Bucket Seat: BMW M135i X Drive

After spending some time with the new BMW 118i, I was eager to see what the range topping M135i had to offer. This is the range topping variant currently available on the market for the 1 Series and their hot hatch competitor in a market that is becoming fiercely competitive. From what seems to be the norm on all new M models, the M135i comes with X Drive which is BMW's four-wheel drive system, which balances out the power delivery from the engine to all four wheels in Sport mode. Also it will have the purist happy knowing that it won't just be front-wheel drive like the rest of the 1 Series line up. Having put my demons to bed about the looks when I had the 118i, I was quite looking forward to checking this model out and see what modifications and additions in the design BMW will add to beef the look up of the M135i and I was not disappointing as you will soon find out. 

DESIGN

With the 1 Series design being a bit different from the outgoing model, this new one is pretty refreshing and on closer inspection you will appreciate with the guys in Bavaria have done. This particular car came in Misano Blue and being their performance model, it was evident they had to add some additions to the design to make sure it stands out from the line up. First thing you will notice is the blacked out fused kidney grilles, which feature the trident design instead of the parallel lines on the standard models, the same design which is featured on the M340i. The grille is also active, so opens and closes when airflow is required. The front difusser is changed, with a bigger air-intake in the bottom and more dominant air-scoops leading to the brake duct. 18" M Sport V style bi-colour rims make the car stand out even more, with the clean lines leading to the rear where the rear difussor is more pronounced with high-gloss black bottom and large twin-exhausts that amplify that this is not a car to be messed about with. On the inside, the layout is identical to a normal 1 Series with a lot more brushed aluminium and silver accents, what you will notice immediately is the sport seats which are stunning and mighty comfortable if I have to say so myself. 

PERFORMANCE

Big talking point about this new M135i is the engine, previous model used a 6  cylinder while this new one is a 4/4 layout. While this may be the case power delivery has been increased with the 2-litre TwinPower Turbo motor producing 225kW and a torque figure of 450Nm to propel from standstill, achieving a 0-100km/h time of just 4.8 seconds. It's quite blistering and with the four-wheel drive quite an experience to the driver. With the 4 cylinder motor, there is a considerable drop in the fuel consumption and while BMW brochure quotes the average being 7.5L per 100km, I did two long distance journeys with it and on the first one managed to get 7.7L per 100km but the second I got 7,2L per 100km! So I'm very impressed with how is cruises and sips fuel, not as thirsty as other hot hatches tend to be. Now with a hot hatch you don't want me ranting and raving about how good it is when driving slow, select Sport+ and unleash the demon in this bugger, the tone in the pipes get louder, X Drive is active and this thing plants itself on the tarmac like a clingy ex-girlfriend. The way the car hugs the corners at high speed with power distribution shifting to the wheels that need the most is something to be amazed at. Just when you think you've reached the peak in terms of cornering speeds, the car tells you to give it more because it can handle it. They say this is just something to whet the appetite since there is a M140i rumored to be in the works, but if this thing is anything to go by, that M140i will be mental. 

COMFORT

When it comes to a sporty hot hatch, the last thing you want to hear is how comfortable the car is but even with the sports racing seats the M135i is blody cosy. The car came spec'd with the cloth 'Trigon'/ Alcantara Black blend for the seats and upholstery trimming, so it looked the part with all the detailed stitching. The seats were fully electric with 3 memory settings, with adjustable lumbar support and seat heating. So yes, the full package for the front passenger and driver. The rear passengers also get this fine textures and trims along with their one zone aircon. While it is a sporty vehicle with stiff suspension the general drive is pretty good, not as bumpy as you would expect. The cabin like all BMW's is properly sealed so there is very little road noise. Like the 118i, the ambient lighting is worked into the panels and really look stunning at night. There's nothing I can really pinpoint and have fault with, what I love is that whether you're sitting in a 1 Series or a 5 Series, the quality of materials used inside the cabin are of similar quality, so you're not being shortchanged just because you're driving the "entry level" model. 

VERDICT

Overall, the new BMW M135i really has raised the bar in terms of hot hatches on the market, while the figures might not be blistering as some others, it has a decent offering that should not be easily overlooked. Couple that performance with the knowing that this car can perform equally well when driven properly so it will keep your visits to the fuel station less frequent, then you know you have a winner on your hands. Cabin space is generous for a hatchback as well as luggage capacity. The list of standard equipment is great on this top of the range model so you won't be ticking a lot of boxes on the options list. It's a great little pocket rocket if you want something small and exciting to drive. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2L, 4cyl Twin Power Turbo
Gear Box	Automatic Steptronic
Torque	450Nm
Power	225kW
Consumption	7.5L/100km
Price	R763,300*

*Base Price

 

Bucket Seat: BMW X5 M & X6 M Competition in SA

This week saw BMW SA unleash their twin brute M Competition models in the country, a lucky few got to spend the day with them on a race track but for the rest of us bitter few we had to just look at social media and envy their joy but alas, it's great to see some normality in the form of a non virtual car launch taking place. The X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition are BMW's most powerful SUV's to date and they are as menacing in power as they are in looks. M standing for Motorsport which you don't normally associate with an SUV/ SAC but with the trends in the world of today, these sports based activity vehicles are becoming more popular and BMW really know how to glam them up. The designs are big and bold, taking the original spec of the respective models and beefing them up, as if they were put on a strict bulking diet and sent to only the weights section of the gym. Both look fantastic and with the added elements of darkened materials and exclusive colours, it just creates that extra exclusivity that we've come to know from BMW M division.

So main thing about these two cars is the motor that powers it, both have BMW's high-revving 4.4L V8 M TwinPower Turbo motors which produce 460kW of power at 6000 rpm and a maximum torque of 750Nm.  That's a lot of power but then again these are big cars so it's much needed. Good thing to note is that the weight of the cars don't drown the power output so you very much feel every bit of it. The delivery is versatile and effortless, this is due to the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system with rear biased setup which can be adjusted in 4WD/ 4WD Sport modes. The M xDrive teams up with Active M Differential to optimise traction and dynamics. Both the X5 M Competition and the X6 M Competition accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds, that's up to 0.4 seconds quicker than the previous models.

Both cars come packed with BMW's latest tech and driving aids which would be essential in these powerful vehicles. Extensive package of measures increases stiffness of the body structure and suspension mountings, aided by the model-specif chassis technology with bespoke kinematic and elasto-kinematic properties. An M-specific adaptive suspension with electronically controlled dampers, active roll stabilization, M Servotronic steering and Dynamic Stability Control form part of the M Dynamic Mode.

Overall, these cars have what it takes to rival some of the best in the market, while being fraction of the price. These are pure bred specialist vehicles and with BMW M having a long lineage  of producing great M cars over the years, these will no doubt be added to that list. BMW M in South Africa already has a cult status and with the M Festival being such a popular event every two years, here's hoping next years one will be taking place.

Pricing

BMW X5 M Competition R 2,605,900.00
BMW X6 M Competition R 2,632,258.00

Bucket Seat: The new BMW 4 Series

It's been a hot topic for the past few months in the motoring world, will BMW really have that massive grille on the new 4 Series? Well last night it was confirmed, as BMW announced the reveal of their second generation premium midsize coupe which will be launched globally in October this year. Amongst all the noise, the design of the new BMW 4 Series is unique and distinctive, separating itself from the rest of the line up with key design characteristics that is true to this model only. With most of their latest designs, there's always one aspect that gets a lot of attention, that is the grille. For the first time in a long time BMW have chosen to elongate the iconic kidney grille, which harks back to sports models of the past from the brand. There's an element of history and nostalgia to this and in my opinion it looks fantastic. The overall design is sharper and has a lot of character compared to the out going model which simply follows the lines of its 3 Series sibling. The wider body line, more aggressive front and smooth back really make the new 4 Series Coupe look agile and capable. 

Engine wise, the range will be flagshipped by a 440i xDrive which has a six-cylinder in-line petrol engine delivering 275kW and 374bhp. Two other petrol engines will be available in four-cylinder configurations with another diesel option. BMW will make use of mild hybrid technology for the six cylinder engines which will help reduce emissions as well as fuel economy. A big plus with the new 4 Series is that the diesel engines will have two-stage turbocharging. The gearbox that will be fitting in these cars is an eight-speed Steptronic with optional sport transmission available as an extra. 

Interior wise, not much is different from the G20 3 Series with similar styling and cockpit design, I'm glad they kept it this way as its a form that works, the large 10.25" infotainment screen is easily navigable either by touch screen on the joggle dial, the digital instrument cluster is also available as an optional extra on the 4 Series, I feel that this feature should have been standard on this model, seeing that it is a sports model but any way to keep the price down I guess. The car comes loaded with all the fancy tech and the list of optional extras that we've come to known with BMW over the past year, nothing really sticks out as new. The car will be made available in the various packages with the M Sport being the most popular as always, they have even launched a range of M Sport parts for the model. Overall the model looks good, there's still a while to go before sales start around the world, so maybe by then the emotions over the radical design of the grille would have died down. I can see this one doing well in the market, the lines on the model are simply breathtaking and synonymous of coupe's that hark from Italian shores. 

Bucket Seat: BMW M2 CS coming to SA

Yesterday BMW South Africa held a live Q&A session between their Group Product Manager, Sibusiso Mkwanazi and BMW M South Africa head, Gennaro Bonafede, the purpose of the session was to give fans an insight into the Motorsport division at BMW and what they do locally in South Africa. The major news coming from this that South Africa will be getting 30 units of the new M2 CS coming to the country by year end. However the sales process will be a bit different to the norm. With the CS coming in limited numbers, only 28 units will be available to purchase with 2 remaining part of BMW SA as their fleet. 

Usually dealerships are allocated a select number of these cars to offer to sell to select clientele, this time round BMW SA is taking a different approach. They will, with the help of the various dealerships countrywide give us invitations to top and preferred BMW M owners to attend an auction to bid for one of these 28 units. These units will be specc'd by BMW South Africa so no car will be made to order and each car will be pretty different to one another with a host of options, colours and choices. The M2 CS is a special car and an out going tribute to the current 2 Series model as the new one is on the cards for 2021. The M2 CS is much lighter and powerful than the M2 and M2 Competition. The 3.0 litre turbocharged motor delivers 331kW and 550Nm of torque, quite more than what you get with the Competition. 

There will be a choice of a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT gearbox, at the moment we're not sure how many of each will be made for South African buyers but I'm sure it will be an even split as the purist prefer the manual gearbox. Bonafede touched on the various combinations you can spec the M2 CS, the car is available in just four colours, Hockenheim Silver, Sapphire Black, Alpine White and Misano Blue, however there are various ways in which BMW SA will spec the cars to be different. From various rim colour choices down to the brakes to maintain exclusivity with each car. 

Prospective buyers will be invited to the auction which will be a track day for them to experience the car around most probably Kyalami, get a feel for what they could be buying and obviously whet their appetite for the evenings bidding. We're guessing a list of the cars with their specifications will be made available for attendee's prior to the event so they will know which one to keep their eye on when it comes up for bidding. No clear process was given on how bidding will work, but expect some high bids coming in for this very exclusive model. 

Bucket Seat: BMW G20 330d

A few weeks back, before the COVID19 pandemic arrived in South Africa, I was in Johannesburg and got the opportunity to sample the latest diesel offering in the BMW G20 line up, the 330d. The 330d has always had a low-key cult following as the then "range topping" diesel diesel engine, I say then because this isn't the last diesel variant for the 3 series with an even meaner M340d on the way. Never the less, I was still equally excited to drive this one, the torque offering on it is mad but with the combined luxury, fuel efficiency you get in a diesel model and level of comfort this could potentially be the recipe for one of the best models in the entire 3 Series line-up. What better place to put it to the test than the hustle and bustle of the Johannesburg highways. 

DESIGN

The 330d design remains the same as the rest of the G20 line-up, no added design features like the M340i, those enhancements are saved for the upcoming M340d. The spec I had was damn beautiful if you ask me though, it featured the M Sport package with optional 19" bi-colour rims and the stand our was definitely the colour, Dravit Grey, an optional extra BMW individual paint that is worth every cent. The finish is a dull gloss that just makes the car that more eye catching as you get this matte silhouette drive pass you if you happen to be seeing it go by. There's not much more I can add to the design of the car as I've exhausted all topics about it in my previous reviews but the attention to detail in the G20 model compared to those of the past really blows my mind. Even though the vehicle is mass produced, the quality of the product you getting does not feel like it was part of a molded assembly line, that just churns out the same thing 200 times a day. There definitely feels like there was a lot more human element involved in the building of this car even if there wasn't. 

PERFORMANCE

The part where everyone would be interested, how much power does this new engine produce? Well firstly lets get the capacity correct, quite a few people asked me if this is also 2.0L engine like the 330i, no it is not, the 330d still remains a 3.0L twin-power turbo diesel engine as before, it posts 195kW and a staggering 580Nm of torque. The engine is lively and torque happy, getting you from a stand still to 100km/h in just 5.5 seconds! Not bad for a family saloon if you ask me, it picks up speed well with the top speed electronically governed to 250, not like you can achieve that speed here on an open road but the car is solid. BMW claim a fuel efficiency of 5.5L per 100km which would be hard to achieve especially in Johannesburg traffic, but you can average around the 6L per 100km mark which for a 3.0L engine is damn good. Bare in mind when you do get heavy on the foot, so does the fuel consumption but its worth it in the end. 

COMFORT

The cabin size of the new 3 Series is generous, heck this trip it was 3 guys, suit cases and a golf bag. All of which fitted into the car without breaking a sweat, some thinking was required into making it work but nothing that took too much time or hurt the brain. The back seats of the BMW feature a 60/40 split to gain entry to the tailgate, dropping the 40 split enabled us to slide the clubs through to the cabin, while still leaving passenger number 3 with 60% of the back seat to sit in comfort. The suitcases fitted in the rest of the 480L luggage capacity. One tiny grip would be that the boot height is a tad bit lower than before, not sure the reason but it's probably for overall design but getting big bulky things into there is not the easiest. Interior spec wise, again, another top drawer effort from the guys at BMW SA, the interior was leather venasca in Cognac, a light brown beige tone which is usually chosen for the luxury package but blended well with the Dravit grey interior. I'm a big fan of brown interiors in general so loved this look in the car. 

TECHNOLOGY

Tech wise it came with all the fancy bells and whistles but I found myself using some of the functions that are exclusive to the new 3 Series a lot more this time around. That reverse assistant, my I didn't realise how handy it would be until I drove a 3 Series, the AirBnB we stayed at had a parking bay at 90 degrees after entering the gate, getting in, pretty easy after making some quick steering maneuvers, because of the size of the car, getting out wasn't as easy. No problem, slap it into reverse select the reverse assistant and it does it for you while you fix your hair or see what from breakfast is still stuck in your teeth, all whilst controlling the speed with the brake pedal. Another feature which has been out for some time now, the self park assist which seems to work even better now without having you drive back and forth with the car trying to get it to recognize an empty bay which it can fit at, it almost does it by itself without you even engaging the function, thus speeding up the process tenfold making sure you get into that bay as quick as possible. 

VERDICT

Overall, this has been the fourth variant of BMW's G20 3 Series and one of my favourites by far, why? Well the engine does what it says, a well balance diesel motor that offers you great performance with a decent fuel consumption. On long trips the 330d will be epic, but as I demonstrated driving around town, it wasn't too bad either. People will underestimate the normal guise, but it will keep up with some other serious machinery on the road. If this model performs so well, I cannot imagine how the M340d will be, still remains to be seen if BMW opt to bring that model down but I got a good hunch they will do. The only other model that might persuade me from getting the 330d would be the 330e, the plug-in hybrid model which again no indication of BMW SA bringing it to the country. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	3.0L Twin-Power Turbo Diesel
Gear Box	8 Speed Steptronic
Torque	580Nm
Power	195kW
Consumption	5.5L/100km
Price	R783,300*

*Base Price