BMW Answers the Call of the R, Brightens M135i xDrive Up, Tweaks its Chassis
BMW responds to Volkswagen Golf 8 R by spicing up its own AWD super hatch.
BMW has clearly taken heed of criticism around its M135i xDrive’s somewhat mute dynamic nature. Critics picked on the AWD über hatch from München, complaining that the likes of the latest Volkswagen Golf R and its half brother Audi S3 Sportback are more fun to drive. More entertaining to thrash.
So They Made M135i ‘More Emotional’
Now the Bavarian brand had reacted and handed the top One a ‘more emotional driving experience’. It applies to the aesthetic, as much as the feel.
M135i xDrive gains re-tuned dampers for more compliant handling, hydraulically mounted front suspension wishbones for enhanced cornering body control and increased front camber for sportier steering response. There are also changes aft, with revised rear axle mounts. All designed to make the car more pleasing to thrash as the company tries to muster the feel previous One series owners took for granted with rear-wheel drive. They want better.
Groovy New Colors Too
To make those chassis changes pop and emphasise its more emotional driving experience, BMW will also spray M135i xDrive’s in a few bright new colours too. Including the Sao Paulo Yellow in the pictures, Frozen Orange metallic, and Frozen Pure Gray. No mean feat, considering the company had to convert its Plant Leipzig paint shop and hire additional staff to squirt the cars those individual hues.
For the rest, not much has changed. The two-liter four-cylinder turbo gasoline engine continues to feed the existing 306 horsepower and 329 foot-pounds of twist through an eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. Albeit that only a maximum of 50% is allowed to reach the rear. But there’s a mechanical differential lock up front. All of which is likely to continue to tend the thing to understeer, in spite of all its new geometry and mounts.
And M135 Gets a More Authentic ‘Engine’ Noise
And just in case you were expecting a good old hoarse Beemer four pot exhaust note, be warned. This ones ‘engine’ noise comes via the sound system. But that’s been e-tuned to emit a ‘more authentic four-cylinder’ din and a rowdier start-up repertoire. Sounds promising.
So there you have it. Munich knew it was on the dynamic back foot versus its sprightlier rivals since it ditched rear drive in the One. And it’s done something about it. Will that be enough? Time will tell. But we all know what they say about leopards and spots.