Geneva 2012: BMW M135i

• BMW M135i announced
• First petrol-engined ‘M Performance’ model
• Makes its Debut at Geneva show

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The BMW M135i – a performance version of the company's 1 Series – will make its debut at this week's Geneva motor show.

The M135i is the first petrol model from the company's new M Performance range. It uses a twin-turbocharged, straight six-cylinder engine, which produces more than 300bhp.

See also: All Geneva motor show 2012 news

It is likely to appear alongside the recently announced diesel variants of the ‘M Performance’ range – including the M550d xdrive, X5 M50d and X6 M50d.

In addition, the M135i showcases the first three-door example of BMW's 1 Series hatchback, with what BMW calls ‘a more dynamic and elongated appearance’. The car has longer doors, frameless front windows and flared wheelarches.

The concept car has typical M design cues, which include large air intakes on the front apron, twin chrome-plated exhaust tailpipes and larger brake discs housed within double-spoke, 18-inch alloys.

The M135i is likely to signal more petrol-powered M Performance models from BMW.

Dan Alcock