If you have a passion for cars then you’ll be conscious of what makes BMW’s great drivers’ cars, BMW themselves describe them as ‘The Ultimate Driving Machine’. Amongst the vast range of BMW’s there are a select few that have had some special “M” treatment which transforms them from saloon to supercar.
The latest model to undergo BMW’s special M treatment is their entry-level 1 Series, the all-new €67,250 1 Series M Coupé is a world apart from its sibling. From the outset the 1M stands out from the crowd, distinguished at the front by two large air-intakes in the front bumper, it sits low on 19” CSL style alloys surrounded by muscular wheel arches. The rear bumper houses twin exhausts at each side which hint at the car’s sporting potential. To complete the look, my test car was finished in attention seeking Valencia Orange.
Having previously owned a Z3 M Coupé and currently a regular driver of a current model M3, I’d be on familiar terms with just how good M cars are to drive, and the 1M doesn’t disappoint. The 3 litre twin-turbo engine delivers 340 hp, more importantly though, it has close on 500Nm of torque. It’s this torque that makes the power delivery so smooth and effortless throughout the rev-range. The steering is accurately weighted and provides you with precise feedback from the road wheels. The 1M fortunately has been treated to a six-speed manual gearbox that provides you with short, direct gear changes. On track, the car is composed and predictable, its stopping power is impressive, using the same brakes front and rear as fitted to its larger brother the M3.
The BMW 1 Series M Coupé is undoubtedly an exceptional car, and one that will become collectible in the future, especially considering that only 450 examples will be produced.
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