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BMW M135i

F40 · First gen2019–2024

The M Performance hatch the M2 fans pretend they hate.

18 reviewers · 20 videos

// 00 the verdict

Reviewers strongly agree on its performance and daily drivability, but split on handling and fun to drive.

across 18 reviewers

// scorecard at a glance
// where reviewers split
Handling
13 say · liveable

"it's nice and accurate and again sits into its suspension nicely"

Carfection · ▶ 6:33
2 say · critical

"this instead just feels like the front and rear of the car aren't communicating."

JayEmm on Cars · ▶ 21:40
Fun to drive
6 say · liveable

"compact size of the car makes driving really fun and interesting"

Asian Petrolhead · ▶ 11:44
4 say · critical

"I got to be honest with you all this car is a real disappointment... there is no smile here at all."

JayEmm on Cars · ▶ 17:30
Value
7 say · liveable

"for 36,000 quid it's a massive man car for the money"

Auto Express · ▶ 5:02
1 say · critical

"this at £42,000 needs to produce a fairly significant smile I'd say."

JayEmm on Cars · ▶ 16:53
// the categories
// 01

Performance

4.0/518 of 18 reviewersstrong consensus

it did not to 60 in 4.9 seconds

mixed · carwow · ▶ 6:33

it go like stink. It feels faster than three hundred to five horsepower

positive · Auto Express · ▶ 2:22

It'll do naugh to 62 in 4.9 seconds. That is a decent turn of pace, but at the same time, it's still slower than the old M135i it replaces

mixed · Autotrader · ▶ 3:44
// 02

Handling

3.5/518 of 18 reviewerssplit

this instead just feels like the front and rear of the car aren't communicating.

critical · JayEmm on Cars · ▶ 21:40

it's nice and accurate and again sits into its suspension nicely

positive · Carfection · ▶ 6:33

it's just a lot more precise than the old one series and that will be great for most hot hatch buyers

positive · Chasing Cars · ▶ 15:01
// 03

Fun to drive

3.0/518 of 18 reviewerssplit

I got to be honest with you all this car is a real disappointment... there is no smile here at all.

critical · JayEmm on Cars · ▶ 17:30

I do feel a little bit like it's lost the fizz of what M Performance means. I'm not getting any fun butterfly feelings deep in my stomach.

critical · Cars With JB · ▶ 12:16

First impressions, this car isn't giving you that tingle, that fizz. It doesn't quite bring you into the driving experience in quite the same way that the old M140i would.

critical · Autotrader · ▶ 7:15
// 04

Daily drivability

4.0/518 of 18 reviewersstrong consensus

as an everyday driver to live with i think this car is better than the old one it's quieter noticeably from the get-go it's also comfier

positive · carwow · ▶ 10:40

it does feel really quite sophisticated on the move

positive · Auto Express · ▶ 3:57

it does it just as well i mean like that golf you could use this the way you would any other one series it's easy effortless comfortable it rides well

positive · CarGurus UK · ▶ 13:15
// 05

Value

3.5/518 of 18 reviewerssplit

for 36,000 quid it's a massive man car for the money

positive · Auto Express · ▶ 5:02

This one is listed at Motor Land right now for 21,000 pounds. That is such unbelievable value for money.

positive · Cars With JB · ▶ 22:28

the bmw starts at 37 700 pounds surprisingly undercutting the 39 295 pound vw by more than 1500 quid

positive · CarGurus UK · ▶ 3:32

Hear it in the reviewer’s words

Cars With JB
Posted Mar 3, 2026Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
Autotrader
Posted Mar 30, 2025Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
Driven+
Posted Apr 12, 2024Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
More BMW M135i reviews
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Head to head
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