BMW 128ti vs. M135i: which is better?
BMW’s 1 Series has led to some truly exceptional cars, but which will come out on top between the 128ti vs. M135i?
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The 1 Series has long been a popular car for BMW buyers because of the way it blends efficiency and practicality with a sporty feel.
Over the years, M-branded cars have become household names and the M135i is no exception, but the 128ti is a relative newcomer – and understanding the difference could save you thousands.
If you’re after a fun and engaging hot hatch that can also be reasonably cheap to run when you need it, then these versions of the 1 Series fit the bill.
Styling: BMW 128ti vs. BMW M135i
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Outside, there isn’t an awful lot that sets these cars apart. Sit the two side-by-side and you’ll see the same sporty-looking touches, like large air intakes in the front bumper and striking alloy wheel designs.
The BMW M135i does get a few extras, though, like a front splitter and a different rear bumper design with more prominent tailpipes.
The 128ti, which is somewhat of a special edition to the 1 Series range, also gets its own orange exterior touches with ‘ti’ decals on each side.
Inside the 128t, you’ll find comfortable but sporty seats with some orange trim. It’s only the M135i that gets the bucket-style seats as standard, though they are optional upgrades for the 128ti.
The rest of the interior will feel very familiar to anybody who’s already been inside any of BMW’s latest cars.
What are the BMW M135i and the 128ti like to drive?
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BMW’s mechanics have set both cars up to feel responsive so you can feel confident when you’re driving along twisty backroads, but there’s a key difference between the two.
Like the rest of the 1 Series range, the BMW 128ti is front-wheel-drive, which many enthusiasts will say is less engaging than a rear-wheel-drive car like previous versions of the 1 Series built before 2019.
To be able to put power down more effectively, the BMW M135i uses an all-wheel-drive setup. When the car needs grip, it can split power equally between the front and back wheels, but in less challenging conditions, it’s front-biased, which should mean better fuel economy.
For those who prefer to drive with a bit more pace, the four-wheel-drive ‘xDrive’ system will make a pretty significant difference.
In terms of power, both use a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and they’re only available with automatic gearboxes.
The 128ti has 265hp, which is enough for 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds, making it 0.1 seconds quicker than a 245hp Volkswagen Golf GTI.
BMW’s M135i xDrive can get to 62mph in 4.8 seconds thanks to a total of 306hp, which in this case makes it 0.1 seconds slower than the 320hp Volkswagen Golf R.
Interior and technology of the BMW 128ti and M135i
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Despite a few cosmetic differences between the two models, such as the M135i graphic on the digital instrument cluster, both use the same iDrive system.
The interior specification of both models is based on the top-tier M Sport trim, which means things like music and navigation are controlled through a slick 10.25-inch display.
Besides standard equipment like heated seats and interior ambient lighting, the 128ti can be upgraded with optional extras like a power-operated tailgate, a large heads-up display, and gesture control for the infotainment system.
It’s worth looking for a 1 Series with the Comfort Pack added, which allows you to use compatible smartphones to unlock your car.
BMW 128ti vs. M135i: which has more boot space?
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You’d be forgiven for thinking that the four-wheel-drive version has a smaller boot given that that’s normally the case with other cars, but the 1 Series is an exception.
The 128ti and M135i xDrive both have a 380-litre boot, which is within one litre of the latest Volkswagen Golf. The Mercedes A-Class has a 370-litre boot, including A35 AMG and A45 AMG versions.
Safety and reliability: BMW 128ti vs. BMW M135i
When Euro NCAP tested the BMW 1 Series in 2019, it was awarded the full five-star safety rating.
Its strong child protection in particular makes it a hot hatch that can serve as your main family car when you need it, so you won’t have to buy a sports car just for the weekends.
In fact, when compared to the Audi A3, Mercedes A-Class, and Volkswagen Golf, only the A-Class has it beat on child protection.
The M135i xDrive was released in 2019, and the 128ti one year later, but in that relatively short space of time, both models have proven to be reliable according to customer surveys.
Moreover, the brand consistently performs well in tests and generally comes ahead of Mercedes.
BMW, like most manufacturers except for a few, sells its cars with a three-year/unlimited-mile warranty. These performance models get the same cover.
What are the BMW M135i and 128ti dimensions?
The BMW 128ti and M135i xDrive both measure 4,319mm long, 1,799mm wide and 1,434mm high.
Despite slightly different styling, they’re no larger than regular versions of the 1 Series, so don’t be concerned about a higher risk of kerbing your alloys.
The 1 Series, Mercedes A-Class, Audi A3, and Volkswagen Golf are all within a few centimetres of one another.
The largest differences are that the Mercedes-AMG A35 is almost 12cm longer, and the Volkswagen Golf GTI is about 4cm taller, but in reality, these differences are minimal once you’re behind the wheel.
BMW M135i vs. BMW 128ti: which should you buy?
Picking between the BMW M135i and BMW 128ti comes down to the driving experience you’re hoping to get, because there’s not very much else that separates the two models in reality.
We think the 128ti provides the best blend of performance, economy, and practicality, so if you came into this thinking that the M135i was the only performance version of the 1 Series, then opting for a 128ti might prove cheaper than you’d expected.