BMW sets price for 1 Series M

There's good news: high-output 1 Series is priced below $100K... and there's bad news: only 100 cars are coming to Australia
discount new cars  » Get the best price on a new BMW

BMW will offer Aussie buyers the 250kW 1 Series M Coupe for $99,900 from June. That might seem a lot for such a small car games, even one that delivers V8-levels of performance from its 3.0-litre inline six -- but what price collectability? With just 100 units being shipped to Australia, buyers will have to move almost as fast as the car itself to snap one up.

The small car with the big heart will reach 100km/h in 4.9 seconds after launch, thanks to the combination of light overall weight and the muscular, twin-turbo engine, producing 500Nm of torque. In normal operating mode the engine channels 450Nm of torque through the lightweight six-speed manual transmission, but will find an extra 50Nm on overboost.

Even when it's standing still, the 1 Series M Coupe features visual cues to convey the car's purpose -- including flared wheel arches and 'M' detailing, such as the side gills and four exhaust pipes. Standard alloy wheels comprise a Y-spoke design measuring 245/35 front and 265/35 rear. While the body is 55mm wider than a 135 M Sport, the track at the front is wider still at 71mm extra. The track at the rear is 44mm.

In contrast with its straightline performance, the 1 Series M uses 9.6 litres of fuel for each 100km travelled in combined-cycle testing. CO2 emissions measure 224g/km in the same test.

Just three colours will be available: Alpine White -- a solid colour -- and two metallics: Sapphire Black or Valencia Orange.

Inside, the 1 Series M Coupe is kitted out with 'Boston' black leather, featuring orange stitching. Coordinating Alcantara trim is also applied throughout the cabin -- for instrument panel hood, handbrake and gearshift gaiters, dashboard and door caps -- and features the same orange stitching.

Among the standard features for the 1 Series M Coupe are: adaptive bi-xenon headlights, LED tail lights, climate control, 300-Watt 10-speaker harman/kardon audio system, Professional navigation system with voice control, high resolution 8.8-inch display and 12 GB memory for audio files, internet functionality and a remote alarm system.

In addition the standard specification list includes upgraded Bluetooth connectivity for the reproduction of emails, appointments, tasks and SMS messages through the high-res display, provided the car is not on the move. When the car is in motion, these items can be read to the driver through the audio system speakers.

"This is the first time the high performance BMW M badge has been applied to the 1 Series range in a return to what BMW has always done best: building the perfectly balanced sports coupé," said BMW Australia MD, Phil Horton.

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...