The 135i's turbocharged inline-six makes 300 horsepower and 300 pounds-feet of torque. It works through a six-speed manual or BMW's seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Either car hits 60 mph in about 5 seconds, BMW says. The M Sport Package adds a sport-tuned suspension with high-performance, six-piston front and two-piston rear brakes.

If that seems like too much, consider stepping down to the 230-hp, normally aspirated 128i, which is covered separately in the Cars.com Research section.