BMW 1-series to hit U.S. shores under $30,000

Posted Wed Sep 12 2007 12:11 PM by Nelson Ireson

The 1-series, as sold in the U.S., will come only in coupe form, but will have the option of two different six-cylinder engines. The base 128i model will have 230hp, while the 135i will share a motor with the 335i boasting a conservatively-specified 300hp. Expect 0-60mph to come in 5.1s in the 135i, and 6.1s in the 128i. Aimed at a younger demographic, BMW is mum on projected sales volume, but expects the 1-series to play a "big role" in the U.S.

The most ground-breaking statistic, however, is not the performance, but the price: the base 128i will start under $30,000, with the hotted-up 135i starting in the mid-$30,000s, reports Automotive News. BMW assures us that the 1-series will be on par with the quality of the 3- and 5-series as well - no cost-cutting here. Compare this with Lexus' statement that breaking below the $30,000 mark is not an option.

As Mercedes has gone down-market with its U.S. offerings and budget-oriented marques like Mazda are offering serious sports cars at cut-rate prices, BMW is finally yielding to pressure to break the $30,000 psychological barrier. One thing it's impossible to argue with: BMW quality for sub-Lexus price. The U.S. sport-luxury market just got a lot more interesting.

Reader Comments

Wed Sep 12 2007 1:41 PM
Stewie says

So what's the difference b/n the 3 series?

Sub
Wed Sep 12 2007 2:22 PM
Rambo says

Less car for $30K!
Wed Sep 12 2007 3:22 PM
Renton says

The E30 is back! Now with twin turbos!
Wed Sep 12 2007 4:25 PM
Adam says

Perhaps my next car? Definitely interested in a test-drive. I like my E36 3-series coupe, but I find the models after that are far too big on the outside and small on the inside, something I strongly dislike in any car...
Wed Sep 12 2007 9:23 PM
HECTOR says

Sorry guys but I'm gonna be laughing real hard at anyone I see driving this thing.
Wed Sep 12 2007 11:57 PM
toledoguy says

so what happened to the "the 1 series is the spiritual successor to the 2002ti"?

Gas prices are at an all time high in the US, BMW offers plenty of 4 cylinder motors in other markets, yet all we get are sixes? Why not a 4, priced in the mid-20's? You know that the 128 starting at "under 28k" isn't going to be the car anyone wants. I'll bet the target price is closer to $32k. I'm not interested at that price.
Tue Jan 15 2008 7:22 PM
Kiran says

Why would you be laughing Hector? Coz you drive a Ford and you dont buy anything that is not made in USA?

This car is prolly going to be my next car! :-P
Fri Jan 18 2008 6:14 PM
Sammyg says

Its interior is geared toward a younger audience. It\'s certainly smaller, with a more intimate cockpit than the 3 series. I think it will be a home run for BMW.

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