BMW Group reveals the new BMW 1 Series Coupë

This compact 2 + 2 with its muscular design enhances and expands the very successful BMW 1 Series to an even higher level than ever before. Boasting responsive handling with rear-wheel drive, the new BMW 1 Series Coupé continues on the path of the BMW 02 offering maximum efficiency and agility.

'A new chapter in the international story of success of the BMW product range has opened with the introduction of the BMW 1 Series Coupé,'

said Phil Horton, Managing Director, BMW Group Middle East.

'The car's concept, design and drive technology combine to ensure supreme sportiness, and we believe this model will help more regional customers enter the BMW world and experience the sheer driving pleasure of the brand.'

Featuring a high-performance gasoline engine and standing out through challenging, dynamic design, this new performance model simply begs the enthusiast to enjoy the sporting moments in everyday traffic. The new top-of-the-range BMW 135i Coupé is quite unique in the compact class, combining supreme driving dynamics with maximum efficiency. The 3.0-litre straight-six power unit with Twin Turbo and second-generation direct gasoline injection (High Precision Injection) can reach a maximum output of 225 kW/306 hp.

The permanent availability of supreme power provided by the turbocharged power unit - already lauded in two individual categories and in the overall rating as the Engine of the Year 2007 - the BMW 135i coupe represents sheer driving pleasure typical of BMW in every respect.

At the same time the sporting potential of the BMW 135i Coupé comes in an impressive balance with the car's all-round economy: Easily standing up to competitors in higher market segments also in terms of performance, this two-door athlete accelerates to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds.

The new BMW 1 Series Coupé raises the design language so typical of this model series to a new, even more distinctive level. The sporting proportions of the car give it a unique look in the compact segment, the long front end, the passenger compartment - or 'greenhouse', as it is sometimes called - moved far to the back, and the short rear end clearly distinguishing this two-door performer from its competitors.

To give the car unique looks, the BMW 135i Coupé as the top version in the new model range comes as standard with a modified, aerodynamically optimised M Aerodynamics Package. With its extra-large central air intake, the front air dam highlights the sporting character of the car.

With the introduction of the BMW 1 Series Coupé, BMW has successfully rounded off its model range at the lower end of the market, while at the same time enriching the compact segment through the introduction of the first and to this day only rear-wheel-drive model in its class.

This is not the first time that BMW has set the standard in driving pleasure in the process of entering a smaller model segment. Launched in 1966, the BMW 02 Series is acknowledged to this day as the forerunner for driving dynamics and agility. Rear-wheel drive, powerful engines and space for four - these were the elementary features of this model series so successful for 12 long years.

The new BMW 1 Series will only be available in the Middle East region as of March 2008.