2011 BMW 1-Series Coupe Review
Price
RM423,800
Installment
RM4,042/mth
2011 BMW 1-Series Coupe at a glance
The 2011 BMW 1-Series Coupe is more focused on driving dynamics than the BMW 3-Series Coupe. Refinement and space are lacking, but drive the BMW 135i Coupe with the exceptional twin-turbo engine and all is forgiven.
2011 BMW 1-Series Coupe quick specs
| Body Style | Coupe |
| Class | Small Luxury |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 2+2 |
2011 BMW 1-Series Coupe ratings (overall rating : 3.5/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
The BMW 1-Series hatchback may be gawky-looking by our standards, however the stretch-out coupe shape sure improves the 2011 BMW 1-Series Coupe's overall aesthetics. Still not the prettiest or the sleekest, but at least it now looks like a mini BMW 3-Series Coupe, being more coherent in design elements. The familiarity continues inside with a dashboard design and instruments which are similar to the BMW 3-Series's.
Handling
Just like the BMW 1-Series hatchback, the coupe delivered on providing BMW's famed driving pleasure. Equipped with a 50:50 weight distribution, an engine placed upfront, and rear-wheel-drive system, there is grip aplenty, a sharp steering, unflustered body control, and a balanced feel to the coupe's handling. Through corners, there is impressive neutrality and sturdy road-holding throughout. In short, this is a car built for enthusiastic drivers seeking dynamic purity.
Comfort
Engines and suspension are remarkably quiet, but cabin refinement is disrupted by road noise through the wheel-arches, and by wind noise around the door mirrors at higher speeds. BMW has addressed the issue of the firm ride found in the hatchback version; the ride is now forgiving for the most parts. The many adjustments for seats and steering wheel allow even the tallest drivers to find the perfect driving position. Controls are arranged with good ergonomics in mind, taking little time to master.
Quality + Reliability
Move inside and the cabin imparts a quality feel. The dashboard gets typical BMW treatment with good fit-and-finish and generally premium materials commonly found in more expensive BMW models, although some switchgear are made from hard-to-the-touch plastics. To put into perspective, the Audi A3's cabin is still, by far, of the highest quality standard in this small luxury segment. Having said that, BMW has always been reliable in their offerings, and the coupe should be no different.
Performance
Two engine options are available for the coupe version: 3.0-litre in-line six capable of 218 bhp in the 125i, and the twin-turbo 3.0-litre in-line six capable of 306 bhp in the 135i. Needless to say, both engines are supremely refined and free-revving on the road, but it is the twin-turbo version that blew us away. Of course, the increased power output helps, but it is how this engine delivers with an added dimension of sophistication. Both models are fitted with a slick-shifting six-speed automatic.
Roominess
Fitting two rear seats in such compact dimensions limits the interior room. While the front driver and passenger enjoy comfortable amounts of head- and leg- room, the rear two have much less to content with. Shoulder room is fine as there are only two seats, but legroom is inadequate for most but kids. Boot capacity scores relatively better, with rear seats that can split 60/40 and fold flat for additional storage space when required.
Running Costs
Official fuel consumption figures of 10.4 km/litre and 11.5 km/litre are commendable. Servicing and repairs, as for most luxury cars, would be costly. Both road taxes cost in excess of RM 2000, but insurance will be more significant due to the high price tags. BMW models hold their value relatively well, and the BMW 1-Series Coupe should follow suit.
Value for Money
The 2011 BMW 1-Series Coupe 135i costs RM 423,800, a significant premium over similar cars like the 2010 Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 FSI which starts at RM 225,589 and the 2011 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2.0 TSI at RM 209,888. The 2011 BMW 1-Series Coupe's handling is certainly up there among the best in the small luxury segment, but BMW is asking for such a big price premium for its exclusivity and performance that you must be a true enthusiast to even consider the BMW 1-Series Coupe.
Equipment
Metallic paintwork, 17-inch alloy wheels, run-flat tyres, cruise control, rear Park Distance Control (PDC), foglights, rain sensors, xenon headlights, automatic climate control, sports leather steering wheel, plus stereo with MP3 decoder and six-CD changer are available for 125i. 135i adds M aerodynamics package with 18-inch alloy wheels. Safety-wise, there is a total of six airbags, while Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) includes anti-lock braking system and traction control.
Environment
Emission levels of 190 g/km and 221 g/km from the 125i and 135i, respectively, are respectable. Such figures are impressive for 3.0-litre engines. Employing advanced technologies such as direct injection and turbocharging, luxury automakers like BMW and Audi are producing cars capable of performance yet limiting the environmental pollution.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Superb driving dynamics
Sophisticated twin-turbo 3.0-litre engine
Few on the roads
Some wind and road noise intrusion
Tight rear space
High price for a car of this class
