The new BMW 128ti is positioned between the BMW 120i and the range-topping BMW M135i xDrive. With its specially tuned M Sport suspension and Torsen limited-slip differential, the new BMW 128ti sets its sights on the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
The BMW 128ti will be made available to the South African market in the first quarter of 2021.
The BMW 128ti carries over firmer anti-roll bars and anti-roll bar mounts with high preloads from the BMW M135i xDrive. Stiffer springs and shock absorbers adapted accordingly to provide excellent driving dynamics. In addition, the front-wheel-drive 128ti is around 80 kilograms lighter than the flagship model.
The 2.0-litre engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology is a direct offshoot of the variant in the BMW M135i xDrive – the BMW Group’s most powerful four-cylinder unit – and develops 195 kW (265 hp). The eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission is fitted as standard.
Exclusive distinguishing features on the inside and outside of the BMW 128ti give the car a distinctive appearance. Taking the M Sport model as a basis, it adds specific covers and trim mouldings, side skirt trim and a “ti” badge ahead of the rear wheels in a sporting red colour. If the BMW 128ti is ordered with the Melbourne Red or Misano Blue metallic paint finishes, the accents and “ti” badge (which can be deleted, if desired) come in black.
The BMW 128ti breathes new life into a long tradition at BMW. Since the 1960s the “TI” (later “ti”) badge has stood for “Turismo Internazionale” and marks out particularly sporty models – from the iconic BMW 1800 TI and BMW 2002 TI to the BMW 323ti Compact and BMW 325ti Compact of the late 1990s.
