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BMW 1 SERIES M135I XDRIVE INCREASED AGILITY & SPACE...
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So it starts with great looks, the BMW M135i xDrive, mine for just 24 hours, sports a prominent three-dimensional mesh design inspired by racing cars. Angled headlights lend the car a fresh and youthful feel.
The flanks are highlighted by that familiar BMW shark nose, a strong hint of wedge shape and a slim window graphic culminating in the C-pillar with traditional Hofmeister kink - so I'm told! Walking around the car, the wide, two-section rear lights enhance the impact of the eye-catching rear shoulders. This is design with style and purpose for sure.
Press the button to start her up and the sound is intoxicating. The model I was test driving is the flagship of the range and is powered by the BMW Group’s muscular four-cylinder engine. It features a newly developed mechanical Torsen limited-slip differential (integrated into the standard-fitted eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission) and Launch Control. As a bonus, the even more responsive M Sport steering and the M Sport brakes also come as standard. The new 1 Series also employs the advanced BMW front-wheel-drive architecture for the first time, it really is next level.
Inside there's significantly more space than its predecessor – especially in the rear – yet it manages this with little change
to its exterior footprint. Kneeroom for the rear passengers has increased by 33mm, and elbowroom is up by 13mm in the rear and as much as 42mm in the front. I hear you say 'mm', yes put it in context and it does make a difference! After a long day of meetings, both motorway and winding country lanes, both of which it handled responsively and with ease, it was time to head to my Pilates Class, picking up passengers on the way! From my friend, a similar age to myself, to her 25-year old daughter, just how gorgeous the car looked was unanimous, it's very good looking indeed. We also all agreed on how comfortable and spacious it was too.
Existing BMW 1 Series drivers will notice a definite change in the drive, there's a notable increased agility which is thanks to cutting-edge chassis technology, together with a host of other innovative control systems. I think it's fair to say that the new BMW 1 Series sets new standards for driving dynamics in the premium compact class.
Getting down to basics, for me it's the useful 'techy' bits that make driving reassuring and adds confidence to your journeys, with standard equipment in Europe including; collision and pedestrian warning with city braking function and Lane Departure Warning with active lane return - loved this! Also, celebrating its premiere in the premium compact class is the
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MOTORING, SPORT & ENTERTAINMENT BMW 1 S ERI E S
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