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Road & Track: 135i is "fast and frugal"
The Fast & The Frugal: BMW 135i
It's beast of an engine develops 300 bhp and rather impressive fuel economy considering its output.
By Matt DeLorenzo • Photo by Jeff Allen
August 20
The new 1 Series from BMW is not the entry-level car we thought it might be, but instead is an impressive performance car in its own right, thanks in no small part to its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-6.
This beast of an engine develops 300 bhp and some rather impressive fuel economy (17 mpg city/25 mpg highway) considering its output.
While the 1 Series has been criticized for its high sticker price, it still is less expensive than the 3 Series, while offering near-M3 performance. Speed and agility in a compact package are factors that have enabled the 135i to snare a spot on the index. This is due to its quick acceleration — 4.8 sec. to 60 mph and a sub-14-sec. quarter mile — and its ability to stick in the corners as evidenced by its 0.91g on the skidpad and 70.6 mph through the slalom.
While the 128i does have a more efficient 230-bhp 3.0-liter six, it comes nowhere near its more powerful sibling in delivering the ultimate fun factor. In this case more, not less, is really more.
Price As Tested $43,670
MPG 17 city/25 highway/21.0 average
0–60 mph 4.8 sec.
Slalom 70.6 mph
Quarter Mile 13.4 sec. @ 104.0 mph
Skidpad 0.91g
60–0-mph Braking 114 ft.
Tank Capacity 14.0 gal.
Theoretical Maximum Range 350 miles
Cost to Fill $56.00
EPA Estimated Annual Fuel Cost $2814
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