Updated BMW M135i xDrive gets chassis refresh

BMW has introduced new tweaks to its 225kW BMW M135i xDrive that are designed to make it an even more formidable rival to hot hatches like the Mercedes-AMG A 35.

Unusually for a car that's only been on sale for 16 months in Australia, the refresh includes a chassis makeover that incorporates new mounts for the front wishbones and tweaked camber settings for the front wheels that are designed to ensure the M135i is better equipped to deal with higher lateral forces through a corner.

Other changes include new springs and recalibrated dampers while the mounts for the rear trailing and control arms have been replaced.

The set-up rethink is claimed to herald reduced levels of body roll and improved steering feel.

Inside, the 2022 BMW M135i features a new artificially enhanced exhaust sound that is linked to the throttle and is piped into the cabin via the car's sound system,

Said to provide a more authentic replica of the engine's exhaust note, the same system incorporates a new soundtrack when the engine is started.

Other minor changes include new paint finishes that include a new Sao Paulo Yellow, Frozen Orange metallic and Frozen Pure Grey.

Owners can also request the option of any colour they want.

Under the bonnet the M135i xDrive keeps its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine which still develops an identical 225kW and 450Nm of torque that sends drive to all four wheels via and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

BMW Australia has confirmed that customer deliveries get underway in the first quarter of next year.