BMW are throwing down the gauntlet to their German hyper hatch rivals the Audi RS3 and Mercedes-Benz AMG A45, with their new range-topping M140i.
The German manufacturer’s flagship performance hatch will be priced competitively at $64,900 plus on road costs. Significantly less than the $77,990 Mercedes-Benz AMG A45 and the $78,900 Audi RS3.
The M140i replaces BMW’s outgoing performance hatch, the M135i. While the increase in numbers doesn’t translate to an increase in engine size, they do explain an increase in power. A redesigned 3.0L six cylinder turbocharged engine (compared to the 4 cylinder turbocharged engine in the A45 and RS3) produces a hefty 250kW of power and 500Nm of torque- a 10kW/50Nm increase on the outgoing M135i.
BMW’s redesigned six-cylinder engine translates to a 0.3sec improvement to 100km/h over the M135i (4.6sec vs. 4.9sec) as well as a slight increase in efficiency with the new model sipping 7.1L/100km on a combined cycle. Despite an increase in power, the new M140i still falls short of its four-cylinder all-wheel-drive German rivals the RS3 and A45 who complete the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.3sec and 4.2sec respectively.
To go with an improvement in performance and efficiency, the M140i also benefits from an upgraded level of standard trim over its predecessor. Standard feature improvements over the outgoing M135i include: comfort access, Harmon/Kardon sound system and electronically adjustable leather-trimmed front seats with adjustable lumbar and heating.
The updated M140i will go on sale towards the end of the year with first deliveries expected by the end of 2016.
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