BMW South Africa has launched the 135i Coupe in the country after a sizzling drive at the Zwartkops raceway south west of Pretoria. Alongside the twin turbo 3.0-litre, the smaller 120D is for sale for those into things economic or who can’t afford the real deal’s asking price.
As during other international launches, BMW chose a short track to present the car’s brilliant dynamics, while the public got to view it closer during highway driving as well as a visit to the country’s most famous township, Soweto. Soweto, once a town in which Dr Nelson Mandela spent a few years before going to jail, is seen as the spiritual home for BMW South Africa as this is where several of its famous models have been given very interesting nicknames like G-string (E46) and “tweazer” for the current 5 Series because of its headlights that are shaped like ladies’ eyelash tweazers.
As far as engines go there is no change as the 135i still makes its 225kW and 400Nm of torque between 1,300 and 5,000rpm. Its 0 – 100km/h time is a swift 5.3 seconds, top end is 250km/h. In contrast the 120D Coupe produces 125kW and 340Nm. Top speed here is 226km/h. The 120D is of course best known for its frugality which averages 5.5 litres per 100km on the EU cycle. Later the 125i will join the lineup.
Prices for the standard models are as follows:
120D 6-speed manual R283,000 (€23,819), automatic R297,500 (€25,039). The 135i is R364,000 (€30,632) in manual and R379,600 (€31,920) for the auto. Exclusive and Sport packages are available.
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