The BMW Serie 1 enters its fourth generation with a new design and updated technologies

Twenty years have passed since BMW entered the compact segment with the Serie 1, a model that in my view got off to a very strong start but has gradually lost momentum over the years due to various factors: design and mechanics that moved away from the essence of all BMW cars, rear-wheel drive. Nevertheless, the Serie 1 will continue its story with the new fourth generation now being unveiled.

We are looking at a new Serie 1 whose underpinnings have changed little to none; it still uses the same chassis, while its bodywork undergoes a substantial redesign and its dimensions have been modified, as you can imagine, growing in size. It is now 42 mm longer, reaching a total length of 4,361 millimetres, while the wheelbase measures 2,670 millimetres, the width is 1,800 mm and the height also increases to 1,459 mm.

Overall, the new BMW Serie 1 adopts a silhouette typical of the German brand’s compacts and/or coupés, with a bonnet that grows in size, placing the cabin in a set-back position, while the roofline blends perfectly into the rear. Its front end sees the characteristic kidney grilles redesigned, and if you glance at it quickly you could even mistake it for a Kia… the inner grille features a lattice mixing vertical and diagonal bars and is headed by new LED headlights, which can optionally be replaced by adaptive LED units with matrix high beam that prevents glare, cornering light function and blue accents.

From the side view of the BMW Serie 1 is where we can best appreciate the wedge shape of its silhouette and how the windows taper as they approach the rear, aided by the waistline that rises from the front wheel arch. Also from the side, we will much better notice how the spoiler above the rear window protrudes prominently, framing a rear that also adopts a new design for the lights, which extend towards the flank.

Its bodywork will be available in two solid colours and seven metallic finishes, in addition to those specific to BMW Individual. There will also be optional M Sport and M Sport Design packages, which add large air intakes in the front apron, side skirts and a three-dimensional diffuser at the rear. Furthermore, for the most powerful version, the M135i xDrive, there is the M Technic package, which adds specific suspension components, stiffness and lightweight measures, an M Compound braking system and 19-inch forged light-alloy wheels.

Inside the new BMW Serie 1 there is a completely new design that adopts, as in the brand’s other recent launches, the BMW Curved Display, made up of a 10.25-inch screen for the instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch screen for the infotainment system, both controlled by BMW operating system 9 and the latest version of BMW iDrive with quick access, which thanks to its operation allows numerous buttons on the centre console to be eliminated.

It is worth highlighting that, as standard, the BMW Serie 1 has a design with no leather whatsoever; evidence of this are the recycled polyester covers and upholstery for the sport seats of the Econeer version, although optional M sport seats are also available. They are also offered in the Veganza version with leather-like properties combined with Alcantara as part of the M Sport package for the M135i xDrive. Optionally, the sport seats can be electrically adjustable, heated and even feature a massage function.

Mechanically, the BMW Serie 1 will be available with diesel and petrol engines, all of them carrying the ECO label thanks to the mild-hybrid 48 V technology, and managed by the 7-speed Steptronic dual-clutch gearbox. On the petrol side we have the 120i, with 170 CV and 280 Nm of torque in a three-cylinder engine configuration with TwinPower Turbo technology and a displacement of 1,500 cc. On the diesel side we have the 118d with 2,000 cc and four cylinders, producing 150 CV and 360 Nm of torque, while one step above is the 120d, with the same engine configuration but 163 CV.

A separate mention goes to the M135i xDrive, a petrol engine with no hybridisation at all, which develops 300 CV and 400 Nm of torque thanks to its four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo inline block and 2,000 cc. This power is also sent to all four wheels thanks to the xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system. With this setup it reaches 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h.

Further engine options will be added later, and the brand also anticipates that its launch will take place next October, so we will still have to wait to find out its exact price and equipment in Spain.

Technical specifications of this car

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