The BMW M135 has undergone a facelift in 2024, bringing both a sharper aesthetic and enhanced driving experience. As the latest iteration of BMW’s compact sports hatchback, it continues to combine sporty performance with a premium driving experience. In this review, we’ll take a deep dive into all aspects of the M135, from exterior styling to driving performance, and how it compares to its predecessor.
Exterior: A Bold New Look
The 2024 facelift of the BMW M135 introduces a bolder, more aggressive front design. The kidney grille, now larger and more prominent, gives the car a more assertive and dynamic presence on the road.
Exterior Key Features:
New Kidney Grille: The grille has been enlarged and given a sharper, more angular design, dominating the front of the car.
Sporty Aesthetics: The M135 still maintains its sporty stance, with muscular wheel arches, sharp lines, and an athletic profile.
LED Headlights: The updated headlights are slimmer and sharper, adding to the car’s aggressive look.
Aerodynamic Enhancements: Subtle tweaks to the body shape improve aerodynamics and create a more refined silhouette.
New Colour Options: The M135 offers several exciting new exterior colour choices, including some metallic finishes that complement the refreshed styling.
Overall, the exterior facelift gives the M135 a more distinctive and athletic presence, making it stand out even more on the road.
Interior: A Premium, Comfortable Cabin
Step inside the 2024 M135, and you’ll immediately notice the luxury and attention to detail that BMW is known for. The interior feels like one you’d expect in a high-end model, combining premium materials with a refined design.
Interior Key Features:
High-Quality Materials: Soft-touch surfaces, leather upholstery, and high-grade plastics ensure a plush, well-constructed cabin.
Comfortable Seating: The seats are not only supportive for long drives but also feature fine stitching and plush cushioning.
Spacious Feel: The cabin offers plenty of room for both front and rear passengers, giving it an airy, spacious feel despite being a compact hatchback.
Sporty Touches: Carbon fibre trim and M-specific touches add to the performance-focused interior on higher specced vehicles.
BMW’s engineers have made sure the cabin of the M135 offers both comfort and luxury, making it a pleasant place to spend time, whether commuting or going on longer trips.
Infotainment: Tech-Savvy but Slightly Fiddly
The BMW M135 comes equipped with a highly advanced infotainment system, integrating the latest tech features to keep you connected on the go.
Infotainment Key Features:
Apple CarPlay & Android Auto: Seamless integration with your smartphone, making it easy to access apps, music, and maps.
Satellite Navigation: BMW’s navigation system is precise and responsive, with real-time traffic updates to help you avoid delays. But I still prefer using Apple Maps via Apple CarPlay
App Integration: You can sync various apps to the system, allowing for smooth interaction between the car’s tech and your devices.
A Notable Criticism:
Climate Control on the Menu Screen: One downside of the M135’s infotainment system is the climate control settings being integrated into the menu screen. While the touchscreen is responsive, accessing climate settings through the interface can be distracting while driving, especially when adjusting on the move.
Despite the occasional hiccup with the climate control system, the infotainment suite is generally intuitive and offers solid connectivity, enhancing the overall driving experience.
Engine: Nippy Yet Lacking in Power
The M135 features a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine that delivers a punchy performance, though it might not feel as thrilling as its predecessor.
Engine Key Features:
Turbocharged Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine that offers smooth and quick acceleration.
Economical Performance: Compared to older models, this engine strikes a better balance between performance and fuel efficiency, making it more economical for daily use.
Power Output: The engine produces decent power, but it may feel a little less responsive when compared to the more powerful previous model, particularly on higher revs.
While the M135 feels lively and zippy, especially in city driving, it lacks the raw power of the older M135i, leaving some enthusiasts wanting more.
Driving: A Comfortable Yet Responsive Ride
Our test drive of the 2024 BMW M135 took us from our base at Cocoon Vehicles in Belper, through the scenic Peak District, all the way to Mosborough Hall, and back down the M1 to Junction 28. Here’s how the M135 handled the journey.
Driving Key Features:
Comfortable Ride: The suspension is firm but not overly harsh, absorbing most of the bumps on both winding country roads and smoother motorway stretches.
Fuel Efficiency: Despite its sporty nature, the M135 delivered great fuel economy over the course of our drive, making it a practical option for those who want performance without compromising on running costs.
Auto Double Clutch Gearbox: The transmission is one of the highlights, offering smooth shifts and quick responses. It effortlessly accelerates when you need power, particularly during overtaking or when merging onto highways.
Handling: The M135’s handling is responsive and engaging, making it fun to drive through winding roads in the Peak District.
Overall, the M135 offers a comfortable and composed ride, without compromising on the driving thrills you’d expect from a BMW. The car feels at ease both on quiet country lanes and fast-paced motorway runs.
Conclusion: Flexible Car Subscription from Cocoon Vehicles
The BMW M135 is available through Cocoon Vehicles’ Flexible Car Subscription program, which offers both business and personal customers an easy way to access this incredible car. The program includes maintenance, breakdown assistance, and road tax, so you only need to worry about fueling and insuring the car. This means you can enjoy all the benefits of the BMW M135 without the long-term commitment of traditional ownership.
If you’re looking for a blend of performance, comfort, and flexibility, the 2024 BMW M135 could be the perfect option for you.
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Final Thoughts
The facelifted BMW M135 for 2024 brings a sharper design, advanced tech features, and improved fuel efficiency. Although it may not deliver the same thrilling performance as older models, it still offers an excellent driving experience, making it a well-rounded option for those seeking a luxury hatchback.
