 ford focusst is abmw killer around 400 horspower
As a new owner i agree with most of this, but those premium contact tyres are absolute rubbish, in the wet its actually the worst tyres i've ever had on a car. I really dislike losing money on things like swapping tyres out so early but i am really considering it. A good set of P4s would make a huge difference
Got current 2 Series F22. Nope to new 1 and 2 series. Might have to go to 3 Series. Just a bit big for my liking..
New 3 Series is excellent. I’d be buying a 330i instead of an M135i.
Chasing Cars actually i got stucked between these two options i had a test drive between them. 330i xdrive m sport and m135i . 1m is impressive car. But for looking and for space the car 3 series is better but one of these car is M man ... like everyones dream and second one is normal 3 series so i dont know what
To choose seriously :( help...... 1 m is faster 48 hp more and 50 torque more than 330i . But other things win 3 series .
The balance of the 330i is much better, IMO - even if it is a little down on power and torque. Astonishingly, the 3er is also lighter!
Do will you get one of these or a X2 35M?
Neither, I'd try and find one of the last remaining previous-gen 1 Series in stock
The 135i probably rides better because it's got standard tyres whereas the 118i probably had runflats.
Have you got considerably less weight over the nose? The four pot is much further forward.
I’m from the uk but I subscribe anyway as I love the way you tell it balls out and all.
If it’s shit, you’ll say it. If it’s worth a look you’ll say it. Not like some journalists that maybe frightened to say anything negative about any brand in case of loosing face or not invited to their next event.
I actually ordered on of these over a Golf 8 R. Granted the Golf has by far the better power train hands down BMW
have the B58 VW have the EA888, but the golfs cabin was poor in my book. It was like they spent so much money making sure it was quicker than the rest of the pack they forgot the inside. Cheap plastics everywhere, the BMW 135i is a lovely place to be a just felt more premium. I have a family with 2 kids, I couldn’t give a rats who’s cars is 2 tenths quicker along a drag strip etc. people need to stop comparing this to the old one. It’s like comparing chalk and cheese. Of course it’s not going to be the same, it’s lost two cylinders and is now 4 wheel drive. Take it for what it is, an A35 / S3 challenger and you’ll see the picture clearer. I don’t actually think it was ever supposed to compete or replace the old one. They are trying to move in to the 4x4 hot hatch territory and I think for a first go round it’s a bloody good effort.
Ps, I love the channel! Keep up the good informed reviews coming. Great stuff!
The old M140i was a unique proposition. This looks and feels like any other performance hatch. Without any differentiating points, aside from that hideous grille. Just like the 3-series, the 1 has gone a bit meh. There is better stuff on the market.
Art, I actually reckon the 3 Series has gone from ‘meh’ in the old F30 gen to ‘great’ in the new G20 shape. It’s a good thing. As for the new 1 Series... I’ll wait until we can do back to back comparisons to say for sure.
Chasing Cars your review said it all Tom, it confirms everything my BMW sales man was apologising for when he rang me to say the new M135i was here. Artificial sounds, 4 cylinder, FWD...
@Antonio Zamudio if I wanted a all that for this kind of money, I'd buy a Model 3.
FWD platform = cheaper cost of production & bigger profit Great review
Spot on I reckon
Meh maybe so but I don't really care if BMW or whoever make more or less profit. I'd rather buy a car for my enjoyment regardless of head office desires and this hits the mark. But budget says no for now hehe
The BIG question is.... will it be cheaper? I don't think so
Gerto Heupink they have already stated the price will increase
I rest my case
Kinda looks like a happy pig doesn’t it
Have bought one and so far Love it. (what more would I say right!!)
But a bit of news Apple Carplay is now free. I received an email today announcing it.
Good news but talk about a last minute announcement.
Greg Mitchell thats great news and should stop the complaining :) congrats on the car 👍
(what more would I say right!!) Bought not brought!!!
Does that mean is worse? Well yes, yes it does.
For me personally, that's true. I loved the old M140i. For some people the new car will appeal, but it is sad to lose the longitudinal-six-RWD combination.
I’m Chasing Cars and this is Tom Baker.
😂😂
Replace different with worse.
"That's not to say it's worse, it's just worse."
"The torque delivery is definitely worse."
"I'm not saying it's a bad thing, it's just worse."
Looks better, goes worse, but still more than enough for public roads.
We all have to face facts sad as that maybe, big engines are doomed as was the B58 from the m140i that I loved and owned.
Performance cars will go with smaller engines with high tunes and maybe with small electric motors too help boost power even more.
No manufacturer can build a car purely for the enthusiast's it just makes no business sense hence we have the m135i now
Nothing wrong with it people must be blind the interior is much better yes its not a rearwheel drive but most buyers wont care and the design isnt that bad as people say.
Short answer is Yes.....Yes they did.
M135I REAR WHEEL DRIVES ARE THE BEST
I own a F20 and this car makes me cringe. It's gone way backwards. Sit up and beg driving position, taller body with higher centre of gravity, no rear wheel drive, tacky gauges less power and a 4 cylinder tin-pot sound. What on earth were they thinking?... At least this disappointment will prop up the value of my F20 M135i in the used market. What a shame.
This or civic type R?
Come on, Freddy. CTR!
Lol if you're asking this, you need to go back to the drawing board lad
Brain in bin
It’s lost it’s specialness. Defiantly a step backwards
Car enthusiasts will bitch and moan about the loss of BMW's trademark inline 6 and RWD. But I think BMW AG has taken a calculated risk and anticipated that its target market for the 1 series won't care which end of the car is driven. And they're probably right; I've recently spoken to the owner of an E46 who thought that her car was FWD. For me though, there is no compelling reason to swap my S3 for something like this.
what`s the benefit then others?bigger backseat space?bigger trunk room?why would i pay premium to buy a car that pretty much no different then much cheaper others?just for the badge?
It's an effective hot hatch, but I agree that it has lost its main competitive advantage over other cars in this segment, many of which are far cheaper, like the Golf R.
You can get a Ford Edge ST for the money or a full loaded minivan or a RWD Mustang with more horse power but that is rough . So need to compare apples to apples.
BMW has always been a kind of it's own. Staying loyal to their rear wheel drive.... Giving their customers what they expect from BMW because BMW has a name, a badge and concerning sportiness they are superiour to very much every other brand out there. Sadly.... oooh so sadly they reference to much to their competitors and cheat on them selves and their customers with this new mainly frontwheel driven 1 series. BMW always make good cars and this new 1 series will also be a good car I believe but..... The so important character of 'Freude am fahren' vanishes with this new concept I'm afraid and they only make the 135i 'kind of' all wheel drive just to let their fans and customers not to fall to hard. BMW.... you got a fan less in me. Think i'm gonna look out for my first electric car... Tesla Model 3 Performance
I refuse to believe this car exists
Lol
If I wanted a cheaper FWD based car I wouldn't be looking at BMW. Poor show Beemer, poor show.
Tend to agree. It's an effective hatch, but FWD architectures aren't the natural home turf for these guys.
The only thing I don't like about this car is the grill its ugly
Its cute
I really like the stying of the front. I think the larger grill looks great.
Agreed, the grill is ugly and made of cheap plastic 😭.
If the material was solid metal I think I could grow to like it. That plastic just makes it feel non-premium for the price.
😱🤦♂️
BMW has removed the three-year subscription plan for Apple CarPlay - and existing owners won't miss out.
Source: www.caradvice.com.au/812196/bmw-apple-carplay-subscription-axed/
That’s good. If only they’d announced that when the car was launched - when I filmed this, the GM of BMW had just confirmed the subscription applied to the car.
Fwd bmw? No thanks. I'll buy a cheaper fwd car.
And it's actually much faster than the A35 AMG. Check out that laughing hyena Archie Hamilton's channel.
In a straight line, perhaps. Pity it's not much good at going around corners in stock config.
@@chasingcars Are there any track tests? i haven't seen any. In a straight line it destroys it. it's not perhaps. its like more than a car and a half over a quarter mile haha
Not necessarily worse? It's absolutely worse.
So summary without tiptoeing around: this car SUCKS! Thx BMW, my old M135i Lci just got more expensive...