Turismo Internazionale version of the BMW 1 Series
BMW 128ti
For the first time this century, BMW presents a Turismo Internationale model, the 128ti. With this hot hatch you can purchase an ‘M light’ from 49,990 euros.
Which BMW enthusiast does not remember the BMW 1800 TI and 2002 TI from the 60s and 70s of the 20th century? Or, from the 1990s, the 323ti and 325ti Compact? The sporty heart of these models returns in the BMW 128ti – indeed, with the Turismo Internazionale designation for cars with ‘unfiltered driving dynamics’. Of course, the radical M135i xDrive already exists, but the hot hatch 128ti will be available from November for almost 10,000 euros less: from 49,990 euros.
Compared to the M model, the 128ti is also approximately 80 kg lighter in weight. The 2.0 BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engine is directly derived from the M model and delivers up to 265 horsepower for the 128ti. By default, it has an 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission. The hot hatch will only be available with front wheel drive. What performance this will yield BMW will keep to itself for a while. What do we already know?
BMW 128ti
The BMW 128ti has a 10 mm lowered M Sport suspension, which, like the steering mechanism, is given model-specific adjustment. Also standard are the Torsen ‘limited-slip’ differential and the same suspension, shock absorbers and stabilizer bars as in the M135i.
The Bavarian brand also installs the M Sport braking system with red brake calipers, 18-inch alloy wheels in Y-spoke design and M Bicolor colors. Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires are available at no extra cost, as is the Shadow Line with black grille and mirror caps. In the interior, BMW takes the Model M Sport equipment line as a basis and adds exclusive accents such as the side skirts, red stitching and ‘ti’ logos.