The 1 Series we know is actually a remake of the European car, adapted for North America. On the other side of the pond, this same vehicle actually takes the shape of two hatchbacks, one 3-door version and one 5-door. After the failure of the 318ti (1995-1999), BMW obviously wasn't going to make the same mistake twice, i.e. import a small luxury hatchback with a steep price tag.
The 1 Series has arrived nearly a decade later and is already shaping up, in the present circumstances, to be BMW's next success story. I have to admit that this adaptation of the European model is a triumph in every way: this car is truly exceptional. The longer I stare at it, the more beautiful it seems. The details of the bodywork are refined yet aggressive, lending the car a muscular feel.
The 135i differs from the 128i by a more combative front bumper, which BMW is introducing as a differentiator for the high-end models of each series. The distinctive characteristics of the famous Munich brand are immediately recognizable. The interior, simple and uncluttered, also reflects BMW's signature style, thankfully to a lesser degree. Unless you select every expensive option, the standard equipment is not the most generous. Which is actually a good thing, as it allows us to concentrate on driving and the price remains reasonable. Space is a little tight, but it's the kind of detail you have to expect considering the format of the car.
Absolute Nirvana
It's a well-known fact that BMW is the driving pleasure specialist, but the 135i is absolute nirvana. The Recaro seats truly cradle us and are as comfortable as a favourite pair of worn-out shoes; they are literally an extension of the human body. The level of comfort in the driver's seat is simply extraordinary. The driving position is sporty, comfortable, offers impeccable visibility and is, above all, perfectly adapted to the body: you can drive hours on end without even realizing it. The noise level is adequate, and the inline 6-cylinder is pure music.
Largely derived from the 3 Series, with its engine, transmission and shortened chassis, the 135i provides even more thrills. Acceleration is more than interesting: 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. The engine, crowned International Engine of the Year in 2007, produces lots of torque, 300 lb-ft to be exact. The 300 horses unfurl fluidly, making the vehicle extremely efficient performance-wise.
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| The 135i differs from the 128i by a more combative front bumper. |
The 1 Series has arrived nearly a decade later and is already shaping up, in the present circumstances, to be BMW's next success story. I have to admit that this adaptation of the European model is a triumph in every way: this car is truly exceptional. The longer I stare at it, the more beautiful it seems. The details of the bodywork are refined yet aggressive, lending the car a muscular feel.
The 135i differs from the 128i by a more combative front bumper, which BMW is introducing as a differentiator for the high-end models of each series. The distinctive characteristics of the famous Munich brand are immediately recognizable. The interior, simple and uncluttered, also reflects BMW's signature style, thankfully to a lesser degree. Unless you select every expensive option, the standard equipment is not the most generous. Which is actually a good thing, as it allows us to concentrate on driving and the price remains reasonable. Space is a little tight, but it's the kind of detail you have to expect considering the format of the car.
Absolute Nirvana
It's a well-known fact that BMW is the driving pleasure specialist, but the 135i is absolute nirvana. The Recaro seats truly cradle us and are as comfortable as a favourite pair of worn-out shoes; they are literally an extension of the human body. The level of comfort in the driver's seat is simply extraordinary. The driving position is sporty, comfortable, offers impeccable visibility and is, above all, perfectly adapted to the body: you can drive hours on end without even realizing it. The noise level is adequate, and the inline 6-cylinder is pure music.
Largely derived from the 3 Series, with its engine, transmission and shortened chassis, the 135i provides even more thrills. Acceleration is more than interesting: 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. The engine, crowned International Engine of the Year in 2007, produces lots of torque, 300 lb-ft to be exact. The 300 horses unfurl fluidly, making the vehicle extremely efficient performance-wise.
 |
| The 300 horses unfurl fluidly, making the vehicle extremely efficient performance-wise. |