Boasting a power output of 190 kW, with an awesome 300 Nm of torque, performance figures of 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) are the tantalising results. These figures better rivals such as the Alfa Romeo 147 GTA, Audi A3 3.2 V6 Sport Quattro Sportback and the Mercedes C320 SE Sports Coupé.
Driving the rear wheels, the BMW 130i retains the optimum 50/50 weight distribution of the 120i thanks to the new weight-saving technology used in the engine.
The BMW 130i is aimed at performance enthusiasts who enjoy the purest driving experience, where exciting engine output is not frittered away in uncontrollable wheelspin, nor steering response corrupted by torque steer.
Rear-wheel drive delivers sure-footed traction and acceleration, leaving the front wheels to respond with precision to steering inputs from the driver. The BMW 1 Series is the only car in its class to benefit from the rear-wheel drive agility, poise and dynamic response. In testing the BMW 130i, engineers have lapped the famous Nürburgring North Loop in under 8m35s, previously a time set only by super sportscars.
The BMW 130i will make its international debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
The new 3.0-litre in-line six is considered a revolution in modern engine design. The dynamic way in which it releases power and its spontaneous throttle response ensure electrifying performance in all six gears.
The engine uses advanced BMW Bi-VANOS fully variable valve train with infinitely variable camshaft timing for the inlet and exhaust valves and VALVETRONIC control of valve opening time and lift. The result is silky smoothness and an exhilarating growl from idle up to 7,000 rpm.
The aluminium-magnesium composite block is a world first for a six-cylinder, though the BMW composite technology and bedplate block design has been borrowed from the new V10 5.0-litre found in the M5 and M6 supercars.
Weight-saving was a key priority of the engine designers. Hydro-formed camshafts, and an electrically driven water pump and magnesium cover make the R6 the lightest six-cylinder in its class and sips just 9.0-litres of fuel per 100 km on the standard EU composite cycle.
BMW excels in understated style, edged with a hint of menace. Thus the BMW 130i comes with a set of specially designed 17-inch V-Spoke light alloy wheels. Subtle modifications at the front add chromed radiator grille fins and twin chrome tailpipes at the rear valance.
Standard interior trim includes sport seats, leather steering wheel and an instrument cluster with added gauges and displays specially designed for the 130i.
Active Steering is offered for the first time on the BMW 1 Series. This multi-award winning system virtually doubles the steering effect at low speed to make manoeuvring simple.
The BMW 130i also benefits from the high level of innovative and driver-friendly features fitted as standard to all 1 Series cars. These include run-flat tyres, tyre defect indicator, Brake Force Display stop lights, DSC dynamic stability control including panic stop detector, electronic differential lock and traction control, as well as cornering brake control. Six airbags are also standard.
The BMW 1 Series has already been awarded the maximum possible Five Star EuroNCAP crash test rating, proving that smaller cars can adequately protect their occupants in high-speed impacts.
The BMW 130i thus delivers all the traditional BMW core strengths in a highly concentrated form. High performance, engineering integrity, safety, comfort and advanced technology combine to deliver the Ultimate Driving Machine experience.
No other vehicle in its segment can boast this distinctive harmony of sporting ride quality and character.
by BMW AG