After an absence of more than 20 years, BMW’s legendary ‘ti’ model designation returns with the BMW 128ti. Designed to deliver exceptional driving enjoyment, with M Sport specification as standard, the new BMW 128ti is an authentic ‘Turismo Internazionale’.
The exclusively front-wheel-drive model fulfils its sporting promise with such features as the Torsen limited-slip differential, specially tuned M Sport suspension, optimised eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission and a 2.0-litre, 265hp engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology.
With an advanced drivetrain that includes the anti-roll bars and brakes of the flagship BMW M135i xDrive, it also features a sporty exterior and driver-focused interior that boasts exclusive details to distinguish it from other BMW 1 Series variants. It is also circa 80kg lighter than the BMW M135i xDrive.
The new BMW 128ti is based on the M Sport model specification available for the BMW 1 Series, which includes distinctive front and rear aprons.
The BMW 128ti adds specific additional trim, such as the outer air intakes carried over from the front apron of the flagship BMW M135i xDrive and the trim for the Air Curtains, in red. The side sills containing the ‘ti’ badge are also red on cars finished in Storm Bay metallic, Mineral Grey metallic, Sapphire Black metallic or Alpine White paintwork. If the BMW 128ti is ordered in Melbourne Red metallic or Misano Blue metallic, the accents and “ti” badge on the sill (which can all be deleted, if desired) come in black and the sill reverts to body colour.
The BMW 128ti has extended Shadowline trim with a black BMW kidney grille and dual 90mm diameter black chrome tailpipe finishers as standard. An even darker front-end appearance can be achieved with the optional BMW Individual lights Shadowline, which are largely devoid of chrome. The window surrounds feature BMW Individual High-gloss Black Shadowline trim and the ‘128ti’ badge on the tailgate is in chrome. The 18-inch Y‑spoke 553 M bi-colour light-alloy wheels are exclusive to the BMW 128ti.
The interior of the BMW 128ti features high-class materials, with red accents throughout creating a bold contrast to the black headlining. A large ‘Race Red’ surface adorns the front centre sections of the standard Sensatec/cloth sport seats. A red ‘ti’ is stitched into the centre armrest which – like the door armrests, the door panels, the instrument panel and floor mat edging – also features red contrast stitching. The steering wheel rim and airbag cover of the standard M Sport steering wheel also feature red stitching. Standard equipment also includes the M door sill strips on the front door openings, and M seat belts. Boston backlit trim strips are standard whilst the Berlin trim is available as an alternative.
The M Sport seats are optionally available in perforated Dakota leather – in Black or in Magma Red with grey accents. If the latter is chosen, the contrast stitching and ‘ti’ badge are in grey and the floor mats have stitching in the BMW M colours.
The infotainment features of BMW Operating System 7.0 are accessed via a display screen of up to 10.25 inches with the optional BMW Live Cockpit Professional. Gesture control is also available and a 9.2‑inch BMW Head-Up Display can be specified as options. The load compartment has a capacity of 380 litres, rising to 1,200 litres with the rear seat folded. Electric tailgate operation is also optionally available. Folding Mirrors, Heated Seats and cabin Ambient Lighting are also included as standard.
The new BMW 128ti is due for launch in November 2020 and will be priced from £32,995 OTR.
