The announcement of diesel-powered M cars may have upset the purists, but BMW is fighting back with its latest concept - the petrol-engined M135i. Set to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, it is said to use all of the expertise from the M Division's experience in motor racing. Billed purely as a concept, apparently 'it offers attractive prospects for the further development of the BMW 1 Series model range', though you can be sure that this is actually a preview of both the new three-door 1 Series, and a range-topping M Performance Division production model.
Which means an elongated and sportier look thanks to the wider doors, more muscle over the rear aches and lowered springs. The Concept M135i also adds some bespoke detailing, like the dark grey rear diffuser with dark chrome tailpipes, flared wheelarches and an aggressive front bumper with enlarged air intakes. Functional as well as striking, these feed cool air to both the engine and the uprated braking system.
The engine itself is a TwinPower straight-six, expected to make somewhere over 300hp. As the 335i makes 306hp, we'd suggest that is a conservative estimate. It's the first of BMW's M Performance Vehicles (rather than full-fat M Cars) to use the unit and unlike the recently revealed M550d xDrive, it will send all of its power through the rear 18-inch double-spoke alloys - a feature still unique in the small hatchback segment. The suspension is also bespoke, and the Concept M135i has allegedly been designed to offer outstanding performance and everyday usability - so it won't be a hardcore racer.
Still it should all add up to a seriously capable package - just don't expect the distinctive M colour stripes on the concept to make it onto the production car.