BMW 1 Series 2020 Review

The sporty-oriented models in Malaysia's compact hatchback market have always been a focus for young consumers and performance enthusiasts. The 2020 BMW 1 Series M135i xDrive, as a popular choice in this segment, features a 306PS high-power 2.0T engine, xDrive all-wheel drive system, and luxury features that are rare in its class. The main purpose of this test drive is to verify whether its dynamic performance matches the "hot hatch" positioning while also assessing if its everyday practicality meets family needs.

From the exterior, the M135i xDrive's design directly conveys a sense of sportiness. The front features a large dual-kidney grille, complemented by a three-segment air intake at the bottom, ensuring high recognizability. The body lines are sleek, with a waistline extending from the front fender to the rear of the car, and the 19-inch alloy wheels enhance the low-profile stance. At the rear, it is equipped with a small spoiler and dual exhaust outlets, while the LED taillights feature an L-shaped light band design, offering a striking effect when illuminated at night. The overall style avoids unnecessary ornamentation, with every detail emphasizing its sporty orientation.

Inside the car, the level of luxury stands out among its peers. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials, accentuated by metallic trim, delivering a solid tactile feel. A 10.25-inch touchscreen serves as the central display with clear interface and smooth operation, supporting CarPlay and Android Auto. The instrument cluster is fully digital, offering multiple display modes to show information like navigation and power output. In terms of equipment, the front seats are electrically adjustable with lumbar support, ensuring comfort during long rides. The rear seats can be split in a 40:20:40 configuration, with a center armrest featuring cup holders. Standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry/start, and a Harman Kardon 16-speaker audio system, ensuring convenience and comfort in daily use.

In terms of space, the vehicle measures 4319mm×1799mm×1434mm, with a wheelbase of 2670mm. The front row offers ample space; with a 180cm passenger, there is more than a fist of head and legroom available. The rear space is adequate, with enough legroom for a person of similar height to fit two fingers and a fist of headroom. It’s fine for short journeys, but long trips might feel a bit cramped. The trunk offers a 380L capacity, which can be expanded by folding the rear seats. It’s sufficient for everyday use, like storing shopping bags or suitcases. The cabin provides ample storage spaces as well, with room for two bottles in the front door panels, spacious center armrest box and glove compartment, and a wireless charging pad for smartphones located in front of the gear selector, making it very convenient to use.

In terms of performance, the 2.0T turbocharged engine delivers a maximum power of 306PS, with peak torque available between 1750-4500rpm. During actual driving, the car exhibits a noticeable push-back feeling when starting in standard mode, with responsive throttle input. Switching to sport mode makes the power output even more direct. The official 0-100 km/h acceleration time is 4.8 seconds, and during testing, the all-wheel-drive system effectively restricted wheel spin, ensuring smooth and rapid acceleration. During overtaking, pressing the accelerator pedal deeply prompts the gearbox to downshift quickly, delivering immediate power on demand. The 8-speed automatic transmission features clear shift logic, ensuring smooth gear changes in daily driving with almost no noticeable jerkiness.

The handling and chassis performance align with BMW's tuning style. The steering wheel offers precise control with minimal play, and in sport mode, the steering effort increases, providing a firmer feel. The front MacPherson and rear multi-link independent suspension are tuned on the stiffer side, so road bumps are not completely filtered out, but the support is excellent. Body roll is minimal during cornering, and stability at high speeds is strong. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system performs excellently on slippery roads, showing little slipping during starts and acceleration, thereby improving driving safety.

Regarding fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 7.5L/100km. During the test drive, which involved urban commuting (about 30% congested roads) and highway driving (about 70%), the actual fuel consumption was approximately 8.2L/100km. For a 2.0T high-power engine, this performance falls within the normal range for its class. In braking performance tests, the 100-0km/h braking distance was about 36 meters, and the brake pedal feedback was linear and confident.

In terms of daily driving comfort, the seats are well-cushioned and supportive, making long trips less tiring. Noise control is well-handled, and at a highway speed of 120km/h, wind and tire noise remain within an acceptable range. The Harman Kardon sound system delivers excellent performance; with 16 speakers and the Sound Plus feature, it can satisfy music enthusiasts.

In summary, the core strengths of the 2020 BMW 1 Series M135i xDrive are evident: its 306PS power output ranks in the top tier among compact sports hatchbacks. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system enhances handling stability and safety. Additionally, it comes standard with luxury features like the Harman Kardon audio system and a 10.25-inch touchscreen, offering more sincerity in configuration compared to competitors such as the Mercedes-Benz A35 AMG and the Volkswagen Golf R. Compared to the Golf R, it offers more luxurious features; compared to the A35 AMG, it is more cost-effective.

In terms of overall performance, this car meets the demands of performance enthusiasts for power and handling while also providing spaciousness and practical features for family use. It is suitable for two types of consumers: young individuals who pursue sporty performance while needing a car for daily commuting and occasional family use, and families who favor luxury brands and value configuration and driving quality.

All in all, the 2020 BMW 1 Series M135i xDrive is a "versatile yet sporty" compact hatchback. It features strong power and solid handling without compromising practicality, making it a balanced choice among sporty hatchbacks in its class.