MotorMouths

The BMW 1M, at its core, is an enthusiast’s machine, showing its focus clearly in the plainness of its interior and in the width of its fenders.

It’s going to take more wheel time to fully appreciate the changes BMW has made to the 135i to create the 2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe. On the strength of what we’ve seen so far, it fully deserves the M-car billing.

If $43K sounds like a lot for a compact car, remember that’s just a six-grand hike over a base 135i The lack of aural excitement here is a real oversight, but the 1-series M is fast and entertaining and gets the M group back in touch with its early M3 roots.

The 1 Series M Coupe doesn’t seem to be about outright speed as much as it is about full-on driving satisfaction – something we plan to investigate further once the official model lands in our laps.

The 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe is a fantastically compelling machine. It is fast, has a truly brawny engine, handles with precision, and is super practical. And, to our eyes at least, it looks great.

The BMW 1M Coupe is a great car with effortless power and great handling capability. Some people may dig the leather interior, xenon adaptive headlights, rain sensors, and slick M badges. We like it simply because it allows us to go really damned fast.

The 1M delivers what M-heads value most: driving delight über alles. And it’s one of the only times in years that anything with four wheels has lived up to the hype.

BMW M Sport is an icon. The heritage is unmistakable. I believe in their design and technology principles and I have faith in the brand’s history. I love it. If you’re an enthusiast, a driver, you will love it too.

The BMW 1M adds power and performance to the Bavarian automaker’s smallest model, but at a daunting price.

Although the 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe offers lots of power and handles very well. A comfortable ride and cabin tech options make it a solid daily driver.

The new BMW 1 Series M Coupe is old school retro-cool and deliciously fun to drive. It doesn’t target boy-racers, it targets enthusiasts.

The 1 M’s true mission is to win back those people who may have failed to make the $8000 price leap from the six-cylinder E46 M3 to the V-8 E92 model. We reckon these folks will be only too thrilled to trade their aging E46s or tuned 335is for one of these.