BMW 1-Series M135i M135i xDrive Sport Automatic 5d Owner Review

I was wary of buying this as the critics had given it such a hard time, having gone FWD/AWD. I owned the previous M140i and loved its 3 litre engine and RWD but I do love the new 2 litre car. I know it’s probably not as much fun on a track day and you can’t get the rear end out but these are not things I need from it. It’s an incredibly fast, practical car and has one of the best cabins in its class (not too much reliance on touch screen-i drive works much better) and I think looks great too. It’s described by most critics as ‘awkward’ in appearance and of course the large grille always takes some flak. I have mine in blue and find it turns heads (I think for the right reasons) but believe this is a matter of personal preference anyway. My only criticism is the use of an electronic hand brake, (what’s wrong with a handle?) but this is the way all manufacturers are going anyway. Great car, easy to use every day and rapid while much less likely to wrap itself around a tree on a slippery patch than the old M140i.