Review: 2019 BMW M135i xDrive

Mass production works best when masses of said products’ constituent components are identical. Especially when some of those shared components cost many millions to tool up for. Which is why the sizeable floor pressings, much of the suspension, many of the engines, most of the electrical architecture and plenty more besides, are now shared across the Mini Countryman, the Mini Clubman, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer and now the latest BMW 1 Series.

Placing all these models in the same structural, mechanical and electrical family means much bigger runs of identical components, making them less expensive to produce. Not that these changes are all about the BMW Group’s production and profit convenience. There’s light irony in the fact that front-wheel-drive future presaged by the original 1959 Mini, its engine packaged sideways to maximise interior space, has now been adopted by some of BMW’s smaller models. That same Mini packaging advantage has now been bestowed on the 1 Series hatchback, releasing more room for passengers and their luggage besides providing better traction on snowy roads.

These aren’t the only improvements claimed for this third iteration of a compact hatchback that has found almost 2.5 million buyers since it was launched in 2004. The cabin is finished with higher quality materials, there’s more equipment, the infotainment system carries more features and the suspension has been developed to heighten the car’s agility. Performance and economy are also improved. You may be surprised to learn that of the five engines initially offered three are diesels, but BMW firmly believes that there’s a future for these more efficient engines in the near term at least, while those tempted by hybrids will be pleased to learn that a plug-in 1 Series will arrive in the not too distant, using much the same technology found in the plug-in hybrid Mini Countryman, demonstrating another scale-economy.

At the top of the range sits the M135i xDrive whose generous 302bhp underlines why BMW is often the favoured marque among keen drivers. It’s those keen drivers who will also notice the biggest differences between this M135i and the outgoing, much-admired, 140i. Enthusiast drivers often prefer rear-wheel-drive for its more balanced handling, they often like two- and three-door bodystyles for their sportier look and they like the smooth spinning potency of BMW’s signature straight-six engines. This latest M135i provides none of these things. The 1 Series is now only available as a five-door, it’s front-drive and because the engine is mounted transversely, there’s insufficient space for the length of a straight-six.

The good news, however, is that this new M135i is for the most part a great drive. It comes as standard with four-wheel-drive, as much as 50 per cent of the engine’s thrust sent to the rear axle in slippery circumstances, it has an understeer-quelling limited slip differential and a more sensitive stability control system to maximise grip. And all 1 Series have had strategic strengthening of their bodies, compared with other models using this platform, to improve the suspension’s effectiveness. The result is a car that can be flung at bends with as much zeal as the old 1 Series, the aforementioned assistance systems ensuring that its balance is at least a match for the old, and with the added security of all-wheel-drive.

There are dynamic downsides, the light drone of the four-cylinder’s artificially enhanced exhaust note decidedly less pleasing than the humming purr of a six, and while the 135i’s deliberately lively reaction to bumps and camber changes heightens your entertainment, this is not always the easiest car for accurately slicing curves at speed.

In fact, the more modest 118d is a higher precision tool, and rides with slightly more suppleness besides, though both are pretty good. This car is a great all-rounder, serving big car refinement, brisk performance, strong economy and crisp handling in quite a satisfying mix. Passengers will enjoy the extra room, a more finely crafted (if rather busy) interior design that presents classy galvanised steel knobs and door handles, a bigger, more interactive infotainment screen and a soothing level of well insulated calm, these advantages common to both models.

For the most part, then, this is a decisively better car, especially in mainstream form. Keen drivers will regret the outgoing M140i’s passing, but the new M135i is undeniably an entertainer.

Stat attack: BMW M135i xDrive

Price: £36,430

Engines: 2.0 four-cylinder turbo petrol

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive

Power/torque: 306bhp @ 4,500-6,250rpm/450Nm (333lb ft) @ 1,750-5,000rpm

0-62mph: 4.8 seconds

Top speed: 155mph

Combined economy: 41.5mpg

Kerb weight: 1,600kg