F70 BMW M135i xDrive: A Hot Hatch with a Premium Twist

The new F70 BMW M135i xDrive has landed, and we've had the chance to get up close and personal with this exciting new hot hatch after taking delivery of our own. Here's the lowdown on what we love, what surprised us, and what you should know before taking the plunge.

Technical Specifications

• Engine: B48 4-cylinder petrol
• Power: 221 kW (300 hp)
• Torque: 400 Nm
• Acceleration (0-62 mph): 4.9 seconds
• Top speed: 155 mph
• Fuel consumption (combined): 34–37.2 mpg
• Kerb weight: 1,625 kg

Our F70 M135 spec:

• 2025 F70 M135 xDrive.
• Skyscraper Grey.
• M Sport Pro Pack.

For those looking at purchasing a BMW F70 M135 we suggest getting yourself familiar with the optional packages you can choose from below to ensure that you're set up with the correct spec to suit your needs.

Optional Packages

Using the BMW configurator you can spec your F70 M135 to your choice, here is the run down of the optional packages on offer.

Technology Pack - £1,550

The Technology pack comprises of state-of-the-art functions, designed to make your drive easier:

• Comfort Access.
• Exterior and Interior Mirror Package.
• Rear-view Mirror with Automatic Anti-dazzle.
• High-beam Assist.
• Adaptive LED Headlights.
• Wireless Charging Tray.

Technology Plus Pack - £2,750

The Technology Plus pack comprises of even more advanced functions, It includes all the features of the Technology pack, plus:

• Parking Assistant Plus.
• Live Cockpit Professional.
• Head-up Display.

The technology pack is the ideal option for individuals who want a more understated exterior, with a primary focus on enhancing every journey with greater usability and assistance.

M Sport Pro Pack M135 - £2,075

The M Sport Pro Pack comprises a selection of sporty extras to elevate the interior and exterior of your M Sport model, including:

• M Lights Shadowline.
• M Sport Brakes with Red Calipers.
• M Seat Belts.
• M Rear Spoiler (M Sport models).
• M Sport Seats (M135 models).
• M High-gloss Shadowline with Extended Contents.

The M sport pro pack for BMW F70 M135 is ideal for individuals who want that fully blacked out styling with those unmistakable M details. As the vehicle styling shop we had to go for this option.

M Dynamic Pack - £3,000

The M Lightweight Pack consists of:

• 19" Drilled Compound Brake - high gloss grey.
• 19" style 1085M lightweight wheel with sport tyres.
• Alternative 19" style 1085M lightweight wheel with track tyres available.
• M Lights Shadowline.
• Dynamic Chassis Set up - M-specific chassis tuning optimised for track.
• M High-gloss Shadowline with extended contents.
• M Sport seats.

The M dynamic pack for the BMW F70 M135 is for individuals looking to get a performance and driver focused set up thanks to the track chassis tune,  19" drilled brake rotors, fully forged 19" wheels and M sport seats.

First Impressions: Looks Can Be Deceiving (in a good way!)

As with all new M cars these day, the photos simply don't do this car justice. The aggressive front end, with its sharp lines and angular headlights, is even more striking in person. And those quad exhausts? Love them or hate them in pictures, they look fantastic in real life, adding a touch of menace to the rear end.

Given the initial reception of the G series platform to today has taught us that you need to see these cars in the flesh to fully appreciate. Whether you call that mere-exposure effect or BMW knowing what their customers want before everyone else...

Stepping Inside: A Cabin of Refined Sportiness

The interior is where the M135i truly shines. BMW has clearly upped their game in terms of quality and technology. The materials feel premium, the iDrive 9 system is incredibly intuitive, and the M Sport seats provide excellent support without sacrificing comfort. Little details like the M colored stitching and ambient lighting add a touch of sportiness without being over the top.

Behind the Wheel: Performance with a Side of Comfort

With a 300hp 2.0L engine and a rapid-fire 8-speed DCT gearbox, the M135i xDrive is no slouch. Acceleration is brisk, and the xDrive system provides a firm grip, making the car feel incredibly planted in corners. However, there are a few things to note about the driving experience:

• Throttle Response: There's a slight delay in throttle response when pulling away from a stop, which takes some getting used to. This is likely due to the characteristics of the dual-clutch transmission.
• Steering Feel: The steering is light and geared towards comfort rather than providing razor-sharp feedback. This might not be ideal for those seeking a truly hardcore driving experience.
• DCT Quirks: While generally smooth and efficient, the DCT can be a bit hesitant when manoeuvring at low speeds or reversing.

F70 M135 user tips

Having spent some time behind the wheel of the F70 M135 here are some tips and tricks to ensure you get the most out of every journey.

How to turn off the speed warning

To switch this off simply press and hold the SET button on the top left of your steering wheel. This will disengage the speed warning, however you will need to do this every time you switch the car on.

Using BMWs intelligent personal assistant (IPA)

You can also use the IPA to: Answer phone calls, Respond to messages, Stream music, Navigate the GPS system, Set your preferred settings such as climate, driving mode, and music selection, Ask your BMW car questions such as the car's current status and the different functions the car has.

The IPA only works when your phone is connected via Bluetooth. When using Apple CarPlay, you need to access Siri for voice commands.

Here is a video from SytnerTV showcasing this in the F70 M135:

 

Top 5 mods for BMW F70 M135

Being the vehicle styling shop with a range of BMW M Performance and aftermarket modifications on our shelves, we wasted no time enhancing our BMW F70 M135 with the following modifications:

 

1. Eibach Lowering Springs

 

Lowering:

• Front: 30mm
• Rear: 15mm

Eibach lowering springs offer a great balance of a stance, performance and comfort. Lowering the car by 30mm on the front and 15mm on the rear, which provides a solution for the higher front arch gap.

Those looking to enhance the sporty driving dynamics with faster turn in and flatter cornering, as well as improve the look of your F70 M135 without spending too much money or going too far - these are the lowering springs for you. 

For a greater insight to how these lowering springs look and feel watch our BMW F70 M135 Essential Mods video below.

 

2. Bimecc Spacers

• Front: 10mm Spacer
• Rear: 10mm Spacer

After trying a range of Bimecc spacers from our shelves we found that the ideal set up for the F70 M135 was 10mm Front and 10mm Rear. When combined with the Eibach lowering springs this offered a nice lush to the arch fitment for the OEM wheels.

If you're in the market the improve the look of your F70 M135 we highly recommend Bimecc Spacers. Not only do spacers widen the track of the car, they also give the illusion of a lower ride height too.

 

3. BMW Floating Centre Caps

Are you obsessed with the little details like we are? The BMW Floating Centre Caps are a great OEM upgrade that will satisfy your OCD - ensuring the BMW logo always remains upright whether thats to impress fellow road users or improve your photos.

A simple installation you can do while the wheel is off the car, simply pop out the old one and replace, one of the easiest modifications to do,aAll you have to do now is keep them clean!

 

4. BMW M Performance Arm Rest

To follow suit with the BMW M Performance touches inside the cabin we swapped out the OEM armrest with the BMW M Performance arm rest which ties in nicely with the iconic red and blue stitching and BMW M Performance logo. 

5. M135 Black Badge

 

For those wanting a more low key look to their F70 M135 but still letting other road users know you're driving the top spec F70 1 Series, we have the gloss black M135 badging.

 The F70 is the first in the M Lite series to remove the historic 'I' from the model variants. Using our existing M135i badges we simply removed from applying this. This is a super simple fit, watch our guide on how to fit this badge in our YouTube video below.

 

The Verdict? The best hot-hatch of 2025?

The F70 BMW M135i xDrive is a refined all-rounder and a compelling package against its rivals. It's a stylish, comfortable, and well-equipped hot hatch that excels as a daily driver. While it may not be the most hardcore performance machine on the market, it offers a fantastic blend of performance, practicality, and luxury.

There's a strong case for having an F70 M135 that can take on just about anything daily life has to throw as well this does. Having a tool as well rounded as this at your disposal that doesn't get in the way of what you're trying to achieve, whether that's tackling a B road, navigating the daily commute, weekend excursions with passengers and cargo all with ease and excitement.