BMW Surprises The Market By Keeping The Sporty Hatchback Series 1 In Brazil, Betting On The M135 Version With A 2.0 Turbo Engine Producing 300 HP And All-Wheel Drive.
While practically all brands have abandoned the premium hatch segment, BMW made a bold decision: it will keep the Series 1 in Brazil, but only in the sportiest version, the M135.
The arrival of the model in its new generation was confirmed by the German brand as part of the range of launches planned until the end of 2025.
With a 2.0 turbo engine producing 300 HP and all-wheel drive, the model is a true hot hatch — a type that is becoming increasingly rare in the national market.
-
Brazil’s Lula Government Allocates $463 Million Quota for Electric Car Parts, Waives Import Tax Until December, Sparking Competition Among BYD, Automakers, and Unions as Consumers Question Impact on Prices and Local Industry
-
Thinking of Installing LED Headlights? Why Replacing Halogen Bulbs is Still Banned, the Glare Risks Authorities Worry About, and How a New Proposal Could Allow Certified, Safe Installations
-
2027 Toyota Corolla Cross Unveiled: New Design, Enhanced Fuel Efficiency, Reduced Maintenance Costs, Advanced Technology, Connected Services, and Up to 10-Year Warranty
-
Fiat Cronos Precision 2018: Affordable Sedan with Spacious Trunk and Reliable Maintenance
Even in the face of the growing preference for SUVs, the Series 1 continues to carry on the sporting tradition of luxury hatches, now sharper, faster, and more technological.
Out-Of-The-Box Bet
BMW’s decision goes completely against what has been done by other brands in Brazil.
In recent years, medium and compact hatches have been disappearing. Sporty versions then became collector’s items.
The new Series 1 arrives in Brazil only in the M135 version, with a complete focus on performance.
It is a clear bet on an audience that values sportiness, even if that comes at a higher price and serves a niche.
Root Sports Performance
The M135’s mechanics are shared with the new Series 2 Gran Coupé M235.
This means that the hatch features a 2.0 turbo four-cylinder engine with 300 HP of power and 40.7 kgfm of torque.
The transmission is a 7-speed dual-clutch automated system, and the drive is all-wheel (xDrive), which ensures strong acceleration even on slippery surfaces.
According to BMW, the hatch goes from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds. This places it on the same performance level as more expensive sports cars with much greater appeal. It is an impressive number for a car with a compact body.
Price Is Expected To Exceed R$ 500 Thousand
BMW has not yet disclosed the official price of the new M135, but based on the brand’s history and comparison with direct rivals, it is expected that the price will be close to R$ 500 thousand.
The price may scare the less informed, but it is no surprise in the premium sports segment. The audience that buys this type of car seeks exclusivity, performance, and often already knows the technical specifications by heart.
Renewed Look And Technological Interior
In addition to the new generation of the engine and mechanical set, the Series 1 M135 also debuts a renewed design. The front has new headlights, a sporty bumper, and a redesigned grille.
Inside, the highlight is the new infotainment system with a curved display, integration with virtual assistants, and more intuitive controls.
The finishing also follows the BMW standard, with quality materials, sport seats, and aluminum details.
All of this reinforces the sporty and premium character of the model, even with its hatch body, considered by many as “less noble” than coupes and SUVs.
