BMW Group Australia has developed a unique to Australia ‘Performance Edition’ for its M140i five-door hatch, which will arrive in Q2 of this year – limited to just 60 units, split between 45 automatics and 15 manuals.
“We have been very encouraged by the M140i’s performance since it arrived in the second half of 2016,” said BMW Group Australia CEO Marc Werner.
“It is a car with a strong enthusiast following. This Australian M140i Performance Edition builds further on these strengths and its limited production status creates a halo effect for the popular 1 Series range.”
The M140i Performance Edition is distinguished by a series of visual changes, including M performance 19-inch light alloy wheels finished in bi-colour Orbit Grey and handcrafted carbon-fibre exterior mirror caps.
Up-front the traditional BMW kidney grille is finished in high-gloss black, while towards the rear of the M140i Performance Edition the dark theme continues with the rear fins and roof-mounted spoiler finished in black.
A BMW M Performance Exhaust System showcases bright chrome tailpipes and unleashes the 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine’s acoustic depth.
Driver and passengers are greeted by M Performance LED door sill trims, while the interior is said to inspired by the limited-edition M4 GTS, featuring open pore carbon-fibre and Alcantara extensively.
More carbon-fibre can be found on the M Performance Alcantara steering wheel along with a red central marker to aid accuracy during sporty driving.
The carbon-fibre centre console contrasts with the Alcantara dash trim while manual versions offer a carbon-fibre gear shift knob with Alcantara shift gaiter for further distinction.
Also sourced from M Performance, the aluminium pedal covers bring sporty contrast to the interior while also adding a functional element, with a unique design created to minimise foot slip.
Sports seats are fitted as standard, trimmed in a dynamic mix of lightweight cloth and Alcantara with Dakota leather optionally available.
To maximise rear-axle response and traction, manual versions of the BMW M140i Performance Edition are equipped with a mechanical limited-slip differential. This differential provides torque to the wheel with the most available traction, ensuring optimised drive from a standing start or accelerating out of corners.
A bespoke numbered plaque is fitted to each BMW M140i Performance Edition. Depicting the ‘1 of 60’ build status and featuring the M Performance logo, the plaque cements this machine’s collectible status.
In addition to the extensive M Performance enhancements, the BMW M140i Performance Edition is fitted with the M140i’s standard equipment. Highlights include:
- Turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine producing 250kW/500Nm
- Adaptive M Suspension
- Variable sport steering
- M Sport brakes (4-piston front callipers, 2-piston rear)
- Adaptive LED headlights with BMW Selective Beam
- Comfort access
- ConnectedDrive services including Intelligent Emergency Call, TeleServices, ConnectedDrive Services, Remote Services and Real-Time Traffic Information
- iDrive5 with Navigation System Professional
- Park distance control, front and rear
- Speed limit info
- Cruise control with braking function
- Dual-zone climate control
- 12-speaker Harman/kardon audio system with DAB+ capability
- Bluetooth with extended smartphone capability
The BMW M140i Performance Edition is priced from $71,900 plus on-road costs – around $4,500 more than a fully optioned M140i