135i IS HIGH-END LUXURY?

AutoBlog is reporting from the LA Auto Show that BMW's new-to-North America small car, the 1-series, could be optioned up until priced like a 535i sedan.

Reports from eGMcartech via AutoBlog suggest that the 135i coupe, the upper-tier engine which is very zippy indeed, will start at $35,675. Yowza. Check the boxes marked auto trans, paddle shifters, premium package, navigation, heated seats, hi-fi stereo, park distance control (in a car this small?), iPod adapter and.....more.... and you eventually arrive at $52,000.

That's not official, but it is $14,000 more than the starting price in BMW's iconic sports sedan, the 3-series. With the same engine.