Try GOLD - Free
BMW M135
Auto Express
|November 13, 2024
FIRST DRIVE Hot hatch's facelift brings mechanical tweaks to help it keep up with refreshed competition snapping at its heels
BMW gave the 1 Series such a hefty facelift in 2024 that it gained a new model code, too. Out went F40 and in came F70. Along with the 120 edition, the range-topping M135 has also been given a new look outside and in, while BMW also tried to make the hot hatch more fun to drive.
Importantly for BMW, the latest M135 seems to have arrived just in time. The Mercedes-AMG A 35 received a facelift in 2023, and the Audi S3 followed suit just a few months ago, so competition is fierce. And while they don't come from such premium marques, the Honda Civic Type R and Ford Focus ST Edition remain worthy alternatives.
Although the changes mean the BMW has lost the '' at the end of its name - the company says customers were getting confused between its petrol and all-electric models - the M135 still has basically the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine as the old model. However, it's not identical, because it's 6bhp and 50Nm of torque down on its predecessor - so the updated car's 0-62mph time is 4.9 seconds (0.1 seconds slower than before).
You won't notice the difference in the real world.This story is from the November 13, 2024 edition of Auto Express.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Auto Express
Auto Express
USED BUYER’S GUIDE Maserati Grecale
FROM £37,000 The Grecale was meant to be the way into a budget-priced Maserati SUV, but sales haven't been stellar. However, it makes more sense as a used buy
4 mins
May 20, 2026
Auto Express
MIKE RUTHERFORD
MY passion for cars with healthy discounts began in 1982, when I worked and saved hard before buying my first brand-new motor.
2 mins
May 20, 2026
Auto Express
FLEETWATCH
(our mid-range Homura Plus model costs £56,000 as tested).
1 min
May 20, 2026
Auto Express
Ryobi 18V ONE+ Cordless Power Washer Kit
THIS Ryobi kit includes a big 4.0Ah battery and charger, and the power pack is compatible with other useful tools in the company's range if you want to share and save some cash.
1 min
May 20, 2026
Auto Express
MAZDA CX-80
Our plug-in hybrid SUV had a distinctly split personality
3 mins
May 20, 2026
Auto Express
Toyota Yaris Cross
You rate the small SUV highly for ease of driving, but its space and tech are letdowns
2 mins
May 20, 2026
Auto Express
Brand's EV plan ditched in favour of hybrid power following review
Hybrid versions of Emira sports car and Eletre SUV are in the pipeline
1 mins
May 20, 2026
Auto Express
ON TEST MG4 URBAN
MG4 Urban offers family hatch motoring for the price of some superminis. But should this new EV should be on your shortlist?
11 mins
May 20, 2026
Auto Express
BUYING CARS
PART of the reason so many people buy new cars rather than used ones is the dependability they offer.
2 mins
May 20, 2026
Auto Express
3 CAR GARAGE
Sunny delights: cars that let you catch some rays in style
2 mins
May 20, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size
