BMW Australia has announced two new 'Pure' M versions of the 1 Series hatchback and 2 Series sedan, offering less equipment than top-spec M models but the same performance for less money.
The new BMW M135i xDrive Pure hatch and M235i xDrive Pure Gran Coupe four-door are due to arrive from around September, priced from $63,990 and $67,990 (plus ORCs) respectively.
This represents a $5000 saving compared to the 1 Series and 2 Series model grades upon which they’re based, the M135i xDrive and M235i xDrive.
Visually they look the same, says BMW Australia spokesman Nick Raman, with the same performance and dynamic prowess. However, Pure-badged models miss out on some of the standard equipment found in top-spec offerings.
That includes a switch from leather upholstery to a cloth interior and the deletion of items such as a panoramic sunroof, adaptive LED headlights and a harman/kardon surround sound system.
“We’ve now got seven of these Pure models, showing it’s a successful initiative. There’s been a good take up of these models,” Raman told carsales in reference to recently released Pure versions of the X2, X5, X6, 3 Series and 5 Series models.
For just under $64K, standard features on the M135i and M235i xDrive Pure models include 19-inch M alloy wheels, shift paddles, limited-slip differential, M Sport steering and brakes, head-up display, M Sport seats with electric adjustments and driver memory function, plus dual-zone climate control.
Safety and driver assistance features include lane departure warning, lane change warning, speed sign recognition, rear cross traffic alert and autonomous emergency braking (AEB).
Both are powered by the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine good for 225kW of power and 450Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.
The new 1 Series and 2 Series Gran Coupe variants join BMW’s Pure line-up alongside its M340i xDrive Pure, M550i xDrive Pure, X2 M35i Pure, X5 M50i Pure and X6 M50i Pure.
So which one is the most popular Pure model in Australia?
“We’ve been really pleased with M550i xDrive Pure. It’s an elegant, powerful sedan with great performance,” said Raman.
How much does the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe sedan cost?
1.5 218i - $49,990
2.0 M235i xDrive Pure - $67,990
2.0 M235i xDrive - $72,990
* Prices exclude on-road costs