BMW 1 Series

Two engine models, three grades

The new BMW 1 Series, now in its fourth generation and the first full model change in five years, made its Japanese debut at the brand store “FRUDE by BMW” in Azabudai, Tokyo. The car is BMW’s premium compact car, combining modern and stylish design with innovative technologies including precise driving dynamics.

The platform is the same UKL2 as the previous model, but it has been given a BMW-like design, including a kidney grille and long nose with a design that impresses the new generation, a cabin with a center of gravity at the rear, and a dynamically flowing roofline. The body size is slightly longer and lower at 4,370 mm in length (+15 mm compared to the previous model) and 1,450 mm in height (-15 mm), while the overall width is 1,800 mm and the wheelbase is 2,670 mm, the same as the previous model.

Three grades have been introduced in Japan this time: the BMW 120, a FWD model equipped with a 1.5-liter inline three-cylinder M TwinPower Turbo gasoline engine mounted in the front, is combined with a 48V mild hybrid system and produces a maximum system output of 125kW (170PS) and a maximum torque of 280Nm. The 120 also comes in the lineup as the 120 M Sport, equipped with adaptive M suspension. The “i” in the grade name has been removed from the 1 Series, simplifying the model. This is said to differentiate it from the fully electric “i” series (iX, i4 to i7, iX1 to iX3, etc.).

At the top of the lineup is the performance-enhanced BMW M135 xDrive. It’s equipped with a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder M TwinPower Turbo gasoline engine that produces a maximum output of 221kW (300PS) at 5750rpm and a maximum torque of 400Nm at 200-4500rpm. It’s also equipped with the intelligent xDrive 4WD system, M Compound Brakes, and adaptive M suspension, boasting a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 4.9 seconds. All models are mated to a 7-speed DCT.

Kidney grille has evolved even further

The design of the front section is characterized by headlights that are a modern redefinition of BMW’s traditional four-round headlight design, asserting a flat, sporty character with a low stance.

The wide, forward-leaning BMW kidney grille adopts a new structure that combines vertical and diagonal lines. While diagonal lines have been added to the edges of the 120 kidney grille, the M135 xDrive adopts a horizontal M radiator grille. In addition, it is equipped with M exterior mirror caps and four exhaust tailpipes, asserting that it is the top performance grade.

The Hofmeister kink on the C-pillar features a graphic element with the number “1.” At the rear, vertical reflectors and a black diffuser create a powerful impression.

Interior with a smaller selector lever

The interior features a smaller selector lever, adding a sporty accent while providing a comfortable space for five people. The newly designed standard seats are said to provide high comfort even on long journeys. Sporty “M Sport seats” are also available as an option.

It is equipped with the BMW Curved Display, consisting of a 10.25-inch information display and a 10.7-inch control display. By adopting the latest digital technology, the air conditioning is also digitally controlled, significantly reducing the number of physical switches and controls in the cockpit. Luggage space can be expanded from 380 liters to 1,200 liters by folding down the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats.

Production of the new 1 Series will begin at the BMW Group’s Leipzig plant in Germany, with deliveries scheduled to begin in November. According to sources, a diesel model not yet available in Japan is currently under consideration.