In today’s episode, Tom ponders whether the new M135i has what it takes.

Ed Sheeran's car reviews are way better than his music.

I know the times are changing, but BMW used to be about inline sixes and RWD. By conforming to what all of the competition is doing, BMW has lost much if not all of the reasons to exist, except for badge snobs.

This new m135i looks much better in person then pictures and videos. I was pleasantly surprised seeing one in person. Gone is the inline 6 and RWD but it's still a cracking drive!

Genuinely thought this was a new focus from the thumbnail. Every medium hatch looks the same.

3:16 Apple CarPlay is now free indefintely in BMW's

Losing i6 engine and RWD drive, also going from 8 speed ZF to Aisan automatic gear - a big loss, really really big loss. Exterior design - doesn't look so BMW, more like Toyota, I do not like it really. But that's a matter of taste. Interior design - real upgrade.

The short answer is yes. It looks like a shrunk down BMW 2 active tourer and it's slower than the outgoing 140i. Both Mercedes and Audi looks better. They could've kept the old configuration and made the new 1 series slightly bigger. No BMW fan with the right mindset is going to buy an ugly expensive front drive 1 series. So this is a bonus for other brands

They killed off the 2 series MPV and killed off the 1 series heritage to make this hybrid monstrosity. It has more space and is more practical for a family car but people that bought the 1 series for pure performance will be shedding a tear. The looks remind me of the Hyundai i30N for some odd reason and to be honest that's the hatchback I'd get now knowing the 1 series has gone this way.

Great review Tom, and glad that there's someone else who thinks that digital screens are not necessarily an improvement over the analogue versions.

This car very much interests me. Regards.

love that colour, bit of a weird design for a BMW, does it have a limited slip diff?

You will be pleased to hear carplay is now free as of today. Your comments must have worked :)

It looks better in the flesh than it does on camera. I was skeptical when they first announced the move away from rwd, but I think I’m coming around after hearing so many good things about it. There are still some brand new 140is going around, including some Finales and some low km ex-fleet and demos on Carsales for those who want one.

i had very mixed feelings about the new 1 and 2 but have actually begun to like the way they look .. Seriously considering the M135i in an Individual colour (Maybe in Sakhir or Misano) - Though Im curious about how the upcoming F70 would look

The old M140i was a unique proposition. This looks and feels like any other performance hatch. Without any differentiating points, aside from that hideous grille. Just like the 3-series, the 1 has gone a bit meh. There is better stuff on the market.

Kinda looks like a happy pig doesn’t it

FWD platform = cheaper cost of production & bigger profit Great review

I think I will stick with my m140i thank you very much 👍

Great fair minded review Tom. I look forward to your review of the 3 cylinder 118i. It will still be their volume seller. I wonder how well it will drive (no X-drive and way less torque. I tend to swap my 1 series every 3 years but not sure I will like FWD dragging the wheels round the corner.

Anyone think interior spec improved/upgraded to compensate for the smaller engine?

As a new owner i agree with most of this, but those premium contact tyres are absolute rubbish, in the wet its actually the worst tyres i've ever had on a car. I really dislike losing money on things like swapping tyres out so early but i am really considering it. A good set of P4s would make a huge difference

The 135i probably rides better because it's got standard tyres whereas the 118i probably had runflats.

Got current 2 Series F22. Nope to new 1 and 2 series. Might have to go to 3 Series. Just a bit big for my liking..

Like the M135i love it 🔥🔥. Like to have one ! Good revieuw 👍

I own a F20 and this car makes me cringe. It's gone way backwards. Sit up and beg driving position, taller body with higher centre of gravity, no rear wheel drive, tacky gauges less power and a 4 cylinder tin-pot sound. What on earth were they thinking?... At least this disappointment will prop up the value of my F20 M135i in the used market. What a shame.

Replace different with worse. "That's not to say it's worse, it's just worse." "The torque delivery is definitely worse." "I'm not saying it's a bad thing, it's just worse."

Nice work Tom : )

Does that mean is worse? Well yes, yes it does.

Good video I agree that feel very diferent from F20, but why not compare with previous 135i? To compare to old 140i, must wait for the new 140e with more than 400hp...

Great review Tom - like the new car way more than I thought I would as it looks great and would be my preference in this segment although if I had the money it would be an M240i or M2 :)

my 2016 ford focusst is abmw killer around 400 horspower

Love all the reviews Tom, keep it up man. Review for the new honda accord on the horizon?

Have bought one and so far Love it. (what more would I say right!!) But a bit of news Apple Carplay is now free. I received an email today announcing it.

Does the AEB on this car brake to a complete stop? Or is it still the partial autonomous braking?

As for comparisons, I'd like to see how it compares to the 2 Series Active tourer.

Unless I missed it how much cheaper is it than the ougoing 124?

I’m from the uk but I subscribe anyway as I love the way you tell it balls out and all. If it’s shit, you’ll say it. If it’s worth a look you’ll say it. Not like some journalists that maybe frightened to say anything negative about any brand in case of loosing face or not invited to their next event. I actually ordered on of these over a Golf 8 R. Granted the Golf has by far the better power train hands down BMW have the B58 VW have the EA888, but the golfs cabin was poor in my book. It was like they spent so much money making sure it was quicker than the rest of the pack they forgot the inside. Cheap plastics everywhere, the BMW 135i is a lovely place to be a just felt more premium. I have a family with 2 kids, I couldn’t give a rats who’s cars is 2 tenths quicker along a drag strip etc. people need to stop comparing this to the old one. It’s like comparing chalk and cheese. Of course it’s not going to be the same, it’s lost two cylinders and is now 4 wheel drive. Take it for what it is, an A35 / S3 challenger and you’ll see the picture clearer. I don’t actually think it was ever supposed to compete or replace the old one. They are trying to move in to the 4x4 hot hatch territory and I think for a first go round it’s a bloody good effort. Ps, I love the channel! Keep up the good informed reviews coming. Great stuff!

do a comparison w/the new 2020 MINI JCW Countryman.. ;)

I’m Chasing Cars and this is Tom Baker.

Nothing wrong with it people must be blind the interior is much better yes its not a rearwheel drive but most buyers wont care and the design isnt that bad as people say.

Do will you get one of these or a X2 35M?

Looks better, goes worse, but still more than enough for public roads.

Have you got considerably less weight over the nose? The four pot is much further forward.

Short answer is Yes.....Yes they did.

M135I REAR WHEEL DRIVES ARE THE BEST

Nice channel

We all have to face facts sad as that maybe, big engines are doomed as was the B58 from the m140i that I loved and owned. Performance cars will go with smaller engines with high tunes and maybe with small electric motors too help boost power even more. No manufacturer can build a car purely for the enthusiast's it just makes no business sense hence we have the m135i now

This or civic type R?

The only thing I don't like about this car is the grill its ugly

Car enthusiasts will bitch and moan about the loss of BMW's trademark inline 6 and RWD. But I think BMW AG has taken a calculated risk and anticipated that its target market for the 1 series won't care which end of the car is driven. And they're probably right; I've recently spoken to the owner of an E46 who thought that her car was FWD. For me though, there is no compelling reason to swap my S3 for something like this.

I refuse to believe this car exists

It’s lost it’s specialness. Defiantly a step backwards

what`s the benefit then others?bigger backseat space?bigger trunk room?why would i pay premium to buy a car that pretty much no different then much cheaper others?just for the badge?

If I wanted a cheaper FWD based car I wouldn't be looking at BMW. Poor show Beemer, poor show.

BMW has always been a kind of it's own. Staying loyal to their rear wheel drive.... Giving their customers what they expect from BMW because BMW has a name, a badge and concerning sportiness they are superiour to very much every other brand out there. Sadly.... oooh so sadly they reference to much to their competitors and cheat on them selves and their customers with this new mainly frontwheel driven 1 series. BMW always make good cars and this new 1 series will also be a good car I believe but..... The so important character of 'Freude am fahren' vanishes with this new concept I'm afraid and they only make the 135i 'kind of' all wheel drive just to let their fans and customers not to fall to hard. BMW.... you got a fan less in me. Think i'm gonna look out for my first electric car... Tesla Model 3 Performance

Fwd bmw? No thanks. I'll buy a cheaper fwd car.

And it's actually much faster than the A35 AMG. Check out that laughing hyena Archie Hamilton's channel.

BMW has removed the three-year subscription plan for Apple CarPlay - and existing owners won't miss out. Source: www.caradvice.com.au/812196/bmw-apple-carplay-subscription-axed/

😱🤦‍♂️

Not necessarily worse? It's absolutely worse.

So summary without tiptoeing around: this car SUCKS! Thx BMW, my old M135i Lci just got more expensive...