BMW Malaysia has launched its all-new BMW 1 Series, in sporty M135i xDrive form. Dubbed ‘The 1′, this is the sporty flagship of the third generation BMW 1 Series, its premium hatchback range.
“We are privileged to share with you the latest portfolio of premium compact vehicles from BMW Malaysia. At the pinnacle of this portfolio lies The 1 – all-new BMW M135i xDrive, also widely regarded as the benchmark for powerful hot-hatches around the world,” said Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.
“The BMW 1 Series has been at the forefront of premium compact driving standards for over a decade. The new sporty compact model, now combined with the iconic genes of BMW M, further exemplifies the dynamic, independent spirit of those who constantly innovate to achieve greater success – whether to inspire or be inspired. Indeed, the all-new BMW M135i xDrive has a strong character of its own,” Hoelzl added.
That strong character can be attributed to BMW Group’s most powerful 2.0L M Performance TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine powering the M135i. A maximum output of 306 hp and 450 Nm of torque goes to the four wheels via the xDrive all-wheel-drive system and 8-speed Steptronic sport transmission. The BMW M135i xDrive takes just 4.8 seconds to make the century sprint and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h.
This sporty premium compact is fitted with M Sport suspension and M Sport brakes which offer excellent fade resistance and abundance of stopping power. The M135i xDrive is also equipped with Active Sound Design that amplifies the sound from the engine and modulates it for a sportier soundtrack without emitting increased external noise.
Further, the M135i xDrive comes with ARB technology (actuator contiguous wheel slip limitation), like the all-electric BMW i3s, which improves traction and enables noticeably more sensitive and faster interventions on the driven front axle. This is made possible by the slip control system positioned directly in the engine control unit, resulting in a shorter signal path with engine output imperceptibly reduced as soon as threat of wheel slip on the front wheels is detected.
The M135i also features a newly developed Torsen limited-slip differential integrated into the sport transmission to optimise traction by distributing power to individual wheels. It functions as a front differential, and channels power to the wheel with the most traction in fast corners. Additionally, the Torsen differential features a Launch Control mode that already puts the full peak torque of 450 Nm on tap in the first and second gear.
The styling factor of the M135i xDrive includes a distinctive kidney grille in Cerium Grey with an exclusive mesh design that replaces the classical bars. For the first time in this model range, the kidney grilles are now merged in the middle. The adaptive LED headlights with high-beam assistant have a deeper slant to give it a more aggressive appearance.
Further styling cues for this sporty flagship includes front and side air inlets, exterior mirror caps and 100 mm exhaust tailpipes in Cerium Grey. At the rear, 3D two-part tail lights with the classic BMW L-shape help extend the vehicle’s width visually. The M135i also comes exclusively with a BMW M rear spoiler and newly designed 19″ light alloy wheels in V-spoke Style 557 M Bicolour.
The cockpit of the M135i features ‘Illuminated Boston’ interior trim finishers and Leather Dakota upholstery. Characteristic M elements adorn the Sport seats, seat belts, and leather steering wheel. Electrically-adjustable front seats with driver’s seat memory function, two-zone climate control and the BMW Individual Headliner Anthracite are also included. These are complemented by wireless charging along with the 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system.
The new architecture allows for a redesigned cabin that is more spacious to maximize comfort, despite a shorter wheelbase. The M135i has grown in width (+34 mm) and height (+13 mm) compared to its predecessor, allowing for additional knee and elbow room. Thanks to the space-saving rear-axle design, luggage capacity has also increased to 380 litres (+20 litres).
Additionally, the BMW Live Cockpit Professional features the BMW Operating System 7.0 with a customisable 10.25″ Instrument Display and high-resolution 10.25″ touchscreen Control Display. Other key features include the BMW Digital Key, Apple CarPlay, Remote Software Upgrade and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.
Assistance is offered by the BMW Personal CoPilot which features the Driving Assistant, Parking Assistant and Reversing Assistant. The Driving Assistant includes Lane Change Warning, Crossing Traffic Warning at the rear, Rear Collision Warning and Speed Limit Assist. It also includes Lane Departure Warning and Frontal Collision Warning with braking function.
The Parking Assistant is available with an intuitive Active Park Distance Control. While the Reversing Assistant recalls the last 50 metres driven and is able to manoeuvre back the same way by taking over the wheel while the driver controls acceleration and braking.
Exterior colour choices available are Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Misano Blue, Mineral Grey or Melbourne Red. While the interior choices are either black Leather ‘Dakota’ upholstery with black perforations, or Magma Red Leather ‘Dakota’ upholstery with grey highlight and black perforations.
The retail price (on the road, without insurance, and with BMW Group Malaysia’s latest 5 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty, and Free Scheduled Service Programme) for the BMW M135i xDrive is RM355,646.25.
Owners will receive the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which includes:
- BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme
- BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline
- The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW Privileges Card
- BMW Service Online
Dynamic Financing
With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the BMW M135i xDrive can be your with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM4,058 (based on estimate of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure).
The all-new BMW M135i xDrive will be available at all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide by 28 July 2020.
You can also book The 1 on http://www.shop.bmw.com.my/ at RM1,000 and be in the running to bring home a new BMW i8 Coupé.
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