With a new and dynamic design presence, a completely revised drive system and extensively improved chassis technology, the new BMW 1 Series has sharpened up its profile to become possibly the sportiest vehicle in this very competitive premium automotive sector.
As detailed below, this brand new compact model, the fourth generation, offers highly efficient engines, including those with 48-volt mild hybrid technology and a resource-conserving production process, aligning with sustainability targets across its entire product life cycle. The redesign of this compact car is not just on the outside; the new styling is also reflected in the redesigned interior enhanced by an extended range of automated driving and parking systems, the new BMW iDrive with ‘QuickSelect’ and innovative digital services based on the also new BMW Operating System 9.
On The Outside
The sporty appearance of the BMW 1 Series is underscored by typical BMW proportions: the to-be-expected long bonnet, a passenger cell set well back, a dynamically flowing roofline and a powerful rear-end design. Despite these changes, the dimensions of the five-door model have hardly changed compared to its predecessor.
With a strikingly flat front end that sits significantly lower to the road than its predecessor, this new car signals its aforementioned sporting character more than ever, which can be further embellished optionally with the ‘M-Sport’ trim level. The wide, forward-leaning BMW radiator grille features an innovative structure comprised of vertical and diagonal bars. The standard-fit LED headlights feature striking vertical elements for the daytime running light and the turn indicators. Adaptive LED headlights with glare-free matrix high beam, cornering light function and blue accents are optionally available.
The side view of the new BMW 1 Series is characterised by the dynamic wedge shape and the flat window graphics that taper towards the rear. The standard BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line includes a graphic element with the number 1 in the now familiar BMW ‘Hofmeister kink’ counter-swing on the C-pillar. A long roof spoiler and side air deflectors emphasise the stretched silhouette, while vertical reflectors and a black diffuser-style insert add to the powerful appearance of the rear apron. The striking, two-part rear lights extend well into the side sections. The M specific design features include large air intakes on the front apron, pronounced side skirts and a three- dimensional diffuser element in the rear apron.
The body paintwork of the new BMW 1 Series is available in a variety of paint finishes and is the first model in the brand's range to be available with an optional contrasting roof paint in a high-gloss black finish.
On The Inside
The newly designed interior of the 1 Series, which is completely leather-free when ‘Sport’ trim is selected, offers a modern premium ambience with sporty accents and generous space for up to five occupants. Also in a new design are the ‘Sport’ seats which offer a high level of comfort for long journeys, they say, with the ‘Econeer’ version featuring covers and upholstery made from recycled polyester. Sport seats are offered as standard in ‘M Sport’ trim, or optionally available on other Sport models. Perforated seat surfaces finished in ‘Veganza’, which offers leather-like properties, are optionally available in addition to Alcantara upholstery that is included in the standard specification on both M Sport and M135 xDrive models.
Heated seats are standard across the prestige quality 1 Series line-up, while lumbar support can be added to the sport seats and M Sport seats. An optional massage function is also available for the sport seats and an electric memory function can be added as an option for all seat versions. A driver and front passenger interaction airbag is now fitted as standard to further enhance occupant protection. By folding down the rear seat backrests, the storage space under the tailgate can be increased from 380 litres to 1,200 litres.
High-quality surfaces and trim, a redesigned gear selector and the BMW Curved Display underline the modern ambience inside the vehicle. The fully digital display system comprises a 10.25 inch Information Display and a 10.7 inch Control Display, which also offers new functionality such as controlling the air conditioning digitally via an always-visible array of controls. As an alternative to the standard sport steering wheel, a similarly redesigned M leather steering wheel is offered as standard on ‘M Sport’ models which features shift paddles for manual gear changes, when a little more on-the-go action is required.
On The Road
At the top of the model range is the BMW M135 xDrive delivering significantly enhanced performance characteristics. This BMW M model is powered by a 300bhp (304PS) four-cylinder engine, that also features an adaptive ‘M Chassis’ with sport steering and intelligent all-wheel drive as standard, accelerating from zero to 62 mph in a sprightly 4.9 seconds.
On the outside, the M radiator grille with horizontal bars, M exterior mirror caps and four exhaust tailpipes make it instantly recognisable as a top-of-the- range model. An M Technology Package with specific suspension components, an M Compound brake system and 19 inch forged light-alloy wheels will be available exclusively for the BMW M135 xDrive from Autumn 2024. The M Sport Pro pack and model-specific BMW M Performance Parts are also available as options for all variants of the new BMW 1 Series.
Like the BMW M135 xDrive engine, the three-cylinder petrol engine found inside the alternate BMW 120 is from the latest generation of BMW Group modular engines. With a maximum power output of 170bhp (172PS), the new BMW 120 accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 7.8 seconds, working in tandem with a 48-volt mild hybrid system integrated into the gearbox to enhance both its efficiency and spontaneous power delivery. Both the 120 and M135 xDrive drive units transmit their power to a seven-speed ‘Steptronic’ transmission with dual clutch as standard.
This latest BMW 1 Series offers a significantly extended range of automated driving and parking systems as standard or optional equipment. Standard features include the Driving Assistant with front collision warning, Lane Departure Warning, Exit Warning and Traffic Sign Recognition, as well as the Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant.
Highlights on the options list include Steering and Lane Control Assist, Automatic Speed Limit Assist and route guidance when using Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function. Parking Assistant Professional is also available for the new BMW 120, allowing parking and manoeuvring to be controlled by smartphone.
This is a smart new evolution of a very popular and efficient model, ideal for family or business and as it is a BMW, it is also great to drive. Find out more about exporting this brand new car or any currently available vehicles from the extensive BMW brand range from the UK to destinations as far flung as New Zealand, Ireland, Kenya or the Caribbean by contacting us here at MHH International. Could your next car be a BMW?
