I’m not sure that there’s a car in the BMW lineup that’s more criticized but also more necessary than the BMW 1 Series. The previous-gen M140i was beloved by enthusiasts but didn’t make much sense in the segment. So while enthusiast loved its odd-ball looks, unicorn-like rear-drive dynamics and tail-happy nature, customer preferred more sensible premium hot-hatches, like the Mercedes-AMG A35. But what about this new BMW M135i, which is now front-wheel drive-based and more similar to its rivals?
In this new test from Autocar, we take a look at the BMW M135i versus the Mercedes-AMG A35 and the MINI Clubman JCW.
What’s interesting is the Autocar seems to like the M135i quite a bit, more so than we’ve seen from most other publications. In fact, it seems that editor Matt Saunders actually likes it more than the previous M140i, which is shocking to see. Although, he makes a good point. The BMW M135i is a more traditional hot-hatch, with its simpler handling dynamics and more sorted behavior.
Also interesting is the fact that Saunders actually seems to think that the MINI Clubman JCW is the best pure driver’s car of the bunch. Its steering is said to be the best, as is its flat cornering. However, the BMW M135i seems to be the best all-rounder of the bunch. Not only is it said to be more fun than the AMG A35, which seriously under-performed in this test, but it’s more comfortable than the MINI.
It’s also the most practical of the bunch and features the best interior quality and technology. So as an everyday car, which is something every hot-hatch must be, the BMW M135i is the best. It’s also very good to drive, potentially even better than its predecessor, depending on what you’re looking for in a hot-hatch. But what Autocar’s Saunders likes most about the new Bimmer is its simplicity. It isn’t a tai-happy monster, it isn’t trying to rewrite the hot-hatch rule book and it’s not trying to be to fancy. However, it’s just a solid, honest performer with a lot of great qualities and that makes it the best car in this test.
[Source: Autocar]
Ugly Ugly Ugly
That’s deep bro, literacy at its best…
The car is hideous man.
Where did you see it?
On your keyboard?
There you go proving my point… thank you sir!
What about the test video comparing the hot hatches? In the 1/2 mile drag the F20 M140i smashed every competitor, including the A45 AMG.
No reason to make the kidneys so disproportionate to the rest of the front fascia. It’s Cyrano de Bergerac without any of the charm.
see it in person those kidneys looks odd on photos because its 2d in real life the top end flows into the bonnet which you dont see on photos I wa thinking the same till i saw it in real life
They who hates the most, shouts about it the most, while the rest of us (and BMW) just carry on with life. Noise is just noise, it’s unproductive, it’s anti creative – but contagious. Requires little thought, little understanding and for sure, not interested in deeper philosophy.
Sorry for the rant, but comments like “Ugly Ugly Ugly” infuriates me to no end.
My point, (and there is one) sometimes it’s hard to filter through all the noise, but lest we forget, BMW is a top tier auto manufacturer making some of the best quality products in the industry. They’re not recognized as market leaders for nothing. So, it should be of no surprise when the 1 Series get such good reviews.
The more they type, the more they sell. They don’t know aesthetics but they do know ineffectual.
Really wish they’d slap roundels on a Mitsubishi CUV so that I could hear you defend the decision. I’d love to hear thoughts on aesthetics, man with the ugliest user name on the internet. Hard to take anything you say seriously with that monstrosity, especially in regards to anything having to do with technology.
Mitsubishi were Daimler Chrysler, NO connection to Munich (they wish). Aesthetics are subjective, user name disqus assigned, take it up with them. Speaking of disqus, block blockhead pls.
I never take a person seriously if their name is Paul
not everyone blindly trust a manufacturer just because he is supposed to make good products… There is no improvement without criticism. Things have changed a lot with the new gen, clearly the ultimate driving experience has taken a backstep to the money making one … then again a company is suppose to make money, it’s just driving enthusiast being sad as BMW was the last one to offer something in that segment.
Criticism is one thing, but what is commented from these ‘critics’ are anything but. Like I stated above, this is noise with no substance.
Your critiques lack substance or even examples. You harangue commenters for not blindly accepting a ‘premium manufacturers’ product and then have the nerve to get upset with others’ subjective opinions on styling because it hurts your feelings. Talk about noisy!
If you’re criticizing, give reasons. Maybe mention something that is good, you know, intelligent stuff…
Haha! Another great comment, so insightful!
Basically this. His ego is so directly wired to what other people think of BMW, it’s sad. We’re all BMW fans here in one form or another, but we all have different ideas of what a BMW should be and will naturally disagree from time to time. There’s a faction that hates what BMW are making right now, and there’s a faction that doesn’t. The difference is, the people that DO like what BMW are putting out aren’t being pestered by petty, snide comments.
And Giom. Hatred for BMWs current design language doesn’t come from nothing, and people have a right to vent with anything they want, in the case of this 1 series, does it warrant a a lengthy pseudo-intellectual thesis on car design when a simple “that looks shite” will suffice?
Btw, I’ve been pestered plenty about my defense of BMW styling. You can’t throw that at me. And, my ego has nothing to do with anything, my only wish is that everyone would at least wait until they’ve seen the cars with their own eyes before making mindless, derogative comments.
I really don’t care if you like BMWs or not, just quit with the stupid one liners already and say something constructive! You claim it’s your right to dislike what BMW is doing, why not tell them exactly what your problem with their designs are… they read these threads.
The ego thing was directed at cnet-blablablameaningless numbers. That said, it’s still not your place to tell me or anyone else how to critique BMW. I have often cited detailed reasons for finding the modern designs hideous, other times I make more direct and visceral comments.
Chuck, my rant wasn’t aimed at you, I know you’ve elaborated on many occasions. I really don’t care if ppl like or dislike what BMW is doing. It just seems like ppl love something or hate something. There’s no in between. I mean, to describe the new 2 GC as hideous, came on!? You know what I mean…?
aka spam.
I’m with you 💯
I actually agree with a lot of what the review suggest. This new 1er is simple, traditional hatchback looks and very nice to drive. It’s not as choppy on road bumps like other front wheel drive vehicles I’ve driven and it’s really fun too!
I’m so tempted…
Not bad, not sure if it’s because of the design but i got under the impression that the M135iX was kinda terrible as a performance car. It’s not quite Golf 7 R good, but it’s not too bad actually, that’s nice.
I’m more concerned about safety, and http://www.euroncap.com says 83% frontal for BMW 97% for Skoda Scala and 96% for Ford Focus, BMW not so good then, no matter how it drives.