BMW Ti badge to be 1 Series-only for now

BMW has no plans to rollout its reborn ‘ti’ badge to model lines beyond the 1 Series hatchback for the time being.

“Ti will be exclusive to the 1 Series for now,” said Andreas Ederer, project manager for the 4 Series model line.

Standing for Turismo Internazionale, BMW’s ‘ti’ nomenclature dates back to the 1960s and has been used on iconic models such as the 1800 TI and 2002 TI, as well as more recent cars like the 323ti Compact and 325ti Compact from the late 1990s.

Revived for the new 128ti hot hatch – due in Australia during the first quarter of 2021 – the badge signifies “particularly sporty members of a model range”, according to BMW.

It gets unique features such as a 195kW 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, a Torsen front limited-slip differential, specially tuned lowered sports suspension, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 performance tyres, and M Sport brakes.

There’s also a unique exterior and interior look to further differentiate the 128ti from other 1 Series models.

Such a badge would make sense for the 2 Series and 4 Series coupes, given these model lines are both the more sporting of BMW’s line-up – 230ti and 430ti, anyone?

The latest BMW 4 Series is now on sale in Australia from $70,900 before on-road costs, with the launch range comprising of the base 420i, mid-spec 430i and flagship M440i xDrive.

In 2021 the range will be bolstered by the hi-po M4 and M4 Competition, with prices starting at $149,900 before on-roads.

Although it won’t be offered with a ‘ti’ model, the new M4 range will open with a rear-wheel drive, manual model for the purists.

Stay tuned to CarExpert for our Australian launch review of the new 4 Series on December 9.

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