BMW 1 Series Coupe
A new premium compact sports language

APN,
06 October 2007

When the new BMW 1 Series Coupé hits European showrooms next month (in the U.S. from spring 2008), it will not just extend the compact (lower medium size, C segment) 1 Series line-up with a 3rd variation (besides the 3- and 5-door models).

It also paves the way for the fourth 1 Series model: the Convertible, which will follow shortly after the Coupe. Next year, a fifth 1 Series model will follow: the X1 SUV.

Like the 1 Series Convertible, the top 1 Series Coupé version is the BMW 135i Coupé with its 3.0-litre, 306hp twin-turbocharged petrol, light alloy and magnesium straight-six engine. It accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62mph) in 5.3 seconds before going on to an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h (155mph). Peak torque is 400Nm, from 1300rpm through to 5000rpm.

With its High Precision Direct Injection and Bi-Vanos variable valve technology combined with lightweight engineering principles, the 2979cc engine posts a 9.2 litres/100 km (10.87 km/litre, 30.7 imperial mpg) figure on the combined cycle and a CO₂ emissions figure of 220g/km.

There is also BMW’s EfficientDynamics programme, which boosts engine performance while at the same time cuts fuel consumption and emissions. Second generation High Precision Direct Injection and Brake Energy Regeneration (more about it in the BMW 1 Series Convertible presentation) are both elements of EfficientDynamics.

The BMW 135i Coupé is joined in the range by another twin-turbocharged model, the 204hp four-cylinder diesel engine in the BMW 123d Coupé. BMW claims its 1995cc powerplant is the world’s first all aluminium diesel to have a specific output figure in excess of 100hp per litre, and to be also the first four-cylinder production diesel to come with twin-turbo technology.

Peak torque is 400Nm from 2,000rpm, while the engine revs to in excess of 4400rpm where peak power is attained. Zero to 100 km/h (62mph) takes 7.0 seconds, with a top speed of 238 km/h (148mph). In the UK, its 138g/km emissions figure sees it fall into the Band C Vehicle Excise Duty tier while the fuel consumption figure on the combined cycle is 5.2 litres/100 km (19.22 km/litre, 54.3 imperial mpg). It comes with Auto Start-Stop technology, Brake Energy Regeneration, third-generation common-rail fuel injection, a diesel particulate filter, active aerodynamics, Electric Power Steering and low rolling resistance tyres.

At the entry point, the 120d offers a 1995cc four-cylinder diesel engine with a 177hp output and a zero to 100 km/h (62mph) time of 7.6 seconds, with  4.8 litres/100 km (20.85 km/litre, 58.9 imperial mpg) consumption (combined cycle) and emissions of 128g/km. The same EfficientDynamics technologies used on the 123d are also adopted by the 120d.

Like every BMW (except xDrive models), the new BMW 1 Series Coupé has 50:50 weight distribution and a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration. It has a double-joint spring strut front axle arrangement with a five-link rear suspension.

Dynamic Stability Control is standard on the 120d Coupé, with a Dynamic Traction Control function that permits a greater degree of wheel slip for more spirited driving.

The BMW 123d and the 135i come as standard with Dynamic Stability Control+ with its five additional safety features of Soft Stop, Hill start assistant, Brake Drying, Brake pre-tensioning and Brake fade compensation. In addition to this the 135i Coupé has a high performance braking system featuring six-piston callipers.

The BMW 1 Series Coupé uses the same architecture as the three- and five-door 1 Series models, but - like the Convertible - with an elongated coupé body to emphasise the sporting nature of the car. The 1 Series Coupé is 4,360mm long (133mm more than other 1 Series) and 1,934mm wide (1mm more). The slight increase in body size means the boot space grows from 350-litres to 370-litres. A standard 60:40 rear seat split permits greater load flexibility allowing for items to be stored in place of one or both rear seat occupants.

In the UK market, where on-the-road prices start from GB£21,585 for the 120d ES Coupé to £29,747 for the 135i M Sport Coupé, the BMW 120d Coupé will be available in ES, SE and M Sport guises, while the 123d Coupé will be offered in SE and M Sport and the 135i Coupé just as an M Sport.

M Sport raises the specification bar by including 17-inch light alloy wheels on the 120d and 123d Coupé but unique 18-inch light alloy wheels on the 135i Coupé, M Aerodynamic package, M Sports suspension, Sports seats, High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim, M leather steering wheel, M designation door sills and Anthracite headlining.