2025 BMW M135 xDrive First Drive Impressions

The automotive world is shifting rapidly. As electrification tightens its grip on the industry, the hot hatch—a segment beloved for its punchy performance and everyday practicality—has become an endangered species. Once a staple in driveways across the globe, the traditional hot hatch is now a rarity, particularly in Australia, where performance cars face stiff competition from electric SUVs and hybrids. Enter the 2025 BMW M135 xDrive.

A refreshing reminder of what made hot hatches so exhilarating in the first place. This is a car that refuses to conform to the silent hum of electrics or the towering silhouettes of crossovers. Instead, it sticks firmly to the tried-and-tested recipe of turbocharged power, nimble handling, and compact dimensions.

Driving through the picturesque roads of the Mornington Peninsula, the M135 felt like a defiant nod to the past. It brings back the joy of connection—a car that doesn’t just get you from A to B but makes the journey unforgettable. In a landscape dominated by change, the M135 xDrive proves there’s still room for driving pleasure. It’s a breath of fresh air for enthusiasts and a reminder that the spirit of the hot hatch isn’t ready to fade away just yet.

2025 BMW M135 xDrive Specifications

• Engine: 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-4
• Power: 296 bhp (220 kW) @ 5,000–6,250 rpm
• Torque: 400 Nm @ 1,750–4,500 rpm
• Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
• Drivetrain: xDrive all-wheel drive

Performance

• 0–100 km/h: 4.9 seconds
• Top Speed: 250 km/h (electronically limited)

Dimensions

• Length: 4,319 mm
• Width: 1,799 mm
• Height: 1,434 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,670 mm
• Weight: 1,570 kg (kerb weight)

Chassis & Suspension

• Front Suspension: MacPherson strut
• Rear Suspension: Multi-link
• Brakes: M Compound brakes (optional)
• Steering: M-tuned electric power steering

Features

• Wheels: 18-inch or 19-inch M Performance alloys
• Seats: Veganza vegan leather upholstery with sport seat design
• Infotainment: 10.7-inch touchscreen with BMW Curved Display
• Driver Assistance: Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and parking assistant
• Lighting: Adaptive LED headlights with quad-light design

Fuel Economy

• Combined Fuel Consumption: Approx. 7.4 L/100 km
• CO2 Emissions: Approx. 168 g/km

Striking First Impressions: The M135’s Design

The 2025 BMW M135 xDrive demands attention the moment it comes into view, and it’s not without controversy. Its bold design, particularly the reimagined twin kidney grille—now appearing as a single hexagonal piece from afar—challenges traditional BMW styling conventions. While this grille has sparked intense debate among enthusiasts, it undoubtedly gives the M135 a distinctive presence.

Other design elements pull you back into familiar BMW territory. The quad exhausts at the rear are a bold statement of performance, the first of their kind not on a pure M car, framed neatly by the aggressive diffuser. Meanwhile, the iconic Hofmeister kink in the C-pillars now incorporates a subtle “1” impression, a detail that underscores the car’s position as the range-topper of the 1 Series lineup. These touches, combined with its sharp lines, large air intakes, and gloss black accents, emphasize its dual personality: a hot hatch with luxury underpinnings.

Cruising through the Mornington Peninsula, the M135’s styling felt perfectly in tune with its surroundings—dynamic yet refined. The mix of classic BMW cues and modern flourishes creates a car that isn’t just eye-catching but also unapologetically confident in its identity. Whether you’re drawn to its styling or remain unconvinced, there’s no denying that the M135 xDrive leaves a lasting impression.

The Cockpit Experience: Familiar Yet Elevated

Step inside the 2025 BMW M135 xDrive, and you’re welcomed into a cabin that skillfully blends familiarity with thoughtful upgrades. While the overall layout shares much in common with the standard 1 Series, subtle touches elevate the experience, creating an environment that feels both modern and performance-focused.

The seats, upholstered in BMW’s Veganza vegan leather, offer a premium feel and excellent support. The material, which closely mimics traditional leather, adds to the sense of luxury while aligning with contemporary sustainability trends. Bold stitching and an ergonomic design ensure long-distance comfort, making the seats a standout feature.

The centerpiece of the cockpit is BMW’s Curved Display, which seamlessly integrates a 10.7-inch touchscreen with a fully digital instrument cluster. This intuitive and visually appealing interface keeps essential driving information front and center while enhancing the overall modern aesthetic. Adding a touch of flair, the iconic M tricolor streaks span from behind the display to the edge of the dashboard—a subtle yet effective nod to the car’s performance pedigree.

Throughout the cabin, high-quality materials and a driver-centric design reinforce the M135’s status as more than just another hatchback. Practicality hasn’t been sacrificed either, with well-placed controls and ample storage making it as functional as it is stylish. On the winding roads of the Mornington Peninsula, the cabin proved to be a refined and comfortable retreat, perfectly complementing the car’s sporty yet versatile nature.

Performance on the Mornington Peninsula’s Roads

The Mornington Peninsula’s mix of sweeping coastal roads and tight corners provided the perfect backdrop to unleash the 2025 BMW M135 xDrive’s performance capabilities. With its 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine delivering 296 bhp and 400 Nm of torque, the M135 felt effortlessly potent, combining sharp acceleration with an unmistakable sense of control.

Launching from a standstill, the M135 xDrive completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 4.9 seconds. On the straights, it surged forward with confidence, the turbocharged powerplant responding instantly to inputs. This isn’t just about raw speed—it’s the way the car translates power into momentum that impresses. The standard xDrive all-wheel-drive system, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, ensures that power is effectively distributed to all four wheels, maximizing grip even on the Mornington Peninsula’s unpredictable roads.

One of the standout elements for me was the sound. The engine’s growl, complemented by the turbo’s satisfying hiss and spool, added an engaging auditory dimension to the driving experience. Every acceleration was accompanied by a thrilling soundtrack that enhanced the car’s personality and made the drive even more immersive.

Cornering was where the M135 truly came alive. Its revised suspension, frequency-selective dampers, and front and rear bracing delivered a firm but composed ride. Steering inputs felt precise, with just enough feedback to make the driver feel connected to the road. The M Sport brakes, though occasionally a touch grabby in slower traffic, provided exceptional stopping power, instilling confidence when navigating sharp turns or sudden descents.

Despite its sporty prowess, the M135 xDrive revealed a surprisingly adaptable side. Switch out of Sport mode, and the ride softened, transforming the car into a more relaxed companion for cruising along the Mornington Peninsula’s scenic routes. The duality of its character—a hot hatch ready for spirited driving yet capable of effortless refinement—proved to be one of its greatest strengths.

Whether tackling a challenging series of bends or coasting along coastal stretches, the M135 xDrive delivered a thrilling yet controlled driving experience, leaving no doubt that it’s a car designed for drivers who seek both excitement and versatility.

A Symphony of Control and Comfort

The 2025 BMW M135 xDrive delivers an exceptional blend of sharp handling and refined comfort, creating a driving experience that feels both exhilarating and composed. On the varied roads of the Mornington Peninsula, its responsiveness truly shone, particularly on stretches where dodging the occasional pothole demanded precision and agility.

Out on varied roads tested on, the M135 demonstrated remarkable poise. The steering, responsive and well-weighted, offered a satisfying connection to the road, making it a joy to navigate tight bends and flowing corners. The all-wheel-drive system worked seamlessly, distributing power effectively to maintain grip. The car felt sure-footed, instilling confidence no matter the road conditions.

Yet, the M135 isn’t all about aggressive dynamics. It knows when to ease off and prioritize comfort. In Comfort mode, the frequency-selective dampers smoothed out imperfections in the road, and the ride quality, while still on the firmer side, felt composed enough for relaxed cruising. BMW has managed to craft a car that handles spirited driving with precision but transitions effortlessly to a more laid-back demeanor when you’re simply enjoying the journey.

Inside the cabin, comfort and ergonomics further enhance the experience. The seats, upholstered in BMW’s Veganza vegan leather, provide ample support for spirited driving while remaining soft enough for longer trips. Noise isolation is another highlight, but when you want to indulge, the turbocharged engine’s growl and whistle add a layer of excitement without becoming overbearing.

The M135 xDrive is a masterclass in versatility—a car that excels at being a precise instrument for performance but doesn’t forget to cater to comfort. On the road, this symphony of control and comfort came together to create a truly rewarding driving experience. It’s a rare quality in today’s performance cars and one that makes the M135 xDrive a standout in its class.

Old-School Formula in a Modern World

In a time when electrification dominates automotive innovation, the 2025 BMW M135 xDrive feels refreshingly nostalgic. While many cars lean heavily on advanced hybrid or electric powertrains, the M135 stays true to the classic hot hatch formula: a compact body, a powerful turbocharged engine, and a driver-focused experience. It’s a recipe that has stood the test of time, and BMW has executed it brilliantly here.

The heart of the M135 is its turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, producing 296 bhp and 400 Nm of torque. The thrill of accelerating with a responsive petrol engine, accompanied by the satisfying whistle of the turbo, is a reminder of why internal combustion still holds a special place for driving enthusiasts. There’s a tangible connection to the mechanical processes at work, something that’s often lost in the near-silent hum of electrics.

But what truly sets the M135 apart is how it blends this old-school formula with modern advancements. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system ensures exceptional grip, while the updated suspension and frequency-selective dampers provide a dynamic yet composed ride. It’s a car that respects tradition while embracing the benefits of modern engineering.

Driving through the scenic roads of the Mornington Peninsula, the M135 felt like a time machine, delivering the joy of analog driving in a world increasingly dominated by digital interfaces and electric motors. It’s not just a nod to the past but a testament to the enduring appeal of a well-executed hot hatch, proving that some classics never go out of style.

Pros and Cons of the 2025 BMW M135 xDrive

Pros

1. Engaging Performance
   • Turbocharged power and responsive handling make it a true driver’s car.
2. All-Wheel-Drive Confidence
   • The xDrive system ensures excellent grip, even on challenging road surfaces.
3. Comfort and Versatility
   • A well-balanced ride that transitions seamlessly between sporty and relaxed driving modes.
4. Interior Quality
   • High-quality materials, including sustainable Veganza vegan leather, and a modern design with advanced technology.
5. Soundtrack
   • The turbocharged engine provides a thrilling auditory experience that adds to the excitement.
6. Practicality
   • Compact size with everyday usability, perfect for city driving or spirited country drives.

Cons

1. Divisive Styling
   • The new grille design and overall exterior aesthetics might not appeal to everyone.
2. Firm Ride
   • Even in Comfort mode, the ride may feel too stiff for those seeking plushness.
3. Loss of Rear-Wheel Drive Heritage
   • Enthusiasts may miss the rear-wheel-drive dynamics of previous 1 Series models.
4. Price Tag
   • Positioned at a premium, it may feel expensive compared to some rivals in the hot hatch segment.
5. Limited Cabin Differentiation
   • The interior, while premium, doesn’t significantly distinguish itself from the standard 1 Series in terms of layout.

Pricing

The 2025 BMW M135 xDrive sits at the premium end of the hot hatch spectrum, with a starting price of $82,500 AUD before on-road costs. This marks a $5900 increase over the outgoing model, reflecting the updates and enhancements brought to the 2025 version.

For those seeking a more budget-friendly option within the BMW 1 Series lineup, the new 118 is available at $56,500 AUD plus on-road costs, offering a more accessible entry point to BMW’s compact range.

While the M135 xDrive’s price positions it as a luxury performance hatch, it offers a blend of power, advanced technology, and refinement that justifies its premium. However, potential buyers should factor in on-road costs, which will push the final price higher depending on state-specific fees and taxes.

Is the M135 xDrive Worth the Spotlight?

The 2025 BMW M135 xDrive occupies a unique position in today’s automotive landscape, blending modern engineering with the classic charm of a hot hatch. For those who crave the visceral thrill of a turbocharged engine paired with sharp handling, it offers an experience that feels increasingly rare in a world skewing towards electrification.

On the scenic yet demanding roads of the Mornington Peninsula, the M135 proved its mettle. Its blend of performance, responsiveness, and comfort made every stretch of the journey enjoyable, whether tackling tight corners, navigating pothole-laden stretches, or simply cruising along the coast. The turbocharged growl and whistle added a layer of engagement that made driving it feel special—more than just transportation, it’s an experience.

Yet, the M135 isn’t perfect. Its styling might not appeal to everyone, and for some, the lack of a rear-wheel-drive platform (like earlier 1 Series hot hatches) could be a sticking point. But what it does deliver is a carefully balanced package that’s both thrilling and practical, making it an enticing choice for anyone looking for a high-performance car that can handle daily life just as well as spirited drives.

Ultimately, the M135 xDrive doesn’t just deserve the spotlight—it earns it. It’s a reminder that even in a rapidly changing world, there’s still room for cars that prioritize the joy of driving. Whether you’re an enthusiast yearning for a connection to the road or simply someone who wants a versatile yet exciting ride, the M135 xDrive proves itself as a standout contender in the shrinking field of true hot hatches.

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Zachary Skinner

Zachary Skinner is the editor of TechDrivePlay.com, where tech, cars and adventure share the fast lane.
A former snowboarding pro and programmer, he brings both creative flair and technical know-how to his reviews. From high-performance cars to clever gadgets, he explores how innovation shapes the way we move, connect and live.