BMW doesn’t appear particularly interested in making
a potent 1-Series M to rival the likes of the upcoming Mercedes-AMG A45 S and
the next-generation Audi RS3. During a recent interview with Auto Express, BMW M product boss
Carsten Pries said that the M brand needs to focus its performance vehicles on
those with global relevance.
The new BMW 1-Series represents a significant
departure from its predecessors as it is front-wheel drive rather than
rear-wheel drive. The car is sold with all-wheel drive in range-topping M135i
guise, a model which rivals vehicles like the Audi S3, Volkswagen Golf R, and
Mercedes-AMG A35.
BMW M clearly has the ability to make an amped-up
version of the M135i but Pries isn’t convinced such a model would make much of
a (global) business sense.
BMW M built the potent 1M Coupe between 2011 and
2012 as a way to send out the first-generation 1-Series. While that model was
loved by enthusiasts, the second-generation 1-Series didn’t receive a similar full-blown
M model and its range was topped out by the M140i. However, BMW did build an M2
Coupe, which in essence, was the 1M Coupe’s successor.
