New special-edition models, an enhanced premium interior, extended connectivity features and the latest-generation iDrive operating system: this is the next generation of the BMW 1-Series. The sportiest representative of the premium compact class comes with a broad range of efficient engines encompassing powerful three-, four- and six-cylinder variants. Uniquely in this class, the BMW 1-Series has rear-wheel drive, with the intelligent xDrive allwheel- drive system available as an option. The new edition of the BMW 1-Series will be launched in July 2017 in 3-door and 5-door versions.
The BMW 1-Series: a tour de force in the premium compact class
The success story of this sporty compact model dates back to late-summer 2004 and the introduction of the original BMW 1-Series. Thanks to its superior agility and driving dynamics, it rapidly positioned itself as the epitome of sporting prowess in the compact segment. To date, more than two million units of the BMW 1-Series have been sold worldwide, of which approximately 960,000 are from the latest model generation. Germany is the most important international market and this is where one in four BMW 1-Series is sold, followed by the UK (20 per cent) and China (eight per cent). The BMW 1-Series is built in Germany at the plants in Regensburg (3-door and 5- door models) and Leipzig (5-door). There are also assembly plants for the Asia-Pacific region in Chennai (India) and Rayong (Thailand).
New special-edition models with striking looks
The BMW 1-Series is unmistakeably sporty: dynamic contours, the distinctive kidney grille, long bonnet and a sportily stylish rear define its appearance. New special-edition models – the Edition Sport Line Shadow, Edition M Sport Shadow and BMW M140i Edition Shadow – see BMW emphasising the youthfully refreshing, sporty character of the 1-Series. The special editions stand out from their siblings with a kidney grille frame painted in black, LED headlights with black inserts and darkened rear lights which likewise feature LED technology.
The BMW 1-Series Edition M Sport Shadow has black exhaust tailpipes, too. The new exterior colours Seaside Blue and Sunset Orange also contribute to the new car’s more striking looks. The Sport Line, Urban Line and M Sport variants of the BMW 1-Series remain in the line-up alongside the standard model. And now there are also specialedition models to choose from. The handover from one model to the next sees five new light-alloy wheels being added to the range in 17- and 18-inch formats. A total of 16 different wheel designs – in sizes ranging from 16 to 18 inches – provide plenty of scope for personalisation. The new BMW 1-Series Edition Sport Line Shadow comes with exclusive 17-inch lightalloy wheels (725) as standard. The Edition M Sport Shadow has 18-inch wheels in either Jet Black or Bicolour Jet Black (719 M) to complement its shadow-like character. And an additional 18-inch light-alloy wheel design is offered for the M140i/M140i xDrive Edition Shadow (436 M in Orbit Grey).
Upgraded interior, redesigned instrument panel
Moving inside the new BMW 1-Series, an array of details add to the cabin’s exclusive, high-quality feel. With a clear and stylish design, the instrument panel has been completely reworked to place an even greater emphasis on driver focus.
The black-panel instrument cluster has likewise been reconfigured. Contrast stitching gives the various model variants a sophisticated appearance. The centre stack, which houses the control panels for the radio and air conditioning system, features a high-gloss black surface. There is a roll cover for the cupholders in the centre console, giving the new interior a clean look. And the window buttons in the doors now have chrome trim.
Thanks to virtually imperceptible gaps, the glove compartment blends seamlessly into the overall ambience. The air vents for the air conditioning have been revised and also contribute to the generous impression of space created by the interior of the new BMW 1-Series.
Customers can also specify an optional new seat covering in Cognac Dakota leather, while the interior trim strips are now available with Pearl Chrome accents. The Urban Line offers exclusive new combinations of white or black acrylic glass with chrome detailing.
The standard model, Sport Line and M Sport variants can be ordered with new combinations of Piano Finish Black, aluminium or Fineline wood trim with chrome. When it comes to the seat coverings, BMW 1-Series customers can choose from seven cloth variants, some including leather or Alcantara.
Using iDrive, the touchscreen or voice control to operate various functions
The new BMW 1-Series is equipped with the latest generation of the iDrive operating system as standard. Using the iDrive Touch Controller allows the driver to comfortably access and activate a variety of vehicle, navigation and entertainment functions with one hand. Thanks to the touchpad integrated into the Controller, it is easy to enter destinations for the navigation system in handwriting style. If the optional Navigation system Professional is fitted, the high-resolution central 8.8-inch display now comes in touchscreen form. Intelligent voice control is the third way of operating these functions.
Driver assistance systems: extra help for the driver
The assistance systems on the options list for the new BMW 1-Series include Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, which enables the vehicle to move along with the flow of traffic automatically up to near its maximum speed. The system alerts the driver and applies the brakes if it detects an obstacle. The Driving Assistant is also available as an option and comprises the Lane Departure Warning system and City Collision Mitigation, which applies the brakes automatically at speeds up to 60 km/h (37 mph) in response to an imminent collision with a car, motorcycle or pedestrian, for instance. The Parking Assistant, meanwhile, manoeuvres the car into parking spots that are either parallel or perpendicular to the road. Its ultrasonic sensors help to search for suitable spaces while travelling at up to 35 km/h (22 mph).
Highly efficient 3-, 4- and 6-cylinder power units
The new BMW 1-Series comes with a wide choice of petrol and diesel engines, comprising three-, four- and six-cylinder variants. They all hail from the state-of-the-art BMW EfficientDynamics engine family and feature BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. With the exception of the BMW 116i, 116d EfficientDynamics Edition and 118d xDrive, all models can be specified with the eight-speed Steptronic or eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission as an alternative to the six-speed manual gearshift. The M140i xDrive can only be ordered with the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.
On the petrol side, the line-up ranges from the BMW 116i – whose turbocharged three-cylinder unit produces 80 kW/109 hp (fuel consumption combined: 5.4 – 5.0 l/100 km [52.3 – 56.5 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 126 – 116 g/km) – to the BMW M140i M Performance model, which stirs 250 kW/340 hp from its six-cylinder in-line engine (fuel consumption combined: 7.8 – 7.1 l/100 km [36.2 – 39.8 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 179 – 163 g/km).
The BMW M140i is powered by a three-litre straight-six engine complete with direct injection, M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology with twin-scroll turbocharging, fully variable valve timing (VALVETRONIC) and Double- VANOS variable camshaft control. This all combines to give the BMW M140i an output of 250 kW/340 hp and maximum torque of 500 Newton metres (369 lb-ft), which can be summoned from as low down as 1,520 rpm and remains on tap up to 4,500 rpm.
This gives the BMW M140i all the right credentials for delivering extraordinary performance: with the six-speed manual gearshift, this compact racer sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.8 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).
When the optional eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission is specified, the BMW M140i reaches the 100 km/h (62 mph) mark from rest in an even quicker 4.6 seconds (fuel consumption combined: 7.1 l/100 km [39.8 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 163 g/km).
Performance is even more remarkable in the BMW M140i xDrive versions, thanks to the presence of intelligent all-wheel drive. Equipped with the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission as standard, the M140i xDrive surges from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.4 seconds, while returning combined fuel consumption of 7.4 l/100 km (38.2 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of 169 g/km.
