The hot hatch in the pair of BMW’s entry-level model, the 1 Series, is the M135 xDrive, which starts at $82,500 before on-road costs.
Like its lower-spec 118 sibling, the M135 features a 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen and 10.7-inch driver display as standard, as well as wireless phone charging, heated electric seats in synthetic leather, adaptive suspension, adaptive LED headlights, high beam assist, a head-up display, speed limit recognition and tyre pressure monitoring.
Over the standard kit, it scores a massage seat for the driver, a heated steering wheel, a Harman/Kardon sound system, racier styling and a black roof.
It also has a larger, more powerful engine than the 118, with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine making 233kW and 400Nm, driving all four wheels via a seven-speed DCT. BMW says it’ll crack 100km/h in 4.9 seconds.
Explore the 2024 BMW 1 Series Range
It has the same 49-litre fuel tank as its sibling, but needs 98 RON and will drink 7.8L/100km according to BMW.
There’s plenty of active safety in the new 1 Series, new kit includes an updated ‘Driving Assistant Plus’. The M135 also gains extras like front cross-traffic alert, side collision prevention, and evasion assist.
The 1 Series hasn’t been tested by ANCAP since its previous generation in 2019, which scored five stars.
