BMW says there will be no М1 hot hatch, focuses on the X7 M instead

Carsten Pries, Head of Planning at BMW M, said the company did not intend to release an M version of its 1-Series performance hatchback. On the other hand, the M variant of the X7 crossover/SUV was something it was much more optimistic about.

The BMW 1 Series has only been introduced recently. In its top trim – the M135i xDrive – the hot hatch comes equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 302 horsepower (225 kilowatts). While not exactly underpowered, many muscle car lovers hoped to wait until they can get the best of the best – the M1. The way things look right now, though, no such version may ever see the daylight.

Mr. Pries explained that the company had to make the unpopular decision primarily due to high R&D costs compared to the low overall demand.

The BMW M range of cars is currently mainly represented by the M2 Coupe, the M3, and the M5. The senior management of the company considers the X SUV line the best candidate for expanding the range in the near future. In fact, BMW will likely be introducing the X7 M in the nearest future, he concluded.

Photos: autoexpress.co.uk