The current BMW M135i produces 302 horsepower, but could this prototype’s camouflage conceal more? The correct phrase would be: Could a lot more power be hiding under the hood? After looking through the most recent spy pictures of BMW’s entry-level model, we have a curious question.
We are intrigued by the four rather shiny exhaust tips that exit at the back of the vehicle, a feature we have previously observed on 1 Series sightings. A similar configuration is not available on the current M135i and is usually only found on full-fat M models. There is no such vehicle in the 1 Series, and there is no information to suggest that will change. That is not to say, though, that the M135i couldn’t be improved upon to become the M140. Not a true monster with the M badge. However, it wasn’t just a 1 Series hatchback with a little more power.
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It’s an intriguing puzzle, but one that probably won’t be solved for a while. The number of panels covering intricate changes on the front clip serve as a reminder that we are still viewing an early iteration of the updated hot hatch. A closer inspection reveals that the grille will largely remain the same size while the headlights will likely become slimmer. The vertical corner vents on the lower fascia could be replaced with rounded shapes. While the rear has new taillights, the rear fascia appears incomplete. Before everything is said and done, perhaps a diffuser will appear beneath those tips.
This is where things start to get a little murky. According to information leaked in July, the top trim of the 1 Series’ turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine will produce 315 horsepower. That’s a slight improvement over the current model and would be consistent with an M135i mid-cycle refresh. However, it seems strange that such a slight boost in power would come with quad-exhaust tips usually found on insane M models. Could the information that was leaked be wrong? Could BMW be planning a real M vehicle to sit above the M135i in the 1 Series family?
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We are aware that there won’t be any quick solutions any time soon. For the 2022 model year, the current M135 debuted in October 2021. That implies that the updated version may not be revealed for at least a year.
Check out this special Rambling About Cars podcast for more information on upcoming BMW models as well as our assessment of the top vehicles so far in 2022.
We are aware that there won’t be any quick solutions any time soon. For the 2022 model year, the current M135 debuted in October 2021. That implies that the updated version may not be revealed for at least a year.
Check out this special Rambling About Cars podcast for more information on upcoming BMW models as well as our assessment of the top vehicles so far in 2022.
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