BMW has confirmed that they’re bringing a M135i three-door to the Geneva Motor Show next month. Based on what we’ve seen so far, it just might be the hottest hatch ever — though there’s a slim chance it’ll ever come to the US.
Long rumored and now confirmed, the M135i features BMW’s N55 engine — a single turbo, twin scroll straight-six that promises more than 300 horsepower. A rear-wheel drive car will be on display at Geneva, but there are also rumors and spy shots of an all-wheel drive variant that will wear the xDrive badge. There’s also no official word from BMW about what transmissions will be available, but the new M135i will most likely come with a choice of either six-speed manual or dual-clutch automatic.
The exterior features frameless windows, a low stance and aggressive air intakes to keep the engine cool. Flared wheel arches highlight the car’s increased width, and the third door reminds us of the Z3-based M coupe of a decade ago. Though the pig-nosed hatch certainly won’t win any beauty contests — and we could certainly do without the stripes — it’s still somewhat beautiful if only because it’s so functional.
BMW says that it’s still a “concept study” at this point, but it wouldn’t be hard to imagine the M135i rounding out the entry level of the expanded M lineup. Unfortunately, since BMW has never brought a 1-series hatch stateside, it’ll probably only be available to European buyers.
That’s a shame. Like everyone else who has ever driven one, we’re huge fans of the BMW 1-series M, which disappeared from dealerships after fewer than 800 were built in 2011. While the M135i isn’t quite on par with the 1-series M’s performance, it seems to share the same focus on a pure driving experience.
Photos: BMW
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