The new BMW 1 Series Coupé concentrates on one feature in particular: pure driving pleasure. Indeed, this compact two-door with its muscular design enhances and expands the very successful BMW 1 Series to an even higher level than before.
Featuring high-performance gasoline and diesel engines, offering agile handling and standing out through challenging, dynamic design, this new performance model simply begs the enthusiast to enjoy the sporting moments in everyday traffic. Conceived as a four-seater with its luggage compartment separated from the passenger compartment and with the rear-seat backrest offering a 60 : 40 split as standard, the BMW 1 Series Coupé also ensures a high level of all-round function and practical value right from the start.
The focus with this model is however clearly on Sheer Driving Pleasure BMW style. This comes out particularly in the top-of-the-range BMW 135i Coupé offering a truly unique level of performance on the road. And like its five- and three-door counterparts in the BMW 1 Series, the new two-door model obviously stands out also through its exemplary efficiency.
Apart from the six-cylinder gasoline engine featured in the BMW 135i Coupé, there are two four-cylinder turbodiesels of the latest generation in the BMW 123d Coupé and the BMW 120d Coupé.
Boasting these power units, all three model variants offer top performance versus the competition both on the road and in terms of fuel economy. Indeed, through its remarkably good balance of performance and economy, the new BMW 1 Series Coupé dramatically proves the success of the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy combining significant advan-tages in fuel economy with an equally impressive improvement of dynamic performance through the specific modifications and improvements made within the car itself and in the engine.
Following in the footsteps of the BMW 02 with maximum efficiency and agility.
Introducing the 1 Series, BMW has successfully extended its model range to the lower end of the market, at the same time enriching the compact segment with the first and to this day only rear-wheel-drive model in the market.
Now the BMW 1 Series Coupé bears out the sporting spirit of this model series in terms of agility and handling to an even higher standard, using the benefits of compact dimensions and low weight consistently for further optimisation of driving dynamics.
This is not the first time that BMW is setting the standard in driving pleasure in the process of entering a smaller model segment.
On the contrary – the BMW 02 Series launched in 1966 is acknowledged to this day as the forerunner for driving dynamics and agility. Rear-wheel drive, powerful engines and space for four – these were the elementary features of this model series so successful for 12 long years.
Entering the US market: the BMW 1 Series continues its global success.
With the BMW 1 Series Coupé entering the market, the BMW 1 Series is now set to make its debut also in the USA as the entry-level model leading into the BMW range. Indeed, the launch of the BMW 135i Coupé will give the concept of sports driving pleasure in a compact car its ultimate breakthrough also in the US market, the BMW 1 Series thus continuing its worldwide story of success. And at the same time the debut of the BMW 1 Series in the USA is significantly expanding BMW’s presence in the international marketplace.
Exterior design: clear distinctions versus the competition.
The new BMW 1 Series Coupé raises the design language so typical of this model series to a new, even more distinctive level. The sporting proportions of the car give it a unique look in the compact segment, the long front end, the passenger compartment – or the “greenhouse”, as it is sometimes called – moved far to the back, and the short rear end clearly distinguishing this two-door performer from its competitors.
Seen from the side, the shoulder-line of the car beneath the window area is the most striking element, while the widely flared side-sills accentuate the convex/concave surfaces of the side body panels. Interacting with the muscular wheel arches, these powerful contours clearly emphasise the sporting character and performance of the BMW 1 Series Coupé.
In its front end design, the new Coupé stands out clearly as a member of the BMW 1 Series: The design of the radiator grille, the kidney grille so typical of BMW with its powerfully accentuated chrome frame and headlights, is identical on all models.
The new body colour Sedona Red metallic is exclusive to the BMW 1 Series Coupé, the range of body colours being rounded off by eight further metallic paintwork colours and three non-metallic options.
A feature typical of a BMW Coupé is the dark, glazed B-pillar creating the impression of one consistent window area extending from front to rear. Forming a clear contrast to the stable bodyshell of the car, the greenhouse looks light and agile. And the “Hofmeister kick” so typical of all BMWs stands out as a particularly dynamic element.
Yet another feature characteristic of the new Coupé is the typical roof line extending down to the deliberately short and compact rear end in a striking, dynamic angle. The wide, frameless door, finally, as well as the B-pillar raked to a steep angle, shift the visual centre of gravity of the car’s silhouette further to the rear.
Horizontal light edges giving the rear end a powerful and dynamic look.
The new BMW 1 Series Coupé boasts a powerful and dynamic rear end including a fully integrated third brake light. As a particularly sporting feature, the luggage compartment lid comes with a spoiler literally chiselled into the rear end of the car, accentuating the short rear section and building up extra downforce on the rear axle at high speeds.
The breakdown of individual sections within the L-shaped rear lights follows the horizontal orientation of the car’s lines at the rear. The back-up lights and direction indicators, for example, form a white band, with additional, horizontal light conductors integrated in the rear light clusters and offering a homogeneous lighting effect with the help of light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
Featuring this design highlight already to be admired on other model series, the BMW 1 Series Coupé stands out clearly as a genuine BMW also in the dark. And the brake lights operating in two stages as a function of brake power are yet another feature typical of BMW, with the additional benefit of extra safety on the road.
Soft radii and horizontal shapes within the car.
The interior of the BMW 1 Series offers clear and at the same time solid, sophisticated flair. Dynamic, horizontal elements create a formal connection between the front and rear, with the cockpit characterised by taut but widely stretching lines and surfaces.
The upper section of the dashboard, in turn, is finished in black, with high-quality, natural-looking surface grain further enhancing this touch of quality.
The lower section of the dashboard comes in either black, grey or beige, like the rest of the interior, again emphasising the orientation of the car through its horizontal design and creating a generous feeling of space.
The control console for entertainment and air conditioning is integrated smoothly and harmoniously into the dashboard through its soft radii and flowing surfaces. The Controller featured in the optional iDrive control system is integrated directly into the centre console, again following BMW’s characteristic philosophy. Galvanised pearl gloss surfaces, finally, are to be admired on the door openers, on the glove compartment opener, on the radio’s rotary knobs, on the knobs of the optional automatic air conditioning, on the iDrive Controller, and on the ornamental trim strips featured on the optional leather sports steering wheel.
Four seats and many options for customisation.
The BMW 1 Series Coupé comes as standard with two individual seats at the rear offering the car’s occupants a high level of driving comfort. The armrests and the cloth or leatherette inserts integrated in the side panels take up the design of the door linings.
The BMW 1 Series Coupé is available with a choice of no less than four upholstery options harmoniously matching the interior with the body colour of the car and emphasising the individual style of the driver: two cloth, one cloth/leather combination, and one leather upholstery option. Naturally, these upholstery options may be combined in the appropriate colours within the three colour worlds and with no less than nine equipment and trim colours.
The trim bars are available with a choice of no less than six versions including aluminium in fine polished look, particularly sophisticated, grained poplar, high-tech titanium, and high-gloss Diamond Black as well as Cashmere Silver.
BMW 135i Coupé in unique look.
To give the car a truly unique look, the BMW 135i Coupé as the top version in the new model range comes as standard with an optimised M aerodynamics package modified versus the M Sports Package. With its extra-large, central air intake, the front air dam highlights the sporting character of the car. The two air intakes at the side in unique design are split horizontally by a centre bar and border on slightly contoured flaps additionally accentuating the wide front end of the BMW 135i Coupé. A further sign of distinction is the chrome-plated bars in the kidney grille to be found only on the BMW 135i.
The side-sills on the BMW 135i Coupé are accentuated and contoured even more than on the other models, an additional light edge highlighting the wedge shape of the car. The rear air dam of the BMW 135i Coupé, in turn, incorporates an anthracite-coloured insert at the bottom and is wrapped further around the wheels than on the other model variants, emphasising the wide track of the car. An additional small spoiler lip referred to in motorsport as a “gurney” serves to optimise the car’s aerodynamics. And last but not least, the tailpipes are finished in dark chrome at the rear.
Twin Turbo technology for pure energy in the BMW 135i Coupé.
The top model in the range is the BMW 135i Coupé offering a truly unique standard of performance in the compact class. This outstanding model is powered by a 3.0-litre straight-six featuring Twin Turbo technology and second-generation direct gasoline injection (High Precision Injection). Maximum output of 225 kW/306 hp and peak torque of 400 Newton-metres/295 lb-ft offer all the power and performance required to set a new standard in terms of driving dynamics.
Responding immediately to the driver’s commands whenever required, the turbocharged power unit again offers that Sheer Driving Pleasure so typical of BMW: Standing up even against competitors from higher segments of the market through its supreme performance, the two-door BMW 135i Coupé accelerates to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds, with top speed limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). Average fuel consumption according to the EU standard, in turn, is just 9.2 litres/100 kilometres, equal to 30.7 mpg imp.
High Precision Injection – second-generation direct gasoline injection – plays a key role in the car’s concept of limiting fuel consumption to a minimum: Compared with an equally powerful turbocharged engine featuring intake manifold injection, the new power unit in the BMW 135i Coupé offers a reduction in fuel consumption by approximately 10 per cent.
BMW 123d Coupé: offering the best in efficiency and performance.
The BMW 123d Coupé opens up a new dimension of EfficientDynamics, making its world debut with a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel featuring Variable Twin Turbo technology and common-rail fuel injection.
Maximum output of this all-aluminium power unit is 150 kW/204 hp, with peak torque of 400 Newton-metres/295 lb-ft at 2,000 rpm and top speed of 238 km/h or 148 mph.
The car’s sporting performance is also borne out by acceleration to 100 km/h in 7.0 seconds. And with average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of just 5.2 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 54.3 mpg imp), the BMW 123d Coupé ranks right at the top in its performance class versus the competition.
Variable Twin Turbo technology ensures particular efficiency in boosting the power and performance of the engine. Featured so far exclusively in BMW’s six-cylinder diesels, this technological concept combines a small and a large exhaust gas turbocharger with one another. At low engine speeds the small turbocharger cuts in first, providing spontaneous power and performance thanks to its lower inertia. At higher engine speeds the large turbocharger comes in to provide additional boost, this combination ensuring supreme power and pulling force at virtually all revs.
Yet a further point is that the new four-cylinder diesel in the BMW 123d Coupé is the first engine with common-rail direct injection where the piezo-injectors deliver fuel into the combustion chambers with extreme precision at a pressure of 2,000 bar.
Turbocharger with variable turbine geometry in the BMW 120d Coupé.
As the most economical variant of BMW’s new sporting two-door model, the BMW 123d Coupé rounds off the model range at the time of its introduction.
This model is also powered by a new-generation four-cylinder diesel. Developing maximum output of 130 kW/177 hp and peak torque of 350 Newton-metres/258 lb-ft between 1,750 and 3,000 rpm, and offering average fuel consumption of just 4.8 litres/100 kilometres, equal to 58.8 mpg imp, together with a CO2 emission rating of 128 grams per kilometre, the BMW 120d Coupé again sets the standard for supreme efficiency in its segment of the market. Top speed of the new model, finally, is 228 km/h or 141 mph, with acceleration to 100 km/h coming in 7.6 seconds.
The power unit features an exhaust gas turbocharger which, thanks to its variable turbine geometry, ensures optimum development of power for all load ranges. A further important point is that the engines of both the new BMW 123d Coupé and the new BMW 120d Coupé are far lighter than comparable four-cylinder diesels mainly thanks to the aluminium crankcase with its thermally integrated grey-cast-iron cylinder liners.
And representing a new generation of diesel engines, both power units naturally come as standard with a diesel particulates filter fitted close to the engine.
Wide range of improvements serving to reduce fuel consumption.
Pursuing the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy, the BMW 1 Series Coupé naturally comes as standard with a wide range of features serving to reduce both fuel consumption and emissions while at the same time enhancing the driver’s pleasure at the wheel: All variants of the BMW 1 Series Coupé available in the European market feature Brake Energy Regeneration incorporating intelligent alternator control.
Applying this principle in the new BMW 1 Series Coupé, the battery is charged only after reaching its minimum charge level during application of the brakes or in overrun, and is disconnected electrically when accelerating. On the road this means more power for that Sheer Driving Pleasure so typical of BMW and, at the same time, a reduction of both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
On manual gearbox models with the new four-cylinder power units BMW’s Auto Start Stop function provides greater efficiency above all in city traffic by automatically switching off the engine whenever it is not required, for example when the car is standing at the traffic lights. Then, to re-start the engine, all the driver has to do is press down the clutch pedal.
The gearshift point indicator likewise helps to optimise fuel economy, the electronic “brain” of the engine calculating the optimum gear required as a function of current driving conditions for maximum fuel economy. An arrow symbol then shown in the instrument cluster together with a number indicating the best gear tells the driver when it is ideal to shift gears.
In conjunction with the new four-cylinder diesel engines, the BMW 1 Series Coupé also features active control and management of the air flaps in the radiator grille: as long as the engine does not
require any cool air the flaps remain closed, significantly improving the car’s aerodynamics and reducing fuel consumption accordingly.
In combination with the four-cylinder power units, numerous ancillaries are also operated according to current requirements in order to minimise the consumption of energy. The electric motor for the EPS Electric Power Steering, for example, with its integrated Servotronic function, consumes energy only when steering assistance is actually required.
The electric coolant pump, to quote another example, does not operate as a function of engine speed, but is rather temperature-controlled, cutting in only when the pump is really needed. And last but not least, the belt drive on the a/c compressor is fitted with an on-demand clutch, the compressor being automatically discon-nected as soon as the driver or passenger switches off the air conditioning.
EfficientDynamics also on the automatic transmission.
As an alternative to the manual gearbox, the BMW 120d Coupé is the first model in the range available as an option with six-speed automatic transmission, with the other models due to follow at a later point in time.
The automatic transmission features new converter technology with an integrated torsion damper reducing the loss of energy and allowing shorter reaction and gearshift times. Benefiting from these features, the BMW 1 Series Coupé offers that sporting driving feeling so typical of a BMW also in its automatic transmission version.
The automatic transmission comes complete with a Steptronic function, with paddles for shifting gears directly from the steering wheel available as a further option.
High-tech suspension with newly developed final drive.
In typical BMW style, the new BMW 1 Series Coupé transmits the power of the engine to the rear wheels and from there on to the road. This design concept and configuration – engine at the front, drive wheels at the rear – guarantees optimum traction, good weight distribution front-to-rear, excellent directional stability, and safe handling. And the separation of drive power and steering, to add a further important point, gives the car extremely agile driving behaviour at all times.
The rear axle of the BMW 1 Series Coupé is a five-arm construction reflecting the requirements of the car’s particularly powerful and high-torque engines.
The front axle on the BMW 1 Series Coupé is also built to a standard quite unique in the compact segment: The double-joint spring-strut tiebar axle with its anti-roll bar is made largely of aluminium, offering an optimum combination of superior stiffness and low weight – which, together with the very stable track control arms and thrust rods, as well as exact wheel guidance, makes an important contribution to the car’s driving dynamics.
As the entry-level model into the range, the BMW 120d Coupé comes with 16-inch light-alloy wheels, while the BMW 123d Coupé is fitted as standard with 17-inch light-alloy wheels. In both cases the wheels come on tyres with reduced roll resistance making a further contribution to the car’s fuel economy.
As the top version in the range, the BMW 135i Coupé features 18-inch light-alloy wheels highlighting the car’s active performance and dynamism. And as yet a further feature the BMW 135i Coupé comes as standard with M Sports Suspension and a high-performance brake system incorporating six-piston fixed callipers on the front axle and two-piston fixed callipers at the rear.
Perfect handling and precision on the road.
With the exception of the top model in the range, all variants of the BMW 1 Series Coupé are fitted as standard with BMW’s EPS Electric Power Steering complete with Servotronic for speed-related steering power assistance.
ABS anti-lock brakes and ASC Automatic Stability Control preventing the drive wheels from spinning when setting off are naturally also featured as standard. CBC Cornering Brake Control – again standard equipment – stabilises the car whenever necessary during application of the brakes in a bend.
All of these functions are part of the car’s DSC Dynamic Stability Control, which also includes DTC Dynamic Traction Control allowing more slip on the drive wheels, for example when setting off on loose ground or for particularly fast lateral acceleration.
Electronically controlled differential locking function for even better traction in the BMW 135i Coupé and the BMW 123d Coupé.
To ensure optimum traction with the superior engine output and powerful torque characteristics of these models, both the new BMW 135i Coupé and the new BMW 123d Coupé come with special improvements for enhanced pulling force. The main focus is on promoting a sporting and ambitious style of motoring, for example when accelerating out of a bend or hairpin.
Whenever the driver switches off DSC Dynamic Stability Control and DTC Dynamic Traction Control completely in these two model variants, the electronically controlled differential lock in the DSC-Off mode will continue to ensure optimum traction. In the process the inner drive wheel in a bend threatening to spin is slowed down appropriately by applying the brakes in a tight bend. This promotes the car’s traction and pulling force on the road, without a negative influence on its steering behaviour.
High safety standard exceeding international requirements.
The safety concept of the BMW 1 Series Coupé is based first and foremost on the stable and solid body of the entire model series. High-strength steel, the specific structure of the Coupé’s body and special deformation elements serve to meet all legal standards and requirements in international markets and fulfil the conditions for excellent results in all consumer protection tests the world over.
Optimum safety is also ensured by no less than six airbags, crash-optimised seats, three-point inertia-reel seat belts, and headrests for the driver and passengers in the BMW 1 Series Coupé.
Premium standard also in terms of equipment.
Equipment features so far to be found primarily in upmarket cars highlight the premium character of the BMW 1 Series Coupé also in terms of comfort and safety. Available as an option, bi-xenon headlights and Adaptive Head-lights complete with integrated Bending Lights make driving in the dark safer than ever before.
The combination of these comfort and safety functions in this car segment is absolutely unique and unprecedented. A further point is that the optional iDrive control system allows the driver via the central Controller – and if he wishes also by voice input – to intuitively control all secondary and comfort functions of the communication system, air conditioning, entertainment, and the optional navigation system.
The audio systems available in the new BMW 1 Series Coupé are among the most sophisticated and advanced in the entire segment. Indeed, individual choice also in the world of entertainment allows optional use of a USB port supplementing the standard AUX connection, enabling the driver or passenger to integrate an external MP3 player such as an Apple iPod into the audio system. A further possibility is to connect a conventional USB stick in order to play music files on the audio system in the car, again in the interest of freedom of choice in every respect.
The steering column adjustable manually for height and reach, height-adjustable seats for the driver and front passenger, as well as electric window lifts naturally come as standard in the BMW 1 Series Coupé. And as a feature rarely to be found in a coupé, the rear-set backrest folds down in a highly practical 40 : 60 split to provide a further increase in luggage space over and above the 370 litres already offered by the regular luggage compartment. An optional 12-volt plug in the luggage compartment, finally, allows convenient operation of external appliances such as a cooling box.
Even more dynamic performance and striking looks provided by the M Sports Package.
The particularly sports-minded driver of the BMW 1 Series Coupé is able to upgrade his car to an even higher standard in terms of both looks and driving dynamics, using the most appropriate components provided for this purpose by BMW M GmbH. The optional M Sports Package therefore offers all the features desired and is already partly included in modified form in the BMW 135i Coupé as standard.