BMW M Performance Hybrid Model Coming Soon
Just a few weeks ago it felt as if the world stood still, following the reveal of the next-generation BMW 1-Series and, more specifically, the next BMW M135i which subsequently hinted at the death of the current 6-cylinder, rear wheel driven BMW M140i. Fanatics and BMW purists were left devastated, wondering if the 4-cylinder and front wheel drive would ever live up to its predecessor.
Well, it looks like the BMW M135i won’t be the hottest hatch in the 1-Series stable. Sources close to BMW in Germany have all but confirmed the arrival of an even hotter 1-Series, but there’s a catch. Instead of reviving the 6-cylinder engine for it, BMW has selected to opt for a more futuristic approach in the form of a hybrid powertrain. That’s right - we could be seeing the first ever M Performance hybrid models become a reality.
The hot 1-Series, expected to be called the BMW M140e, will find its place at the top of the 1-Series product line. The hybrid powered flagship is anticipated to produce around 300kW of power and 500Nm of torque, placing it smack-bang in line with the likes of the Audi RS3 Sportback and the upcoming Mercedes-AMG A45 4Matic. The electric torque alone should give it a tremendous advantage in term of acceleration, but it will also borrow the water injection technology from the track-focused BMW M4 GTS.
This brings us to the question of whether we will receive this new model in South Africa, given our current infrastructure in relation to electric cars and charging stations. BMW and Jaguar have been slowly introducing charging stations around the country, and we already have cars like the BMW i3 and i8 in South Africa which should give us confidence in its arrival, opening up the possibility of other M Performance models making their way to SA. From an engineering perspective, it wouldn’t be difficult for BMW to shoehorn this hybrid powertrain into the upcoming 2-Series, and an M240e does sound rather appealing.
FAQ
Q: What is the BMW M140e and when will it be released?
The BMW M140e is expected to be BMW's first M Performance hybrid model, sitting at the top of the 1-Series range with around 300kW of power and 500Nm of torque, though BMW hasn't officially confirmed its release date yet.
Q: How much power will the BMW M Performance hybrid have?
The upcoming BMW M140e hybrid is anticipated to produce approximately 300kW of power and 500Nm of torque, putting it on par with rivals like the Audi RS3 Sportback and Mercedes-AMG A45 4Matic.
Q: Will the BMW M140e come to South Africa?
While not confirmed, the BMW M140e has a decent chance of reaching South Africa given that BMW already sells hybrid models like the i3 and i8 locally, plus the brand has been expanding charging infrastructure alongside Jaguar.
Q: What makes the BMW M Performance hybrid special compared to the M135i?
The M140e hybrid will offer significantly more power than the M135i's 4-cylinder setup, plus it features electric torque for better acceleration and water injection technology borrowed from the track-focused BMW M4 GTS.
Should You Buy It?
Hold your horses, petrolheads. The BMW M140e isn't available yet and BMW hasn't even officially confirmed it exists, let alone dropped a price tag. When it does arrive, expect it to cost somewhere north of R800,000 given that it'll need to compete with the Audi RS3 Sportback's R899,900 price point. If you're desperate for a hot BMW hatch right now, the current M135i starts at around R750,000, but honestly, waiting for this hybrid beast might be worth it if you want proper performance that can embarrass an RS3 at the traffic lights. Just make sure your neighbourhood has decent charging infrastructure first, boet.
