The smallest M Performance BMW will get a new look for 2022.
The M135i, like the wider 1 Series range, will get a facelift to bring it more closely into line with the broader BMW line-up.
Down back, the biggest change is quad exhaust pipes that give the M135i a more aggressive look to better match it with the Mercedes-AMG A35 and Audi S3.
There are bigger brakes than the current car, according to our spy photographer.
The grille on this car is hidden, but it’s likely to be tweaked along with the front bumper as part of the refresh. A new LED light signature is likely to feature, both up front and down back, and the headlights look slimmer than the current units.
Inside, the 1er will get the latest dual-screen infotainment setup from the 2 Series Active Tourer running BMW OS8.0 software.
The driver is faced with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch central touchscreen in the 2AT; the same will likely feature in the 1 Series.
This won’t be the first update the M135i has been given since launch. BMW upped the camber on the front wheels of the M135i xDrive to help it put its power down with some steering lock wound on for the 2022 model year.
It also fitted a new mount for the front suspension wishbones, and the mounts for the rear trailing and control arms have been redesigned. BMW says the result is better ‘roll behaviour’ in the corners, and improved steering feel.
Power in the current car (below) comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine making 225kW and 450Nm, sending power to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
MORE: Everything BMW 1 Series