BMW’s Nimble, Compact 1 Series Coupe

BMW 1 Series

Thought that the BMW 1 Series might be anything less than a full-fledged luxury coupe are quickly dismissed when getting behind the wheel of the i135, the performance tuned brother to the highly capable i128. In the i135, road performance is turned up a full notch as this premium 1 Series model offers a rich blend of cabin sophistication and driver exhilaration, underscoring that its minimal girth and class leading acceleration is what makes this compact BMW so very inviting.

New To America

Life for the 1 Series began in 2004, when three-door and five-door hatchback models were introduced for the European market. Coinciding with its 2008 U.S. debut are two new models: a two-door coupe and a convertible. However, given the American motorist’s aversion to any kind of hatchback, only the newest models are available stateside.

Offered standard is the 1 Series’ largest engine, the same 3.0L I6 that is found in BMW’s best selling 3-Series. With 230 horsepower for the normally aspirated engine, the i128 moves with authority, the smooth shifting six-speed manual transmission propelling the coupe from 0 to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds. For the driver who delights in power, the available twin-turbocharged i135 produces 300 horses with a 5.2 second time. A six-speed automatic transmission with optional paddle shifters is available.

Comfy Cabin

The cabin interior is comfortable for driver and front passenger, not so for anyone sitting in the rear, an expected deficiency in a rear wheel driven car of this build. Drivers can take advantage of the split fold down rear seat, extending the coupe’s limited storage capacity appreciably.

Leatherette seating is standard with Boston leather available; the eight-way adjustable front seats provide firm, yet comfortable support. Aluminum or gray poplar wood trim accents the interior with cockpit-like controls all within easy reach. Various option packages offer a wide array of comfort features including enhanced stereo, iPod/iPhone integration, and Bluetooth technology.

Leading Safety Features

Safety features include frontal airbags with side and head curtain restraint system for all passengers while the enhanced braking system and dynamic stability control work in tandem to keep the car under control in all road conditions. BMW’s legendary 50/50 weight distribution is present; the reinforced B-Pillars and energy-absorbing front and rear ends provide superior crash protection.

The starting price for the standard coupe is just below $30,000 or $33,500 for the convertible. Fully equipped coupes cost just over $47,000 with the top of the line convertible retailing for nearly $53,000. Like every new BMW sold, the 1 Series is covered by the BMW Ultimate Service warranty, the comprehensive maintenance program covering most upkeep costs for the first four years or 50,000 miles of ownership.

Photo Credit: BMW Group

See Also — BMW X1 Headed To The US In 2011

BMW Confirms MINI Coupe Is A Go

The 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show is still days away from launching (press preview begins on September 15th), but the show has been building in anticipation for months. BMW hasn’t helped matters as it has released photographs of a concept MINI coupe it plans to show in Frankfurt, a cozy and whimsical model that would help bolster the diminutive brand’s line.

Production MINI Coupe Set

Well, word is out that BMW will, indeed, put the coupe into production and they aren’t even saving that announcement for Frankfurt. Sure, they’ll tell the press of their plans, but few in attendance will be caught off guard — if they hadn’t heard the news directly from BMW then surely they read about it online!

BMW hasn’t outlined a timeframe for the new MINI’s release but we do know that the car will be built at its factory in Oxford, UK. MINI has been a hit brand for BMW, having given the luxury make access to general audiences. Prices of the MINI aren’t cheap, however, with some editions of the Clubman topping $30,000. Quite a few MINIs can be had for much less than that,  but when its to small cars, the MINI line is certainly priced at or near the top in its segment.

Photos Released

As you can see by the pictures, the coupe retains much of the body cues of other MINI models, but it is the roof line which distinguishes the coupe from the pack. The sloping roof gives the MINI coupe a sporty look, a sweeping design suggesting energy and flair.

Visitors to Frankfurt will see the MINI coupe on display but they may also see another concept car while there. BMW has confirmed that a second new model is in the works, but they haven’t mentioned what that car will be. Judging by the coupe, my thinking is that it will be a convertible, the next logical step in the advancement of the MINI brand. Also, a roadster model has been suggested, perhaps just the right kind of vehicle to put some power into the MINI line.

A concept that will soon become a reality.

Taking the MINI line where it needs to go!

The sloping roofline of the MINI coupe will appeal to some, while polarizing others. Could a convertible model be far behind?

Photos: BMW Group

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