BMW 135i ( A coupe of its own) by utusanLFC

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I have already fallen in love with the compact variant of BMW 1 Series when we first ``introduced to each other'' in 2005. To me, it has all the `naughty image/ bad boy' ingredients within its design, internal power and charisma. Now come the newly introduced BMW 1 Series Coupé.

It raises the design language so typical of this model series to a new, even more distinctive level. The sporting proportions of the car give it a unique look in the compact segment, the long front end, the passenger compartment – or the “greenhouse”, as it is sometimes called – moved far to the back, and the short rear end clearly distinguishing this two-door performer from its competitors.

Seen from the side, the shoulder-line of the car beneath the window area is the most striking element, while the widely flared side-sills accentuate the convex/concave surfaces of the side body panels. Interacting with the muscular wheel arches, these powerful contours clearly emphasise the sporting character and performance of the BMW 1 Series Coupé.

In its front end design, the new Coupé stands out clearly as a member of the BMW 1 Series: The design of the radiator grille, the kidney grille so typical of BMW with its powerfully accentuated chrome frame and headlights, is identical on all models. BMW 135i Coupé stands out clearly through its modified M Aerodynamics Package. Indeed, right from the start the front air dam with its extra-large central air intake emphasises the concept designed for superior driving dynamics.

The two separate air intakes at the sides, in turn, are subdivided by a dark crossbar and border on slightly flared flaps extending deeper down than the central air intake to guide the air past the front wheels and emphasise the wide front end of the BMW 135i Coupé also in visual terms.

The side-sills of the BMW 135i Coupé also boast their own, distinctive design, an additional light edge reinforcing the wedge shape. Again, this design feature typical of a BMW Coupé creates the impression of dynamic performance right from the start, even with the car at a standstill.

To highlight the BMW 135i Coupé as the top model also from the rear, the middle section of the rear air dam is finished in matt anthracite beneath the bumper, where the integrated diffuser optimises the car’s aerodynamics.

The side sections finished in body colour point towards the rear wheels, accentuating the wide track of the car. A further feature is the dark chrome finish of the tailpipe covers on the exhaust system, while the discreet spoiler lip commonly referred to in motorsport as a “gurney” on the rear lid provides yet a further sign of distinction with a positive impact on the flow of air.

The design of the radiator grille, the typical BMW kidney grille with its powerfully contoured chrome frame, and the headlights reflect the same body features at the front of the five- and three-door models.

Dark-coloured trim bars surrounding the lights create a clear optical contrast to the metal surrounds on the striking dual headlights. The bi-xenon round headlights, together with their corona-shaped light conductor rings serving to provide a daytime light function, likewise characterise the Coupé unmistakably as a BMW. The prominent chrome frame around the kidney grille, finally, adds to the particular style and flair of this compact model.

The rear end of the BMW 1 Series Coupé is equally powerful and striking in its look, distinctive horizontal lines accentuating the sheer width of the car. In combination with the widely flared wheel arches, these powerful lines also bear testimony to the safe roadholding of the new Coupé.

As a particularly sporting feature, the rear lid boasts a carefully sculptured contour flap visualising the short rear end and enhancing downforce on the rear axle at high speeds. And last but not least, the rear end also comes with a third brake light integrated in the rear spoiler.

The subdivision of individual light units within the L-shaped rear light clusters follows the horizontal orientation of lines at the rear, with the back-up light and direction indicators standing out clearly as a white band.

Horizontal light conductors are also integrated into the rear-light clusters, illuminated by light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for a particularly homogeneous lighting effect. Indeed, this design feature already well-known from other model series clearly reveals in the dark that the BMW 1 Series Coupé is a genuine BMW in every respect. And finally, the two-stage brake lights varying in brightness and size as a function of brake power are another feature typical of BMW serving in addition to enhance safety on the road.

The interior of the BMW 1 Series offers clear and at the same time solid, sophisticated flair. Dynamic, horizontal elements create a formal connection between the front and rear, with the cockpit characterised by taut but widely stretching lines and surfaces.

The upper section of the dashboard, in turn, is finished in black, with high-quality, natural-looking surface grain further enhancing this touch of quality.

The lower section of the dashboard comes in either black, grey or beige, like the rest of the interior, again emphasising the orientation of the car through its horizontal design and creating a generous feeling of space.

The control console for entertainment and air conditioning is integrated smoothly and harmoniously into the dashboard through its soft radii and flowing surfaces. The Controller featured in the iDrive control system is integrated directly into the centre console, again following BMW’s characteristic philosophy. Galvanised pearl gloss surfaces, finally, are to be admired on the door openers, on the glove compartment opener, on the radio’s rotary knobs, on the knobs of the automatic air conditioning, on the iDrive Controller, and on the ornamental trim strips featured on the leather sports steering wheel.

The frame less window... imagine the convertible variant... wow... (but not on Federal Highway please! You might caught some serious lung problems driving without the air-conditioned!!!!)

The BMW 135i Coupé features 18-inch light-alloy wheels highlighting the car’s active performance and dynamism. And as yet a further feature the BMW 135i Coupé comes as standard with M Sports Suspension and a high-performance brake system incorporating six-piston fixed callipers on the front axle and two-piston fixed callipers at the rear.

Straight-six gasoline engine with Twin Turbo and direct fuel injection (High Precision Injection), capacity 2,979 cc, max output 225 kW/306 hp at 5,800 rpm, max torque 400 Nm/295 lb-ft from 1,300–5,000 rpm, acceleration 0–100 km/h in 5.3 seconds, top speed 250 km/h (155 mph) (electronically limited).

The OTR price : RM423,800.

You got to be damned rich as the European footballer to own one, I guess. If not, I suggest you go for a bit practical models that were on the same price range but with four-doors and less sporty suspension! hahaha... This is Malaysian automotive market! 130% import tax and this is a German made!