The BMW F20 M140i has long been a cult favourite among enthusiasts. With its 3.0-litre straight-six engine (B58), rear-wheel-drive layout, and effortless tuning potential, it’s often considered the benchmark in the modern hot hatch segment. But with BMW moving to a new platform for the latest F70 M135i, the big question is: does the F70 live up to the legend of the F20?
Having owned both cars, We will be straight with you: they’re very different animals. The F70 M135i is all about modern tech, daily usability, and efficiency, while the F20 M140i is raw, tunable, and more engaging. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison.
Performance & Driving Feel
The F20 M140i’s B58 engine is an absolute masterpiece. Straight out of the box, you get 335bhp and 500Nm of torque - and with a simple stage 1 remap and downpipe upgrade, you’re looking at 400+bhp effortlessly. The rear-wheel-drive platform makes it tail-happy and engaging, perfect for enthusiasts who value driving feel over outright grip.
The F70 M135i, on the other hand, uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine (B48) producing around 300bhp. It’s paired with an xDrive all wheel drive system and a fast-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. It’s quick off the line, but straight line performance is down on the F70 and lacks the natural character and soundtrack of the B58.
The F70 M135 lacks communication in steering feel and weighting in comparison to the F20 M140i.
If you want excitement, feedback and raw power potential, the F20 wins. But if you value everyday usability and a “point-and-shoot” fast hatch, the F70 is surprisingly good.
Handling & Chassis
The switch to a front-wheel-drive-biased xDrive chassis on the F70 initially upset the purists - ourselves included. Coming from the tail-happy F20, the F70 feels like a completely different car. It’s planted and confidence inspiring, especially in wet conditions, but it misses that old-school BMW recipe.
Despite the F70 lacking in steering feel it offers faster and more accurate results around a B road that can encourage confidence.
With the right suspension upgrades (such as Eibach lowering springs or coilovers ), the F70 can feel sharper and more engaging. A rear anti-roll bar upgrade is also a must if you want to dial out the understeer and make it feel closer to the rear-wheel-drive M140i experience.
Styling & Interior
The F20 was always understated, but that’s part of why enthusiasts love it - it’s a sleeper with real performance under the hood. The F70 is bolder, with sharper lines, aggressive front grilles, and a more modern interior featuring BMW’s latest iDrive system.
From the driver’s seat, the F70 feels like a step up in quality and tech. Digital dials, improved infotainment, and better cabin materials make it a nicer place to spend time. But if you’re someone who loves familiarity, the F20 still has charm in knowing which buttons are where by muscle memory that the F70 can’t replicate.
Modifications & Tuning Potential
Here’s where the F20 M140i absolutely shines. With a tuning box, downpipe, intake, and exhaust , you can unlock serious power gains - pushing beyond 450bhp with supporting mods. The aftermarket scene for the F20 is huge, with everything from gloss black lips to full carbon kits.
The F70 M135i isn’t as tunable (yet). The B48 engine is solid but doesn’t have the same headroom as the B58. A stage 1 remap will get you around 360-370bhp, alongside bolt-ons like an upgraded Eventuri intake and TDI tuning box can support this. Styling mods from brands like Zaero or BMW M Performance can transform the look, while a performance exhaust from Milltek adds some much-needed soundtrack.
Which One Should You Buy?
If you want a driver’s car that’s all about feel, tuning, and raw character , the F20 M140i is still king. It’s one of the last great RWD hot hatches, and values are holding strong because of that.
If you want a modern, all-weather weapon with great tech, daily comfort, and plenty of grip , the F70 M135i is a strong contender. And with the right mods such as lowering springs, a tuning box, and a few styling touches - it becomes a serious contender for the best modern hot hatch in showrooms today.
Final Thoughts
As we have lived with both, the F70 doesn’t fully replace the F20 for enthusiasts, but it’s a better car for 90% of real-world driving. The good news? The aftermarket is catching up fast for the F70, so if you’re willing to mod it, you can close the gap.
Thinking about modifying your F70 or F20? Check out our collection of BMW M Performance parts, gloss black styling upgrades, and tuning solutions here .
Community Thoughts
Here are some your thoughts and comments from our YouTube video on this showdown:
"M140i all day for more driver engagement, power, and a way better looking car... especially in a 2 door ."
"That F70 looks mega to be fair."
"The new 1 series is simply a Mini Cooper with 4wd."
"Not gonna lie that F70 interior looks looovely."
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