BMW enhances M135i xDrive chassis setup for 2022

BMW AUSTRALIA has set about tweaking its M135i xDrive hot hatch with a series of chassis enhancements to make the all-paw range-topper even more dynamic for the new model year.

Due to arrive Down Under in the first quarter of next year, the updated M135i has been treated to retuned springs and dampers, increased front wheel camber values, new front wishbone hydro-mounts and redesigned rear control arm mounts.

According to BMW, these changes result in sharper handling and less body roll when pushing hard as well as improved steering feel.

“The modifications reinforce the ability of the BMW M135i xDrive to deliver BMW’s hallmark driving pleasure,” a spokesperson said.

“Its chassis technology combines with the engine’s performance characteristics and BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive to create a composed overall package for a richly engaging drive.”

Further enhancing the drive experience, albeit in a less tactile way, is a revised synthetic noise system which has been “more authentic” than before, building on the exhausts already naturally feisty tones.

Helping distinguish the updated versions will be an expanded colour palette with a heap of BMW Individual and M ‘shades’ like ‘Sao Paulo Yellow non-metallic’, ‘Frozen Orange metallic’ and ‘Frozen Pure Grey’ being added.

There’s been no word yet on if the upgrades will affect the M135i’s current $70,900 sticker price or if they will be applied to the cut-price ($65,900) Pure version as well, however the vast majority of its standard equipment list is expected to be carried over.

For reference, equipment highlights on the 1 Series flagship include leather upholstery, adaptive LED headlights, a Harman Kardon sound system, M Sport steering wheel, electrically adjustable M Sport front seats, a head-up display, dual-zone climate control, comfort access and a panoramic glass roof.

No changes have been made to the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine lurking under the bonnet which continues to pump out 225kW/450Nm.

As indicated by the ‘xDrive’ nomenclature in its full name, the M135i sends its power and torque to all four wheels via and a standard imited-lsip differential.

Gear shifting duties are still taken care of by an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Other go-faster goodies that come as standard include a limited-slip differential (front), M Sport brakes, an M Sport steering tune and the usual array of drive modes.

Standard safety features comprise lane-departure warning, lane-change warning, approach-control warning with city-braking intervention, rear cross-traffic warning, rear collision prevention, speed-limit information, parking assistant with parking sensors, a rearview camera and reversing assistant.

BMW Australia has sold 2111 1 Series’ so far this year ending September 30, accounting for 25.5 per cent of the $40,000-plus small car segment.

When its sales figures are combined with those of its mechanical twin, the 2 Series Gran Coupe (1635/19.8%), BMW actually holds the monopoly on the segment with a 45.3 per cent share, besting the Mercedes-Benz A-Class’ (hatch and sedan) 39.2 per cent share (3247 units).