Car Review: 2012 BMW 135i Coupe

The 2012 BMW 135i Coupe Review

Summary Review by Tess: Leading the Way in Looks and Performance

The 2012 BMW 135i coupe offers outstanding performance in a sleek, European-styled four-seat coupe, although the rear seats are more ornamental than useful for adult passengers. Returning with few changes from the previous model year, the 2012 BMW 135i is one of the standouts in the entry-level luxury car market and offers real driving enjoyment. Buyers need not sacrifice practicality, however, as the BMW 135i delivers above average fuel economy for this competitive automotive segment.

Under the hood
The 2012 BMW 135i features a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque and goes from 0 to 60 miles per hour in an impressive 5.0 seconds. The engine is paired with a rear-wheel drive six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed double-clutch automated manual transmission. The 135i coupe manages 20 miles to the gallon in city driving and 28 on the highway. Safety features for this elegant little performance vehicle include antilock brakes, stability and traction controls, and hill-start assist for models featuring the manual transmission.

Inside the cabin
Interior space is at a premium in the 2012 BMW 135i coupe, but the front seats are comfortable and spacious enough for most drivers and passengers. Dual-zone automatic climate control, automatic headlights and wipers, cruise control, and full power accessories are standard on the BMW 135i. The ten-speaker CD sound system provides outstanding sound via HD radio and iPod hookups, and the standard sunroof makes it easy to catch some rays while on the road. Leather upholstery, rear parking sensors and power adjustable front seats are available as optional features on the 135i, along with an upgraded Harman Kardon sound system.

On the road
The BMW 135i coupe is the rare vehicle that drives as well as it looks. (Click to see the many color options on the 135i coupe). As well as providing dynamic design, the 135i coupe also offers drivers precise steering, responsive handling, and plenty of acceleration and speed to take on the challenges of the road ahead. The precision-tuned suspension ensures that the BMW 135i provides a smooth, comfortable ride even on uneven terrain.

Conclusions
While lacking in cargo space and rear-seat passenger room, the 2012 BMW 135i coupe is one of the standouts in the entry-level luxury car marketplace and is a solid choice both in terms of performance and fuel economy.

Details:
Engine: 3.0-liter turbocharged DOHC inline six-cylinder
Horsepower & Torque: 300 hp/300 lb-ft
Transmission: RWD six-speed manual or seven-speed double-clutch automated manual
Fuel Economy: 20/28
0 to 60: 5.0 seconds
Base MSRP: $39,300

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