2010 BMW 1 Series M Coupé

The letter M now comes to the segment of the BMW 1 Series to symbolise outstanding power delivery and the highly dynamic driving properties of a high-performance sports car. In the BMW 1 Series M Coupe, the technology of a high-performance car is combined with the agility and lightness of a compact model to create a whole new dimension of sports-style driving pleasure. With this 2-door model, BMW M GmbH is now realising for the first time in this vehicle class its concept of racing-oriented performance characteristics in a car developed for everyday use . This further extends the company’s model range, paving the way for younger target groups to be able to access the hallmark driving experience offered by an M car.

The BMW 1 Series M Coupe embodies the unmistakable M feeling in a highly concentrated form. Its in-line 6-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo and petrol direct injection develops a maximum output of 250 kW/340 bhp with an engine-speed-oriented characteristic curve typical of BMW M cars. With chassis technology derived directly from motor racing, a power-to-weight ratio reduced to 4.4 kilograms per bhp and precisely optimised aerodynamic components including innovative air curtains at the front end, supreme conversion of superior propulsion power into thrilling driving dynamics is guaranteed. The BMW 1 Series M Coupe accelerates in 4.9 seconds from zero to 100 km/h and reaches the 200 km/h mark after 17.3 seconds. In the area of efficiency, too, it achieves top figures within its performance category. Its average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 9.6 litres per 100 kilometres, while CO2 emissions are at 224 grams per kilometre.

The outstanding sporty flair of the BMW 1 Series M Coupe is outwardly expressed by the athletic character of its body design. In the exclusively designed interior of the 4-seater, high-quality materials and an M-specific cockpit create the ambience of a premium sports car. In its standard configuration, the BMW 1 Series M Coupe displays the concept harmony so characteristic of M cars: able to cope both with the extreme demands of the race track and the diverse challenges of everyday traffic. What is more, individual preferences in terms of comfort, safety and infotainment can be fulfilled with a model-specific selection of equipment options also available for the BMW 1 Series Coupe, including the BMW ConnectedDrive program.

BMW 1 Series M Coupe achieves almost exactly the level of the third-generation BMW M3, while in terms of driving dynamics this compact, top-flight athlete is clearly superior to the latter model, which was replaced just a few years ago.

The M TwinPower Turbo Technology used in the BMW 1 Series M Coupe consists of two relatively small superchargers which, because of their low inertia moment, are active even at low engine speeds, each providing three cylinders with compressed air. This results in an unusually spontaneous level of responsiveness. The drivetrain provides its maximum torque of 450 newton metres at as little as 1500 rpm. This is available up into the 4500 rpm range and can be increased by another 50 newton metres in full throttle by means of an overboost function. The maximum level of 500 newton metres permits highly dynamic acceleration manoeuvres, and the forward thrust once again available after each gearshift makes for a linear speed increase typical of M vehicles.

The BMW 1 Series M Coupe is fitted as standard with a variable M differential lock. This generates lock-up torque as required and completely variably up to 100%, thus providing for optimum traction on all road surfaces. The variable M differential lock responds to differences in rotational speeds in the right and left rear wheel, redirecting drive torque within a fraction of a second. So where there are significant differences in friction coefficients between the right and left rear wheel, for example, optimum traction and maximum propulsion power are ensured. The principle of the engine-speed-sensing M differential lock supports the dynamic qualities of rear-wheel drive both on slippery surfaces and when accelerating out of bends.

The M-specific compound high-performance brake system of the BMW 1 Series M Coupe provides impressive stability even under extreme stress, as well as being extremely light. The design principle of the brake system is derived from motor racing and guarantees excellent deceleration figures with significantly reduced heat sensitivity. Their inner-vented and perforated grey cast iron discs with a diameter of 360 millimetres at the front and 350 millimetres at the rear are linked to the aluminium disc chamber on a floating basis by means of cast-in premium steel pins.

It is not least due to the exclusive interior design that the unmistakable M feeling can be sensed even before the engine is started. The characteristic M cockpit and a model-specific colour and materials concept create a style which perfectly recreates a sports car ambience. The standard sports seats in Boston leather offer both driver and front passenger excellent lateral hold even when taking bends in dynamic style. The design, created exclusively for the BMW 1 Series M Coupe, includes orange contrast stitching on the black surfaces of the seats and backrests as well as the M logo embossed in the front of the headrests.