BMW New Zealand announces strictly limited 30-unit run of the white-hot 128ti Launch Edition hatch.

• BMW 128Ti Launch Edition revives ‘Turismo Internazionale’ nomenclature first used on particularly dynamic BMW models like the 1963 BMW 1800 TI, 1973 2002 TI
• Front-wheel-drive layout features 2.0-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo engine, 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and Torsen limited-slip differential
• Specially-tuned M Sport suspension set up for agility and driver engagement
• Premium interior materials contrasted with racy red stitching and ‘ti’ motifs
• Output figures at 180kW/380Nm, 0-100km/h sprint achieved in just 6.3-seconds
• Feature-packed offering from BMW New Zealand priced from $69,900*, available for reservation online via BMW Store
• High-res imagery can be found here

BMW New Zealand is proud to announce today a strictly limited 30-unit run of the BMW 128ti Launch Edition hatch, scheduled to arrive in New Zealand in Q2 2021. The latest 1 Series offering from BMW nestles itself neatly between the 118i and M135i xDrive, giving fans an exciting new choice in the hot hatch segment.

With its distinct and exclusive finishes on the exterior and interior, the BMW 128ti is more than just another engine variant in the range – it revives the ‘ti’ nameplate after more than 15 years, last used in the E36 and E46 Compact range of hatches.

A Genuine “Turismo Internazionale”

Since the 1960s the “TI” (later “ti”) badge has stood for “Turismo Internazionale”, a suffix added only onto the back of particularly sporty models in the BMW range.

In 1963, the BMW 1800 TI heralded the brand’s first sports sedan, and in 1970 a 2002 TI achieved legendary status by winning the first-ever Nürburgring 24-hour race with Formula One driver, Le Mans winner and DTM champion Hans-Joachim at the wheel.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the BMW 3 Series Compact – in BMW 323ti and BMW 325ti form – epitomised the philosophy of a sporty compact car.

M Sport Foundations

The new BMW 128ti is based on the M Sport model specification available for the BMW 1 Series, with a distinctive front apron, specially sculpted air intakes and a unique rear apron forming the car’s sporty foundations.

The BMW 128ti then underscores its standalone character with striking red accents on the front air intake covers, side skirts and exit air vents at the rear wheel arches. Above the side skirts, a large ‘ti’ motif clearly distinguishes the 128ti from the rest of the range.

Extended Shadow Line trims, blacked-out twin 90mm tailpipes and a black BMW kidney grille create a darker appearance, increasing the car’s sporty appeal. Last but not least, 18-inch Y-spoke light-alloy wheels designed exclusively for the 128ti adorn all four corners of the car.

In New Zealand, the 128ti Launch Edition will be made available in three colours: Alpine White, Black Sapphire and Mineral Grey. All three colours feature contrast accents in Racing Red.

The BMW 128ti Launch Edition has extended Shadow Line trim with a black BMW kidney grille.

Exclusive Interior Design to Match

The interior of the BMW 128ti Launch Edition features premium materials and extends the use of red accents from the exterior. Electronically-adjustable leather sports seats are finished in black, complemented by a black headliner and contrasted by a red “ti” is stitched into the centre armrest.

Armrests, door panels, instrument panel and floor mat edging also feature red contrast stitching. The steering wheel rim and airbag cover are also covered in red stitching.

Low-down Punch and Mid-range Thrust

The 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo engine in the BMW 128ti Launch Edition is tuned specifically for robust low-down acceleration and vigorous mid-range bursts.

Peak power of 180kW is generated across a broad rev band of 5,000 – 6,500 rpm, while peak torque of 380Nm is available right from the get-go at 1,500, all the way to 4,400 rpm.

These figures help the BMW 128ti dispatch the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds en route to a top speed of 243km/h.

The BMW 128ti is fitted as standard with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.

Fast gear changes ensure the highest possible gear is always engaged even at low road speeds, while shift paddles on the steering wheel allow the driver to change gear manually at any time.

Torsen limited-slip differential for improved traction

The front axle of the BMW 128ti is features the same Torsen limited-slip differential adopted by the BMW M135i xDrive.

With locking factors of 31 per cent when accelerating (36 per cent for BMW M135i xDrive) and 26 per cent when decelerating, it is the ideal solution for the powerful front-wheel-drive layout in the BMW 128ti.

As well as increasing traction, agility and stability, the limited-slip differential also gives the car superior cornering prowess.

The mechanical limited-slip differential is further assisted in its task by a host of supporting electronic control systems.

BMW Performance Control, whose “sharper” yaw moment distribution boosts rear axle agility, has been specially modified for the BMW 128ti.

ARB (near-actuator wheel slip limitation) technology features a slip controller positioned directly in the engine control unit rather than in the control unit for the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system.

This enables the system to work 10 times faster, which equates to smoother and sensitive operation while making maximum use of the potential traction offered by different road surfaces.

Working in close tandem with the car’s DSC system, this ARB technology significantly reduces power understeer – a typical handling drawback of front-wheel-drive cars.

Chassis engineered to engage

The new BMW 128ti Launch Edition boasts several handling enhancements that ensure an engaging driving experience. The list begins with an M Sport suspension specially tuned to suit the car’s distinctive character.

The 128ti sits 10 millimetres lower than the standard car for a more aggressive stance, and adopts firmer anti-roll bars as well as anti-roll bar mounts with high preload from the range-topping BMW M135i xDrive.

Springs and dampers are then specially tuned to cater to the car’s lighter overall weight – a saving of about 80 kilograms over the all-wheel drive BMW M135i xDrive.

This is then combined with a model-specific steering setup, which has been precisely adapted to suit the car’s powerful front-wheel-drive characteristics, while also helping to reduce torque steer.

The overall result sees optimised front axle elastokinematics, a highly connected feel to road surface, a unique front-drive handling experience, reduced body movement, sharper turn-in and enhanced overall agility.

Stopping power courtesy of M Sport brakes

The requisite stopping power in the BMW 128ti is provided by the standard M Sport brakes, whose calipers bear the M logo at the front axle and are painted red, the latter marking a first for the BMW 1 Series line-up.

Aluminium four-piston mono-block fixed calipers and 360 x 30-millimetre inner-vented discs are employed at the front wheels. Floating calipers with inner-vented brake discs measuring 300 x 20 millimetres are at the rear.

The M Sport brakes stand out with their increased fade resistance and exceptional feel.

BMW 128ti Launch Edition pricing*

BMW 128ti Launch Edition                                       $69,900*

*Recommended Retail Pricing is shown and includes GST, but excludes on-road and delivery costs. Customers are advised to contact their nearest BMW dealer for all pricing enquiries.

Standard Specification:

• BMW 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder petrol engine
• 180kW
• 380Nm
• 0 – 100km/h: 6.3s
• 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission
• BMW kidney grille with mesh design in high-gloss Black
• Contrast exterior accents and ‘ti’ motif in Racing Red
• BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line with extended features
• M Sport package
• 18” M light alloy wheels 553 M Bi-colour
• M Sport brakes in Red
• M Sport suspension with specific tuning
• M Sport seats in Dakota leather Black, electric adjustment
• BMW Individual headliner in Anthracite
• Interior accents and M leather steering wheel with red contrast stitching
• Interior trim finishers 'Illuminated Boston'
• M seatbelts
• Comfort Access
• BMW ConnectedDrive
• Apple CarPlay
• Navigation System Professional
• Driving Assistant Plus
• Park Distance Control (Front + Rear) and Rear-view camera

Options packages

Warranty and Condition Based Servicing

As with all New Zealand-new BMW vehicles a five-year warranty, three year service inclusive programme and five year roadside assist coverage is fully included.

All maintenance requirements for the BMW 1 Series are controlled by the Condition Based Servicing (CBS) system.

With CBS, sensors and advanced algorithms monitor and calculate the conditions in which a vehicle is used, including mileage, time elapsed since its last service, fuel consumption and how a vehicle is driven. Based on the information captured, maintenance requirements are determined, identifying whether an annual vehicle inspection or oil service is due.

Selected BMW service and maintenance costs can be covered by a single, one-off advance payment with BMW Service Inclusive (BSI), which is available in two packages: Basic or Plus.

- Ends -

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises 31 production and assembly facilities in 15 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2020, the BMW Group sold over 2.3 million passenger vehicles and more than 169,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2019 was € 7.118 billion on revenues amounting to € 104.210 billion. As of 31 December 2019, the BMW Group had a workforce of 126,016 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

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For further press/media information contact:

Natalie Chandler
Pead PR

Telephone: 09 918 5555

Email: bmw@wearepead.co.nz