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From the first rumblings of the 1-Series coupe destined for the States, I waited impatiently. Saw it at the auto shows, and wanted it to look great on the road. VehicleVoice brought you the first photos last June and an update in October and again in March. Finally, we drive it.

But I can’t fall in love with the real 1-Series look, like I did the latest Z4 coupe and Porsche’s Cayman. Still, a small BMW coupe, from a company that consistently delivers great driving dynamics, usable and plentiful power, and stern BMW interior in a size that seemed tailored just for me! How could I not be anxious? And do I care if it’s a little clumsy outside?

The reality finally hit our press pool a few weeks ago. And just how did the little coupe satisfy? I fell in love. Behind the wheel, that is.

We drove the 135i, with 300HP on tap from a car weighing less than 3400 pounds, and a near-perfect chassis setup. Our example was equipped with the ready-to-please six-speed automatic. The automatic is responsive and geared toward the sporting set. But with a vehicle this well balanced, and the available manual from a company with proven enthusiasm for driving, the six-speed manual is the preferred setup.
BMW knows how to setup a rear-drive chassis better and more consistently through their range than anyone, and the 1-Series is no driving disappointment. It is entertaining, nimble, and lively. Though the 1 gets stability and traction control, BMW set the threshold for the standard systems high, enabling more spirited and challenging driving and making easy enough to slip on a little wet pavement. In the summer, this is highly appreciated. But winter’s weather could prove trying in an urban, crowded highway or avenue setting, and hair-raising on a rolling country road. Making summer days even better, though, the electronic nannies can both be turned off.
We thoroughly enjoyed the power and response of the 300HP engine, yet the car should be just as entertaining in 128i 230HP form. Both take a 3.0L I6, but the 128i loses about 100 pounds. The 135i is closer to a true 50:50 weight distribution, but the 128i’s 48:52 ratio is no disappointing number. The 135i also brings 100 lb-ft more torque, meaning that the 135i’s lower-end grunt feels even faster. The excellent chassis setup will keep the slower 128i an interesting drive, but the extra power and torque of the 135i turns it into a funhouse.
These I6 engines are geared and set for responsive, sporting driving, and the car isn’t as fuel efficient as one might presume simply looking at its diminutive size. The 128i manual is rated for 18/28/21mpg (city/highway/combined). Surprisingly, the autobox is rated a little better, showing 19/28/22. The 135i’s numbers are 17/25/20 with the manual and 18/26/21 with the autobox. Once you’re here, though, the fuel penalty for moving from 125i to 135i is negligible. Recognizing the 128i would be a solid and reliable choice, the wish-list car I build at bmwusa.com is always a 135i.
The 135i we drove was equipped with the Sport package, something I’d take even though it means no heated steering wheel can be ordered. A Sport package gets a nearly perfect M steering wheel and sport seats. The M steering wheel is a small-diameter wheel, but thick for great grip. The 135i gets a Sports Suspension as well, with eighteen-inch performance tires, high-performance brakes.
Exterior Design: The Joy is in the Driver’s Seat
BMW describes the 1-Series coupe as “handsome with sporting intentions.” The short overhangs, long wheelbase, and long nose look are aggressive and the side surfacing looks crisp and adds character, but the short decklid and relatively stiff rear window in the end give the car odd proportions. Perhaps interpreting the proportions of the original inspiration, the 2002, a little too directly. Sure, you might be able to put adults in the rear seats of the BMW, but the roofline on our first-generation TT is sexier and carries a more elegant and sporting look.

The purposeful look holds true to BMW design elements like the Hofmeister kink, but the overall car looks clumsy. Driving, I love the car and dream about maybe one day buying one. But circling it in the driveway, I’m a little less convinced. The M Aerodynamic bodykit, standard on the 135i, helps, and I like the subtle rear lip spoiler as well. This car is also color sensitive; the example we drove was painted Space Gray Metallic, a solid color, but something this small and extroverted deserves a brighter color. If you don’t want to go all the way to Crimson Red, there’s a gorgeous Montego Blue available in the palette.