BMW M135: A Balanced Evolution or Missed Opportunity?

Explore the new BMW M135 — refined, fast, and stylish, but does it still deliver thrills? Read the full review with detailed insights.

BMW’s latest take on the hot hatch formula, the new M135, is a story of style, substance, and a subtle sense of loss. While it wears a sharper look and packs serious tech, it also seems to miss the old spark that once defined its predecessors.

Fans of the previous M140i will remember its signature traits — rear-wheel drive, six-cylinder roar, and a dash of mischief. The new M135 goes in a different direction: all-wheel drive, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, and a tech-laden cabin. It’s more refined, sure. But is it still fun?

On paper, it’s a step back. European models deliver 296 horsepower — less than before, less than rivals like the Audi S3 or VW Golf R. Torque is down by 50 Nm, weight is up by 100 kg. It's slower than the old M135i and the competition. That’s not how progress is usually defined.

And yet, 0–62 mph in 4.9 seconds isn’t exactly slow. A new 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox replaces the old torque converter — a welcome improvement. There's even a ‘Boost’ paddle for 10 seconds of full-throttle drama, though in practice, it’s more of a gimmick. The exhaust note? Artificially pumped through the speakers, and sadly, quite uninspiring.

Under the skin, BMW has improved the chassis: stronger anti-roll bars, stiffened bushings, and a proper mechanical limited-slip diff. Handling is sharp, grip is plentiful, and the car feels solid on twisty roads. But where’s the excitement? Where’s the grin-inducing magic of the M140i?

Inside, though, BMW nails it. The M-colored stitching, red-and-black sport seats (better even than the M3’s), ambient lighting, and widescreen infotainment make it feel more premium than ever. It’s a genuinely pleasant place to be, even if the overreliance on the touchscreen can be frustrating.

Visually, the M135 impresses. A sleeker front end, air curtains for better aero, 18- or 19-inch wheels, and the stunning Frozen Pure Grey paint (a £2,100 option) give it standout curb appeal. It’s one of the better-looking hot hatches on the market.

Starting at £43,000, it’s priced below the Audi S3 — provided you don’t go wild with options. It’s a compelling all-rounder: fast, techy, comfortable. But for purists, that’s exactly the issue. BMW seems to be playing it safe, pleasing the masses but leaving driving enthusiasts wanting more.

In a market where hot hatches are becoming an endangered species, BMW deserves credit for keeping the flame alive. But for those who’ve tasted the raw excitement of the old guard — cars like the M140i — the new M135 may feel more like a flicker than a fire.