The New BMW 1 Series Coupe
Published: 2nd July 2007
BMW 1 Series Coupe
Dynamic capability
Like every BMW before it, except xDrive models, the new BMW 1 Series Coupé has 50:50 weight distribution and a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration for the best in driving dynamics. To offer the most compliant yet sporting ride and the best in directional stability, the 1 Series Coupé has a double-joint spring strut front axle arrangement with a five-link rear suspension. Such an arrangement allows engineers greater scope in fine tuning the ride characteristics of the car.
Dynamic Stability Control is standard on the 120d Coupé to act as an electronic safety blanket for the driver. Dynamic Traction Control is a further function of DSC that permits a greater degree of wheelslip 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 for greater retardation.
Design
The BMW 1 Series Coupé uses the same architecture as the three- and five-door models, but is shrouded in 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 swells 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.
Market
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.
The introduction of a BMW 1 Series Coupé sees it join the five-door variant launched in the UK in September 2004 and the three-door launched in May this year.
Oliver Parsons, 1 Series Product Manager, said: “The new 1 Series Coupé will be a great addition to the BMW range. The combination of its sporty, yet sophisticated, styling and unmatched engineering technologies ensure it holds a genuinely unique position in the market place.
“We expect it to appeal to a younger audience, but an audience that is also design conscious and looking for something unique to park outside their homes. With the recently introduced three-door 1 Series and jaw-dropping EfficientDynamics models joining the range, 2007 is looking like being a great year for 1 Series.”
Prices for all three models will be announced closer to the on sale date.
BMW 1-Series Coupe
Our BMW 1-Series Coupe Guide lists the full specification of the current UK 1-Series Coupe range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £21,650 - £29,755
Body Style:
Fuel:
/ 
Models in the range: 8
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 6th July 2008
