BMW M140i Finale Edition 2019 pricing and specs revealed

BMW has announced pricing and specification for its M140i Finale Edition hot hatch, which is expected to farewell the most potent version of the current-generation 1 Series small hatchback.

Set to arrive in local showrooms in March, the Finale Edition is priced from $62,990 plus on-road costs – $3000 more than its donor model – and gains a number of standard equipment upgrades to set it apart from its regular M Performance counterpart.

The changes start from the outside with 18-inch double-spoke 436 light alloy wheels in Orbit Grey, special-edition badging, metallic paint, darkened headlights and tail-lights, black chrome tailpipes and a black high-gloss finish for the kidney grille frame.

Buyers can also opt for double-spoke 719 alloys wheels finished in either Jet Black or Jet Black with silver highlights.

Inside, the Finale Edition scores a storage compartment package, wireless smartphone charging and an electric glass sunroof.

No changes have been made to the M140i’s powerplant, a 3.0-litre turbocharged in-line six-cylinder petrol engine producing 250kW/500Nm, mated to an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.

The M140i is somewhat unique in its segment as the only hot hatch to employ a six-cylinder engine and a rear-drive layout.

Standard equipment to carry over to the Finale Edition from the M140i includes M Sport brakes with blue callipers, adaptive M suspension, adaptive LED headlights, an 8.8-inch multimedia system, Harman/Kardon sound system and Dakota leather upholstery.

The Finale addition gets 18-inch double-spoke alloy wheels, special-edition badging, metallic paint.

BMW Australia CEO Vikram Pawah said the Finale Edition was an appropriate way of seeing off the brand’s most popular M Performance offering.

“To celebrate the last six-cylinder, rear-wheel-drive 1 Series hot hatch, we are excited to present customers with the BMW M140i Finale Edition,” he said.

“Through aesthetic exterior details and key equipment highlights, the M140i Finale Edition builds on the virtues that have made the M140i our best-selling M Performance vehicle.

“It offers convenience and practicality with a distinctive sporting silhouette and outstanding performance.”

Sales of the ageing 1 Series climbed by 20.3 per cent in 2018, from 2105 units to 2532.

Is BMW right in ditching its rear-drive layout for the upcoming new-gen 1 Series? Tell us what you think in the comments below.