The result should logically wear an M1 badge, but that was never really going to happen. BMW, it seems, doesn’t want people getting confused with the similarly-named mid-engine car of three decades ago.
Something like M135i might have been chosen instead, as it conforms to the traditions of BMW nomenclature. However, that too was rejected for reasons unknown. So the new arrival has been lumbered with the lengthy title of BMW 1 Series M Coupé, which isn’t exactly snappy but at least it’s descriptive.
Under the bonnet sits the three-litre six-cylinder engine out of the Z4 sDrive35is (another model that has fallen victim to BMW’s odd naming conventions), connected to a six-speed manual transmission. While some purists might moan that an M car should have a bespoke engine, the stats indicate that it’s a good enough match for the 1 Series Coupé.
Thanks to twin turbochargers, it produces 335 bhp (250 kW / 340 PS) while maximum torque is 450 Nm - although this can be increased to 500 Nm via an overboost function. As a result, the 1 Series M Coupé will accelerate from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in just 4.9 seconds, before going onto a limited 155 mph (250 km/h). By comparison, the 135i M Sport takes an extra 0.4 of a second to reach 62 mph, but it has the same top speed as the full-bore M car.
Combined cycle fuel consumption is not too bad at 29.4 mpg (9.6 l/100km) and CO2 emissions are 224 g/km, which lets the 1 Series M Coupé just sneak into Band K for UK road tax purposes. That’s just as well, because another 2 g/km would have put it into Band L resulting in an annual fee of £425, instead of the £245 of the band below.
Chassis enhancements include a variable M differential lock, which is said to redirect torque between the rear wheels within a fraction of a second. The braking system has also been upgraded, with 360 mm and 350 mm discs at the front and rear respectively.
Naturally, BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control system is fitted as standard, but the 1 Series M Coupé additionally comes with an M Dynamic Mode. This delays the intervention of the DSC and even allows the driver to enjoy some oversteer.
Visually the 1 Series M Coupé is distinguished from lesser models by redesigned front and rear aprons, wider wheel arches, a boot spoiler and 19” Y-spoke alloy wheels. Colour choice is limited to Alpine White, Sapphire Black or the exclusive Valencia Orange, while the only upholstery option is black leather with orange stitching.
The UK price for the 1 Series M Coupé is confirmed at £39,990 on the road. There aren’t too many direct competitors, but the Audi TT RS Coupé is an obvious rival. It has exactly the same power as the BMW, although its quattro all-wheel drive means it’s 0.3 of a second quicker to 62 mph. However, at £45,810, the TT RS is considerably more expensive.
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