BMW M135 - long-term review

I hate to talk about fuel consumption. It’s a big issue for so many people and understandably so, but I’ve always avoided focussing on miles per gallon. To do so is to consign yourself to a life time of misery - denied the pure pleasure of enjoying a great engine because every rip to the red line has a defined cost attached to it. 

Yet I find myself very happy about the M135’s efficiency. Now, let’s be clear that this is not some miserly gazillion mpg superstar, In fact, officially it’s not wildly better or different than its closest rivals. Even so, 37.2mpg for a car this fast and practical seems pretty amazing to me. The fact I’ve recently come out of the voracious Ford Ranger Raptor probably helps, admittedly.

However, what’s more impressive still is that I’m not a million miles away from achieving BMW’s claims. Usually I am miles apart from the theoretical efficiency of any given car, but the M135 seems almost as good as its word even when driven with a bit of enthusiasm. So while the Beemer isn’t quite setting my hair on fire, nor is it melting my credit card.

I guess the other side of this coin is the reality that I’m not quite myself in the M135. It’s pretty rare that I select Sport mode or shift gears manually to feel fully immersed in the driving experience. Mostly because when I do the car’s reluctance to feel truly energised is a disappointment. I’m still awaiting one moment of magic to switch me on to the M135’s way of doing things. Wet weather helps as you can push hard enough to experience the edge of grip, whereas in the dry you’re mostly left guessing due to the smooth but feel-free steering. Yet even when the heavens open the BMW remains competent rather than compelling.

Good stuff? Pure point-to-point speed is pretty impressive, should that float your boat. The sheer breadth of ability is another plus point. Like all the great hot hatches the M135 seems to fit any road and any journey really well. I hate the expression, but this thing is a superb ‘daily.’ It just blends seamlessly into life. And, honestly, in a world of hybrids and EVs, I do appreciate the straightforward nature of BMW’s hot hatch.

If only the dynamics were a bit more of a throwback to super-sharp, highly-charged hatches that created such a cult following for the breed. To me, everyday usability and precise, breathless dynamics are not mutually exclusive. Often they even go hand-in-hand. A car that’s adjustable and intuitive when pushed is usually a very natural and easy thing to drive at low speed, too. These cars reveal their magic on every drive. Right now I’d just settle for some once a week. Once a month? I’m easy. Just soon would be good.