At the Geneva Motor Show three weeks ago, BMW gave a first preview of the upcoming M135i in
Concept form. M135i prototypes continue testing on the Nürburgring. Dual tailpipes and the trademark M Performance wheels give this model away. The M135i will be the next model introduced to the new line of M Performance Automobiles, which already includes the M550d and X5/X6 M50d models.
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320hp version of the N55 3.0-litre inline 6, the M135i will be the fastest 1-series currently available. As BMW puts it, "moreover, the characteristic handling precision of BMW M Performance automobiles is obtained through model-specific suspension technology that includes an M sports braking system and is perfectly adapted to match the supreme road performance. 18-inch M light alloys with a double spoke design additionally complement the car’s sporting character." So we expect the M135i's performance to come quite close to the already-legendary 1-series M Coupe.
The M135i has been
confirmed to be coming with optional manual transmission and AWD xDrive. The coupe version of the M135i (which may be called the M235i as the F22 coupe may take on the 2-series badge) has been confirmed to be coming to the US in the future.
The M135i will be available both as 5-door F20 and as 3-door F21. Our spyshots show the 3-door F21 model. BMW hasn't even officially unveiled the F21 3-door 1 series yet, but we expect this to happen soon.
Unfortunately however, the F20 and F21 M135i won't be available in the US, just like the already-announced M Performance Diesel models. Rumor has it that the first M Performance model for the US will be the
X1 M35i xDrive with a possible M335i following shortly after, but these are yet uncorroborated.
Stay tuned for more information on the M135i, including news on its possible debut at the 2012 M Festival in June.
