BMW 1 Series M Coupé: Pure Driving.

The 1 Series M Coupé differs significantly from the BMW 1 Series Coupé. The former has the typical M wing mirrors and the chrome grill elements on the wheel arches. The increased performance is also reflected in the specially-designed front apron with its three large air inlets for improved air supply to the engine, while strongly flared wheel arches ensure a muscular appearance. In addition, a higher cornering speed can be achieved thanks to a wider wheel base. In order to optimise the aerodynamic properties, so-called air curtains are used for the first time in serial production vehicle, reducing aerodynamically unfavourable turbulence around the wheel arches. The two-door’s rear, with its spoiler lip integrated in the boot lid and the clearly highlighted four exhaust pipes, leaves a lasting impression and provides the necessary downforce on the race track.

With the 1 Series M Coupé, BMW M transferred the concept of race-oriented performance characteristics into a car that was significantly more compact than the previous models of its newer generation. Transferring the purely visual approach of the BMW 1 Series to the M models was out of the question for BMW M from the outset. Therefore the ingredients under the hood had to be just right for it to earn the M badge.

The heart of the BMW 1 Series M Coupé is its 3.0 litre straight six-cylinder petrol engine, which has been further enhanced for M performance. The high maximum output of 340 hp at 5,900 rpm is achieved with the use of M TwinPower Turbo technology and optimised direct petrol injection. At just 1,500 revolutions per minute, the engine provides a torque of 450 Nm. However, the engine only reaches its maximum thanks to the help of the overboost function, with a further 50 Newton metres available at short notice. The thrilling acceleration and high-revving concept for which BMW M’s straight six-cylinder engines are known is ever present here.

The BMW 1 Series M Coupé’s performance is more than impressive: it takes just 4.9 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h, and only 13.7 seconds to reach 200km/h. And you can keep going until it hits the 250 km/h top speed. The power is transmitted via a six-speed manual transmission, with the driver able to rapidly select the gears through a particularly short M shift lever.

The breath-taking performance of this compact powerhouse is also evident in a direct comparison with the previous BMW M3, which delivered 420 hp and 400 Nm of torque. Both performance coupés are on a par in the sprint to 100 km/h, but despite having less power, the 1 Series M Coupé’s additional torque means it can knock almost 1.5 seconds off the M3’s 80 to 120 km/h time in sixth gear. The M3 will do it in 7.9 seconds, but the 1 Series M Coupé will get there in 6.5 seconds. The old saying ‘small but powerful’ is impressively underlined here.