A modern BMW 1 M doesn’t exist, but we think it should

When it comes to performance cars, Audi, BMW and Mercedes-AMG are joined at the hip at almost every segment intersection – with one notable exception. While the trio of German manufacturers just can’t help themselves when it comes to building natural rivals to each other’s machinery, there remains a BMW-shaped hole in the hyper hatch sector.

Audi’s heavily updated RS3 is set to launch locally soon, while Mercedes-AMG has almost achieved perfection with its 310kW A45 S. The best Bavaria can muster is the M135i xDrive, whose relatively paltry outputs of 225kW/450Nm just won’t cut the mustard. Time to call in the M division cavalry.

There are not only the intra-nation rivalries to consider, but internal legacies, with the 1 Series being the logical platform for a full-M hyper hatch – which would mean reviving the 1 M badge. That silent ‘ooh’ face you just pulled is the weight that will burden the shoulders of BMW’s engineers.

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BMW hasn’t been shy of usurping tradition lately, least not with its styling. This hard-nosed stubbornness would continue with the new 1 M’s mechanical philosophy. No straight-six, no RWD. Hyper hatch, remember? The B48 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol from the M135i would remain, but with some serious fettling to get it on par with the likes of Audi and AMG.

West Surrey Racing use a version of the B48 developed by NBE in its G20 330i BTCC racer, producing in the region of 280kW. Putting the Motorsport back into the M Division, BMW’s 1 M will take inspiration from this competition-spec unit to build a proper A45 S rival. Stronger internals, as well as a larger turbo will do most of the work required to boost overall outputs to 290kW/500Nm.

Mated with a new eight-speed automatic transmission, the BMW 1 M will be capable of cracking 100km/h from a standstill in 4.0 seconds flat thanks to the help of launch control. Fully customisable M driving modes selectable from the steering wheel will even allow the driver to fine tune launch RPM.

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BMW M135i with M Performance Parts

Keen drivers will be spoiled with a raft of dynamic settings. Multi-stage traction control and stability control mean nanny-state interferences will be a thing of the past. Adaptive dampers will be fitted as standard, while the front electronically locking limited-slip differential will also have multiple settings to choose from. A central and rear limited-slip diff will underscore the 1 M’s dynamic ability, even if it won’t have the straight-six, RWD ethos of its predecessor.

Want to play fantasy product planner with us? Send your best ideas to MOTOR@wheelsmedia.com.au

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BMW M135i with M Performance Parts

How we’d build it

01. Hand built

To get the B48 to make the appropriate power, BMW’s M Division will need to get hands-on, literally. The engine will need to be hand-built with stronger forged internals, before being slotted into the 1 M. As a result, production numbers will be suitably limited. Quality over quantity.

02. Shift games

A major gripe with the M135i is that it just plain refuses to send appropriate levels of power to the rear wheels. This won’t stand for the 1 M, with a modified version of the eight-speed auto from the M3/M4 xDrive being adapted to mate with the B48 and diff array.

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BMW M135i with M Performance Parts

03. Akrapa-who?

Unfortunately, the B48 doesn’t make a sound that truly stirs our soul. To rectify the issue, Slovenian masters of exhausts Akrapovic will be brought in to tune a factory-option system which sounds more rally car than Nan’s car.

04. For the love of aero

To wing, or not to wing, that is the question that will haunt the thoughts of every Tarocash-wearing broker that is about to sign a lease agreement. Not just for looks, the carbon fibre additions will provide a boost in high-speed stability. We’ve rendered the 1 M in its full M Division guise, but a de-badged, de-winged version would go nicely as a daily sleeper.

05. Sticky Stuff

Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres would fit the 1 M’s everyday remit, while also ensuring the car’s improved dynamic talents aren’t hidden. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres will be available as an option for the true track day heroes.