BMW's new super-hatch unveiled 24 | 02 | 2012

BMW IS GETTING all heated under the bonnet: it's poised to launch a new 300bhp-plus six-cylinder-powered M135i model. The car will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

Set to enter Scottish showrooms before the end of the year, the M135i range-topper joins the ever-growing new M Performance team: the M550d xDrive saloon and touring, X5 M50d and X6 M50d.

See more official photos of the BMW M135i

Though full details have still to be revealed, we know it's not exactly a fully-fledged M-car. It does though base itself heavily on the year-old M135i Coupe: it uses the same engine and gearbox.

Power? Don't be surprised if the car's twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder engine delivers something around 320bhp.

It's also going to be blisteringly quick. It's not going to be far off matching the 0-62mph time of 4.9secs of the M135i Coupe. It'll also be electronically limited 155mph top speed.

Read our roadtest, and watch the video, of new BMW 320d

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Jim McGill