2024 BMW M135: The Alpine White Beast Unleashed
Just days after its global launch and a week before it dazzles the crowds at Goodwood, the 2024 BMW M135 has made its way to the iconic BMW Welt in Munich. Renowned for showcasing a blend of new and legendary BMW models, BMW Welt is now the proud host of the refreshed 1 Series. Adorned in the striking Alpine White, the F70 BMW M135 stands as the apex of the 1 Series lineup, flaunting a unique grille design that sets it apart. This M Performance model, with horizontal slats in its kidney grille, is an eye-catcher and a testament to the brand's continuous innovation.
A New Era for the Kidney Grille
The revamped grille isn’t the only standout feature. For many years, the BMW M135 was distinguished by its dual exhaust pipes. Now, it steps up the game with a more aggressive design boasting four pipes. Add to this the red calipers, part of the standard braking system, with an option to upgrade to the M Compound set featuring gray calipers. This upgrade, part of the M Technology Package, introduces 385-mm front discs and 330-mm rear discs, available from the fall. This set brings lighter, more rigid aluminum anti-roll bars and additional underfloor struts, accompanied by stronger piston rods for the front shock absorbers and several weight-saving measures.
Interior: Sporty Yet Luxurious
Inside the M135, sportiness melds with luxury. The cabin features M sport seats equipped with built-in headrests and an illuminated badge, borrowed from the X1 M35i and X2 M35i. Furthermore, the vehicle boasts an M135-specific steering wheel complete with a 12 o’clock red marker. Notable by its absence is the traditional iDrive controller, replaced by the state-of-the-art Operating System 9, which can be operated via touch and voice commands. The Veganza/Alcantara equipment forms part of the M Sport Package and is a standard offering in the BMW M135 xDrive.
Performance: Power and Precision
Under the hood, the new BMW M135 comes with the robust B48 engine, available in two different outputs, catering to varying regional emissions regulations. In the European Union, the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine is detuned to 296 hp (221 kW), while in other markets, it unleashes up to 312 hp. Regardless of the region, the engine generates a consistent torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft). Notably, this marks a decrease of 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) from the previous model.
The previous-generation M135 offered 302 hp (225 kW), so depending on the region, the new model is either stronger or slightly weaker. Another significant change is the transition from an eight-speed torque-converter automatic to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. BMW asserts that the M135 accelerates from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.9 seconds—a mere 0.1 seconds slower than its predecessor. The M135 will be available alongside regular 1 Series models starting this October, with a base price of 56,200 euros in Germany.
With its powerful performance, cutting-edge features, and striking design, the 2024 BMW M135 is set to make an impressive mark in the world of luxury sports cars.