BMW To Respond To Audi S3 With 1-Series M Model

BMW is looking at a new M model below the M3, according to highly placed sources from inside the firm’s M division, who suggest the new car has been favoured over a BMW supercar.

Based on the next-gen 1-series, the new car will be designed to introduce younger customers to new M cars. It would compete with cars such as the next-generation Audi S3, with pricing starting at around £32,000.

“We’re conscious that our existing customers are gravitating towards larger and more expensive models such as the X5/X6 M,” said an M division source. “We’re looking at ways to attract new customers to the brand, and an entry-level model is part of those plans.”


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bmwdrvr - 11/4/2009 3:58:08 PM

+1 Boost

Exactly how would an M version of the 1 series be an S3 competitor.........the 135i will outgun the S4 and S5 to 60 why would BMW need an M car to compete with Audis VW Golf 2.0t...I mean really....

Agent009 - 11/4/2009 4:19:54 PM

-5 Boost

I am just reporting what they said.

bmwdrvr - 11/4/2009 6:16:05 PM

+7 Boost

I apologize I didnt realize we werent "posting our opinion on whats being reported" omg you have to be of the worst and most bias posters on here...............

rigid - 11/4/2009 4:15:45 PM

+4 Boost

Which 1 body style are they talking about the lame American version or the europen hatchback version? If they would bring the hatchback over I would be very much more interested in it. As is it is too small.

I also agree the 135 already kicks the ass of the GTI...I mean Audi.

AudiNewEngland - 11/4/2009 4:52:26 PM

-3 Boost

I think you mean RS3, rumored to have the same engine as the TT-RS? And Remember, the TT-RS can spank the 135, therefore, they need a little competition if that powerplant gets put into an A3.

PPower - 11/4/2009 4:53:27 PM

+3 Boost

responds to S3? Don't think so. The current 135 already walks all over the 3. If the next 1 series will have 4 cylinder turbo engines, it leaves room for the M to have a slightly boosted version of the current 135 engine but with the DI and twinscroll. Put better suspension on a current 135 and you would virtually have what WILL be an M1.

bmwdrvr - 11/4/2009 6:09:13 PM

+2 Boost

exactly the 135i outruns the 335i and if its suspension setup was better it would more than likely out perform the 3series. An M version with enough power would also compromise the position of the M3, its kinda like comparing the Cayman to the 911 the Cayman makes more sense from a performance stand point, and if it wasnt compromised in order to provide enough room for its much more expensive brother than it would surely outperform the 911...........

bmwdrvr - 11/4/2009 6:11:46 PM

+2 Boost

it also begs the question why not create a more performance oriented version of the 3 platform styled as a 2+2 sports coupe positioned above the 3 series....the 135i isnt like much because of its looks which I like they sorta modern day 2002 but its certainly a sleeper it doesnt look like what it is.....

LexSucks - 11/4/2009 5:04:41 PM

-1 Boost

BMW didn't respond to Audi. That's like saying that Audi responded to the BMW 335i with the Audi S4.

synx - 11/4/2009 5:08:15 PM

+5 Boost

If BMW can get this right it would be a mean car.

investor27 - 11/4/2009 5:52:06 PM

+2 Boost

I love the 135i, but it didn't do well here in the US because it was over-priced. Price it around $29,900 to $32,000 maxed out, and you will see a lot more sales number.

Whelan - 11/5/2009 7:51:29 AM

+1 Boost

The A3 is a hatchback, the 1 is a coupe. Unless BMW is making a 1 series 4 door hatch then there is no comparison here. Not to mention the A3/S3 will be cheaper as the 1 series already prices itself out of the market they were claiming to go for. Instead they put it in the old 3 series territory since they upped those prices so much.