CARSguide have obtained these official images of BMW's long-anticipated 1 Series coupe.
Based on the highly successful 1 Series hatch, the surely fast and agile two-door 2+2 arrives locally early next year, most likely making its debut at the Melbourne Motor Show.
BMW Australia has confirmed that we will take only the 135i, which shares its superb 3.0-litre straight-six power unit with Twin Turbo and second-generation direct petrol injection, with the acclaimed 335i coupe and sedan.
It is claimed that 225kW/400Nm unit will thrust the smaller car from 0-100km/h in a claimed 5.3 seconds, a few tenths faster than either of the 3 Series. Married to rear-wheel-drive and Beamer's trademark 50:50 weight balance, the little one will make for a real show-stopper.
Visually a world away from the unfortunate lines of the hatch, the coupe resumes the tradition of the BMW 02 Series.
The greenhouse has been moved far to the rear, complementing the long wheelbase with short front overhang and large frameless doors. The 135i is fitted with an “M” Aerodynamics Package as standard.
The arrival of the 1 Series coupe also marks the international debut of BMW's new 150kW/400Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel with Variable Twin Turbo (VTT) technology, weight-reduced all-aluminium crankcase and third-generation common-rail fuel injection.
Classified as the 123d Coupe, it is billed as offering the optimum balance of dynamism and economy 4.8 litres per 100km.
A lesser diesel — the 130kW/350Nm 120d — will also be offered in Europe.
At this point, there are no plans to bring either oiler our way — though surely one of these plus a petrol model to sit under the 135i are inevitable.
Standard safety features include airbags, crash-optimised front seat backrests and headrests. And much is being made of the suspension with rear-wheel-drive, aluminium double-joint tiebar axle at the front and five-arm rear axle in lightweight steel.
Dynamic Stability Control including Dynamic Traction Control, energy-saving Electric Power Steering with Active Steering an option.
Prices are to be confirmed.
But if relative affordability can be married to dynamic ability, this little Beamer will almost certainly race out of showrooms.
It helps that the 1 Series Coupe, unlike the hatch, has no obvious rival.
That engine in that shape with that badge and all that the latter evokes, combined to make this one BMW's most-anticipated model in decades.
Snapshot
BMW 135i Coupe
Price: TBA
Economy: 9.2L/100km combined
Engine: 3.0 litre inline-six Twin Turbo
Transmission: six-speed manual and auto (probable)
Safety includes: ABS, DSC, DTC
BMW 120D 2007:
| Engine Type | Diesel Turbo 4, 2.0L |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Fuel Efficiency | 8.7L/100km (combined) |
| Seating | 5 |
| Price From | $5,940 - $8,360 |
Range and Specs
| Vehicle | Specs | Price* |
|---|---|---|
| 120d Base | 2.0L, Diesel, 6 SPEED AUTOMATIC | $5,940 - $8,360 |
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