The sportiest member of the BMW 1 Series range also boasts a new look. To mark the new model year, the BMW M140i M Performance model is also available in M140i Edition Shadow trim. Black inserts are added to the standard LED headlights and the kidney grille surround is painted black. The darkened rear light assemblies lend further impact to the car’s sporting aura,
as do the standard 18-inch light-alloy wheels, which are now available for the first time in Style 436 M Orbit Grey and Style 719 M Jet Black or Bicolour Jet Black, to go with the previously available Ferric Grey (Style 436 M). The sportiest BMW 1 Series leaves the factory shod with high-performance mixed-size tyres as standard, with dimensions of 225/40 at the front and 245/35 at the rear.
The BMW M140i is powered by a three-litre straight-six engine complete with direct injection, M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology with twin-scroll turbocharging, fully variable valve timing (VALVETRONIC) and DoubleVANOS variable camshaft control. This all combines to give the BMW M140i an output of 250 kW/340 hp and maximum torque of 500 Newton metres (369 lb-ft), which can be summoned from as low down as 1,520 rpm and remains on tap up to 4,500 rpm. This gives the BMW M140i all the right credentials for delivering extraordinary performance: with the six-speed manual gearshift, this compact racer sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.8 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).
When the optional eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission is specified, the BMW M140i reaches the 100 km/h (62 mph) mark from rest in an even quicker 4.6 seconds (fuel consumption combined: 7.1 l/100 km [39.8 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 163 g/km)*. Performance is even more remarkable in the BMW M140i xDrive versions, thanks to the presence of intelligent all-wheel drive. Equipped with the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission as standard, the M140i xDrive surges from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.4 seconds, while returning combined fuel consumption of 7.4 l/100 km (38.2 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of 169 g/km.
Variable sport steering adds to the impression of exceptional agility at the wheel of the BMW M140i. It comes with electromechanical power assistance and adapts the steering angle of the front wheels to the prevailing driving situation. This allows lightning-fast evasive manoeuvres but also produces a sensation of excellent directional and straight-line stability in motorway driving. The M Sport suspension, M Sport braking system and shorter throw for the six-speed manual gearshift have all been perfectly matched to the might of the six-cylinder in-line engine, as have high-performance tyres designed to ensure that acceleration and braking force are transmitted to the road to optimum effect.
The Driving Experience Control switch in the BMW M140i features the same modes included in all models in the range, such as Comfort, Sport and ECO PRO, but also adds the ultra-dynamic Sport+ mode. In this setting, the configuration of the Dynamic Stability Control system allows the driver to perform controlled drifts.