BMW->ke178 introduced the second-generation BMW 1 Series in 2011, when the redesign also brought a split between the hatchback->ke304 and the coupe->ke141 models. While the former continued to use the 1 Series->ke313 badge, the latter was renamed the 2 Series.->ke2065 The new 1 Series had a fresh design, updated technology, and revised engines. However, unlike the first-gen car, the F20/F21 models didn't get a proper M variant. Instead, BMW launched the M135i, which was equally powerful despite not being a full-fledged BMW M.->ke546

While Munich doesn't seem very eager to build a new 1M->ke2536 anytime soon, it has just updated its range-topping 1 Series for the 2017 model year. It goes by the name M140i and comes with extra horsepower, optimized fuel consumption, and improved performance. On the flipside, the new badge changes nothing in terms of exterior design and interior features, leaving the performance-oriented hatchback unchanged for the 2017 model year.

The bad news is that BMW still doesn't want to bring the second-generation 1 Series to the United States, and as a result we won't find the updated M140i in dealerships. This leaves us with the similarly sized M240i Coupe that BMW launched alongside the hatchback or the absolutely wild M2. Until BMW decides otherwise, let's have a closer look at its most powerful hatch to date.

Continue reading to learn more about the BMW M140i.

Exterior

Despite the name change, the M140i remains identical to last year's M135 model. In fact, BMW didn't even bother to release new photos and simply used a picture of the facelifted M135i. Not too upsetting given that there are no visual updates to run by, but it's annoying that BMW didn't even take the time to throw in a couple of new shots with the press release. Sure, some images will probably be released in the coming weeks, but it's still inappropriate for a BMW to be launched with an old photo.

Anyway, the M140i is identical to the facelifted M135i model that BMW unveiled for the 2015 model year. The hatch received a few nips and tucks on the outside, including a wider grille, updated air intakes, and sportier headlamps. The M140i also benefits from the LED daytime running lights and optional full-LED lighting that came with the mid-cycle update, as well as the new taillights, and aggressive rear diffuser. As the sportiest member of the 1 Series family, it also features standard 18-inch, double-spoke M wheels, a black-chrome exhaust tip, and silver front fender inserts and mirror caps.

Much like its predecessor, it's available in both three- and five-door body styles.

Interior

BMW had nothing to say about the car's interior, but based on the fact that the exterior carried over unchanged, it's safe to assume that the M140i's cabin is identical to last year's M135i. In other words, it carries over with the changes the range-topping model received with the 2015 model year facelift, including the updated upper center console with new control for the radio and climate control.

The M140i should also come with numerous standard features over the regular 1 Series, including sliding armrests, dual-zone climate control, an M leather steering wheel, sports seats, M-design interior trim, an M gear switch, a leather-wrapped handbrake, a BMW Individual headliner, a driver-side knee pad, an M footrest, and a special lighting package.

The bespoke side sills will carry M140i branding instead of the previous M135i, while the instrument cluster will also get the updated badge. The 12-speaker, 360-watt Harman Kardon audio system will probably remain optional.

Drivetrain

This is where the new M140i badge finally makes a difference. Although the hatchback still uses the 3.0-liter, inline-six engine, the unit has been thoroughly revised, receiving an aluminum crankcase and cylinder head, a more efficient TwinScroll turbocharger, an electric wastegate control, and close-coupled arrangement of the catalytic converter. It also features a new Valvetronic fully variable control system that provides more precise load control, enhancing the engine's responsiveness and efficiency.

As a result, the hatchback now benefits from 340 PS (335 horsepower), a 10-PS (10-horsepower) increase over the M135i, which came with 330 PS (325 horsepower) and 450 Nm (332 pound-feet) of torque on tap. The updated output puts the M140i on par with the iconic 1M.

Charging from 0 to 62 mph takes 4.6 seconds with the optional eight-speed automatic and 4.8 ticks with the standard six-speed manual (for both the three- and five-door,) which makes the M140i exactly three tenths quicker than the M135i. Add xDrive AWD and the benchmark drops to only 4.4 seconds. On the other hand, the M140i can't match the 4.3-second sprint of the 1M, despite the similar output. Top speed is, as usual, electronically limited to 155 mph.

Although more powerful and quicker, the M140i returns superior fuel economy when compared to the M135i. BMW says that average fuel consumption in the European test cycle comes in at 7.8 liters per 100 km (about 30.1 U.S. mpg) for the manual M140i and 7.1 l/100 km (around 33.1 U.S. mpg) for the automatic hatchbacks. The xDrive versions need 7.4 litres per 100 km (about 31.7 U.S. mpg). These figures equate to improvements of between three and five percent compared to the outgoing models.

As far as CO2 are concerned, they are now at 179 grams per km with the manual, 163 g/km with the automatic, and 169 grams per km for xDrive models.

Safety

Safety systems carry over from the M135i. The hatchback comes with standard driver and front-seat passenger airbags, driver and front-seat passenger side airbags, front and rear head airbags, three-point automatic seat belts for all seats, seat belt tensioners and seatbelt force limiters in front seats, crash sensors, and tire pressure warning. Standard driving stability systems include DSC with ABS, ASC and DTC (Dynamic Traction Control), CBC (Cornering Brake Control,) DBC (Dynamic Brake Control,) brake drying function, fading compensation, and hill assist.

Prices

Pricing for the M140i is not yet available, but it's safe to assume it will cost only a tad more than the outgoing M135i. In Germany, the latter retails from €42,200 (about $47,775) in three-door configuration and from €42,950 (around $48,625) with the five-door body style. xDrive versions fetch €46,350 (about $52,475) and €47,100 (around $53,325) before options, respectively.

The performance hatchback won't be offered in the U.S., where the 1 Series is not available. The closest thing you can buy to the M140i is the M240i Coupe, which uses the same engine and has similar specifications.

Competition

Mercedes-AMG A45

Another hot-hatch that is not available here in the U.S. is the A45. Updated for 2015, this German hatch comes with a turbocharged, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that cranks out 381 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque and a quick-shifting dual-clutch transmission. Charging from 0 to 62 mph takes only 4.2 seconds, while top speed is limited at 155 mph. Despite being quick and powerful, the A45 boasts strong fuel economy, needing only 6.9 liters of gasoline every 100 km (or the equivalent of 34 U.S. mpg). While the A45 is a tad quicker than the M140i xDrive, its starting price of €51,170 (about $57,910) is a good bit higher than we anticipate the Bimmer’s will be.

Find out more about the Mercedes-AMG A45 here.

Audi RS3 Sportback

The RS3 Sportback is another hot-hatch that's been causing a great deal of frustration for not crossing the pond to the U.S. New for 2015, the RS3 sports the tried-and-true 2.5-liter, five-cylinder under its hood, but with a host of updates that increase output to an impressive 367 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque. The oomph is routed to the wheels through a seven-speed S tronic transmission and the Quattro all-wheel drive system, enabling the hatchback to hit 62 mph from a standing start in 4.3 seconds. Marginally quicker than the Bimmer and a tenth-second slower than the Merc, the Audi has the superior top speed at 174 mph, thanks to a limiter that can be removed upon request. The RS3 Sportback, however, is the most expensive of the bunch, coming in at €53.500 (around $60,535) before options.

Read more about the Audi RS3 Sportback here.

Conclusion

With BMW having already replaced the 335i with the 340i, it's not exactly surprising that the M135i has been updated and renamed the M140i. What's surprising though is that the Germans didn't bother to offer a few exterior upgrades with the new badge. Granted, the M135i already was a well equipped hatchback that had everything it needed to give the AMG A45 and RS3 Sportback a run for their money, but we expected a bit more from a premium automaker such as BMW. On the other hand, the extra power, enhanced performance, and improved fuel economy should keep most customers happy as long as the sticker doesn't jump too much. The M135i's main advantage over the Merc and Audi was its significantly more affordable price and the M140i needs retain this feature in order to remain competitive.