The 135i's proportions were more carefully considered and while it is definitely short in the poop compared to the larger 3 Series, it looks good that way, thanks to the designers. It doesn't look cheap or cut off or bandaged. Every major part of the car, the nose, the bodyside, the roof and the rear end, blends beautifully with the rest of the car to make a shorter, narrower version of the 3 Series with a different and special roofline.

We're particularly fond of the M Aerodynamics Package made standard on the 135i, including the huge air intakes in the nose, necessary for cooling the turbocharger intake air, and the very strong, sweeping upper body line than emanates from the front fender and carries all the way to the taillamps.

The 128i, when it comes, will have a less aggressive front end appearance and will come with the smaller engine, smaller tires and alloy wheels, for a lot less money, if projections are correct.