[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

BMW M135i Concept Revealed and Announced for Geneva

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* NOTE: Although this car is being presented as a "concept," the M135i has already been spotted in BMW's Accessories Catalog

Top athlete for the premium compact segment: The BMW Concept M135i.

24.02.2012

BMW presents the concept study of a BMW M Performance automobile featuring a six-cylinder petrol engine – consistent further development of the new BMW 1 Series’ dynamic characteristics – world premiere at the 2012 Geneva International Motor Show.

Munich. Simultaneously with the world premiere of the first BMW M Performance automobiles, BMW’s concept study of a further model from this new product category will be showcased on the media days (6 – 7 March 2012) at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show. The BMW Concept M135i consistently utilises the dynamic potential of the new BMW 1 Series for the concept of the first BMW M Performance automobile featuring a straight six-cylinder petrol engine. The body design of the BMW Concept M135i assigns the youthful and sporty looks of the new BMW 1 Series to a three-door compact model, complementing it with the distinctive athleticism so typical of a BMW M Performance automobile.

Concept study with characteristics typical of a BMW M Performance automobile.
With its sporty appearance, the compact three-door car authentically conveys the typical qualities of BMW Performance automobiles to yet another vehicle segment. BMW M Performance automobiles offer an ideal symbiosis of outstanding performance and everyday suitability. Using the expertise gained by the BMW M division from decades of motor racing experience, the supreme performance of its tremendously powerful engines specifically designed to suit each model, the meticulously modified suspension technology and the aerodynamic characteristics are all combined into a harmonious overall concept. As a result, BMW M Performance automobiles have noticeably increased agility, precisely controllable handling characteristics and an emotional design. One look at the BMW Concept M135i and the qualities crucial to that characteristic M Performance feeling are instantly evident.

The employment of a straight six-cylinder petrol power plant featuring M Performance Twin Power Turbo technology with a power output of more than 300 hp creates the ideal prerequisites for maximum dynamics in the premium compact segment and, in conjunction with rear-wheel drive concept still unique in this vehicle class, ensures unsurpassed driving pleasure so typical of a BMW.

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 concept car’s sporting character.

Body features typical M athletic design.
The front apron of the concept car boasts a typical M design, signalising intensive road-orientation, its large air intakes designed to match the cooling requirement of the powerful engine, ancillary components and large brakes. The three-dimensionally designed flaps on the air intakes give indication of the car’s direct association with motor racing.

In addition to intense road-orientation, the specific design of the rear end of the BMW Concept M135i emphasises above all the vehicle’s width. This is supplemented in particular by the three-dimensional modelling of the surfaces and the lower section of the rear apron finished in Dark Shadow metallic. Furthermore, the rear apron accommodates the exhaust system’s double tailpipe that features a dark chrome trim.

The BMW Concept M135i’s exterior mirror caps in Ferric Grey and side window surrounds in BMW Individual High Gloss Shadow Line are a further feature of BMW M Performance automobiles.

Dynamic, stretched appearance. Concept study of the three-door BMW 1 Series.
Compared with the silhouette of the five-door BMW 1 Series, the three-door BMW Concept M135i makes an even more sporting and elegant statement. On the whole, the car has a more dynamic and elongated appearance. Viewed from the side, the car’s athletic, low-slung appearance and its nearness to the road are even more intensely expressed by an entirely horizontal contour line in the area of the doorsills. A dynamically rising character line symbolises the BMW Concept M135i’s urge to move forwards.

The wide doors are a further characteristic feature of the BMW Concept M135i’s body design. Together with the rear side windows, the frameless windows form a coherent window surface reaching back to the rear end, accentuating the body’s dynamically stretched appearance.

In addition, the surface design in the area of the rear side panels helps above all to emphasise the powerfully flared wheel arches. The visual accentuation of this part of the body directs the eye to the rear wheels, where the power of the six-cylinder power plant is transformed into driving dynamics in typical BMW manner.

Attractive prospects for the further development of the BMW 1 Series model range.
Thanks to a distinctively sports-oriented appearance, the BMW Concept M135i offers attractive prospects for the further development of the BMW 1 Series model range. At the same time, a clear signal has been given for the expansion of the new product category of BMW M Performance automobiles. The BMW M Performance automobiles being presented at the Geneva Motor Show and shortly to be launched are powered by the world’s most high-performing six-cylinder diesel engine available for series production vehicles. The petrol-fuelled models in this product category will also assume a similar unique position. The pre-series concept car BMW Concept M135i offers a fascinating outlook on a corresponding offer in the premium compact segment.


* NOTE: Although this car is being presented as a "concept," the M135i has already been spotted in BMW's Accessories Catalog

BMW M135i Concept

[ORIGIN M.]

Love the lines of this car.

So Jason, any idea if there will be a standard series version of the 3 door also?

[Jason]

Originally Posted by red-sauerkraut

Love the lines of this car.

So Jason, any idea if there will be a standard series version of the 3 door also?

Yeap, 3 door F21 will come in standard models as well. BMW just decided to use the M135i to reveal the 3 door design.

[as7920]

So will there be a 5 door M135i?

Any news on transmission? 8spd auto / 6 spd manual?

[aajami]

It doesn't appear as focused as the E82 1M.

It's interesting that the F22 2M (or M2?) will have a 4-cylinder engine while the lower segment M135i has a 6-cylinder motor.

[KANdaddy]

Looks horrible. Esp the front. Hate the new 1-series body style.

[tonmonde]

agree front looks like a startled deer.
hope f22 doesn't look like this

[INDPNDT]

Horrible Headlights!! Horrible Taillights!!! Horrible rear diffuser!!!

[Voytek]

Don't like the rear diffuser either but the wheels look GREAT!

[Morning Hawk]

I may forgo the 2013 M3 for this beauty...!

[wannabe]

I'm cool with the front. The back needs more pop. It looks like a Scion from behind.

[ATSR]

Front is hideous. I was hoping the //M treatment was going to make it better, but unfortunately it didn't.

Let's hope they change it for the 2 series.

[as7920]

Apart from the wheels, will this look THAT much different from the M Sport?

Front end and diffusers look the same!

Also, I read that it will be on display on press days, will it still be on display for public days too?

[dj john]

omg..i wouldn't by this car if it was the last car on earth..sorry but the new 328i or 335i is a nicer better car..in the beginning i liked the new f20..but know i hate it..what have you don Bmw..

[turbotoy4me]

Really like the design the front end appeals to me. The back needs a little something, maybe the BMW L-shaped tail lights. Overall awesome. Can't wait to see what they will send to the US.

[Superspeed]

I love it, but more for its bold and expressive design than for the sheer beauty
It becomes more interesting everytime you watch it.

Sideview proportions with the setback of the cabin are from a classical sports car.
The rear is a bit uninspired though.

[JonF1982]

An awesome car for which i have absolutely no need for, but yet would still love to own

[Sonnig]

Very cool side lines, a nice touch to the M aero. Wanna add that to my 118 Sport.

[Redcapote]

Originally Posted by tonmonde

agree front looks like a startled deer.

Bingo.


What's the pricing on these expected to be, generally?

[shenglin]

The new 1 always look so much better in person though.

[Needsdecaf]

Wow, I REALLY do not like the 3 door version of the 1.

[Wiles]

Best color, wheels, etc
Perfect lighting, professional photos etc.

Still 1 ugly car.