The New BMW 1-series M Coupe

This is the new BMW 1-series M Coupe, and it signals a significant departure for BMW’s famed M Division. After generations of high-revving, naturally aspirated engines, BMW M is being forced down the forced induction route in a bid to produce more fuel efficient cars. If ever a turbocharged M car had a chance to impress, this is it.

The new BMW 1-series M Coupe is the cover star of the new May 2011 issue of CAR, but is it a proper M producti, or just a tweaked 135i Coupe? Read on for the first drive review of the BMW 1-series M Coupe to find out.

The bodywork has ballooned front and rear to cope with big brother’s wider tracks, a huge triple-ducted air dam feeds the engine, the rear bumper’s vertical slashes mirror what’s up front, and four signature shotgun exhausts poke out from below the black diffuser to ensure you don’t mistake this 1M for a 135i. Nope, the engine’s different too – but not unique to M. Outgoes the newer, single blower 3.0-litre straight six, and in its place is the older, twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight six from the Z4 sDrive 35iS. BMW M is steadily improving its steering too. Inside the interior is ageing, but there’s a chunky steering wheel, Alcantara (with contrasting orange stitching) on the dash and binnacle shroud, the latest iDrive system, and a stubby little gearstick. Properly bespoke M Division instruments also make a return, with that wonderful pale grey-blue background all at CAR so love.

The 1-series M is a proper M car, no doubt. Our first experience of a proper turbocharged M Division machine has unveiled a 1-series with a character all its own. Rear-wheel drive versus four-wheel? A 335bhp/332lb ft twin-turbo 3.0 six-cylinder versus a 335bhp/332lb ft turbo’d 2.5 five pot? Six-speed manual versus seven-speed S-tronic?