BMW is expanding the 1 Series delivery range with the previously announced 123ti. This new subtopper not only brings a powerful four-cylinder to the 1-series, the arrival of the version also means the return of the ti-label!
The 128ti is the brand new sub-top of the BMW 1-series range. Under the hood is a 256 hp and 400 Nm strong 2.0-liter four-cylinder, a machine always linked to an eight-speed Steptronic transmission. This makes the 128ti no less than 50 hp less powerful than the M135i xDrive, and for good reason. In contrast to that top version, the 128ti has to do without xDrive designation and that means that the 128ti is just a front-wheel drive. That power is just a little easier for the front wheels to put on the road. The 128ti is aided by a Torsen limited slip differential located between the front wheels. With its potent four-cylinder engine, the 128ti sprints to a speed of 100 km / h in 6.1 seconds. Its top speed is 250 km / h.
Naturally, the 128ti has also been adapted in other areas. For example, BMW puts the 128ti on a sports suspension that puts the car 1 centimeter closer to the asphalt than its milder brothers and sisters. The springs and dampers are even identical to those of the heavier M135i xDrive. In addition, BMW sharpens the steering and gives the car a set of stabilizer bars, which, just like the springs and dampers, also come from the absolute top version. The fact that the 128i has no xDrive drive, saves about 80 kilos in weight compared to the M135i xDrive. Powerful M Sport brakes with red claws should be able to bring the 128ti to an adequate stop again.
On the outside, the 128ti is decorated with 18-inch light alloy, around which Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires are folded at no extra cost. The new subtopper has side skirts, sporty-looking bumper work and is of course equipped with a set of Ti badges. Another option at no extra cost: the Shadow Line package. This brings, among other things, a black kidney grille and black mirror caps to the 128ti. In the interior, BMW installs sports seats with red accents. The rest of the interior is dotted with Ti badges and red accents.
The BMW 128ti will hit the market in November and has a starting price of € 49,990.
The 128ti doesn’t really have any competition from its own country. The Mercedes-Benz A-class is one step below the 306 hp A35 AMG and the 224 hp A250. With that capacity on paper it is too small for the 128ti. Audi also has no alternative in the A3 range. However, you could consider the Ford Focus ST (280 hp) as a competitor of the 128ti.
TI
With the arrival of the 128ti, BMW is breathing new life into the Ti badge. This addition is known from the 1600 ti and 1800 ti, but mainly from the illustrious 2002 ti (and tii!). More recently, the ti designation was applied to the 318ti and 323ti of the first generation 3 Series Compact. All versions of its successor, the Compact based on the E46, were called ti. The most powerful version was the 325ti, with a 190 hp 2.5 straight-six power plant.