Building on the sporting looks of the popular 1 Series Sports Hatch, the new 1 Series Performance Edition is available in 116i, 116d and 118d guise, and comes with the full M visuals, including aerodynamic body kit, 18-inch wheels and sport suspension, while sport seats with royal blue stitching, a multi-function leather steering wheel and gearshift leaver, and floor mats with Royal Blue piping complete the sporty look.

The 3 Series Performance Edition is also getting a Performance Edition revision, with the aero kit, 18-inch alloys, multi-function leather steering wheel, sport seats, special floor mats and chrome exhaust finisher, and is also available in the 318i sedan.


Both the 1 and 3 Series specials are available exclusively in the UK can be had in Alpine White, Titanium Silver, Bluewater or Black Sapphire and come with London 2012 exterior badges.

As the Official Automotive Partner, BMW's green credentials will help London 2012 deliver a sustainable Games by supplying a range of Efficient Dynamic diesel cars, hybrids and electric vehicles, achieving average CO2 emissions below the LOCOG target of 120g/km, as well as bicycles and motorcycles, they claim.

BMW is supporting 23 national sponsored athletes and 74 regional athletes in the build-up to London 2012 and they will benefit by being provided with vehicles to support them in their preparation for the Games.

Besides Adlington, the Team includes world diving champion Tom Daley, Olympic gymnastic bronze medallist Louis Smith, two-time Paralympic swimming champion Ellie Simmonds and triathlon siblings Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee.

A total of 400 BMW bicycles will also be used by London 2012 officials in the run-up to and during the Games.

Ian Robertson, BMW's global sales and marketing director Ian Robertson handed the first "Bimmer" bicycle to David Stubbs, head of sustainability for London 2012 as the 'one-year-to-go' point approaches on July 27.

"Everybody will be travelling to the Games by foot, bicycle or public transport where ever possible, and the LOCOG team will be no exception to this," said Stubbs. 

"It is rather fitting therefore that the first vehicle we accept for the 2012 fleet is a bike.

"However, cars and motorcycles remain a vital part of the transport arrangements to ensure the smooth-running and full operational support of the Games."

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, the 11-time Paralympic champion, was also present at the hand-over.

"I am particularly delighted that BMW has taken such an inclusive approach to the vehicles they are providing for 2012," she said.

"This will be the best Paralympic Games ever and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all involved."

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