The BMW 1 Series has now entered the 4th generation (F70), with prices in Germany starting at €37,900 (including 19% VAT). There are four variants to choose from, all of which are 5-door hatchbacks. There’s no word on the sedan version at the moment, but in case it arrives in the future, it’ll be exclusive to the Chinese market as before.
| Variant | German price |
| 120 | €37,900 |
| M135 xDrive | €56,200 |
| 118d | €38,200 |
| 120d | €40,500 |
Where do we start? Well, I guess let’s start by addressing the elephant in the room then, shall we? As is the case with some BMWs lately, the new 1 Series doesn’t really look like a BMW. In this case, the masses are of the opinion that it looks more like a Kia, or a mix of Kia, Ford and a few more things. I do agree that the front fascia indeed gives off strong Kia vibes, especially this so-called M135 xDrive variant. LED headlights with vertical running light elements come standard, while buyers have the option to go for adaptive LED headlights with matrix high beam, cornering light function and blue accents.
The base models with a chrome grille surround try their best to not look like a Kia or any other model, but I guess the buyers can go for the black grille option. In addition to dark elements, the M135 xDrive boasts a specific roof spoiler and quad tailpipes. The exclusive 19-inch Y-spoke wheels on the M135 are part of the optional M Technology Package that also includes specific suspension components and an M Compound brake system. The optional M Sport Package includes the Adaptive M Chassis with 8 mm lowered ride height, sport steering and 18-inch light-alloy wheels. An M Sport Package Pro and model-specific BMW M Performance Parts are also available for all variants of the new 1 Series.
M135 xDrive
Despite being billed as a new (4th gen) generation model, the new 1 Series we’re seeing here, is not built on a new platform. The UKL2 platform still underpins this new model, albeit with some specific modifications. The new 1 Series measures 4,361 mm long (+42 mm), 1,800 mm wide (+1 mm) and 1,459 mm tall (+25 mm), with a wheelbase of 2,670 mm (no change). BMW claims to have improved the agility, steering precision and cornering dynamics of the 1 Series, thanks to optimized kinematics, highly preloaded anti-roll bar mounts and new shock absorber technology. The caster of the front wheels has been increased by 20%.
Inside, it’s all a digital affair. I mean, there’s a 10.25-inch digital cluster and a 10.7-inch central touchscreen. There’s also a backlit aluminium insert on the dashboard. Features such as the M leather steering wheel, a head-up display, a wireless smartphone charging pad, two-zone automatic air conditioning, a panoramic glass roof and a Harman Kardon sound system, are part of optional packages.
Standard assistance systems include the Driving Assistant with Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Exit Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, and the Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant. Steering and Lane Control Assist, Automatic Speed Limit Assist, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, and Parking Assistant Professional, are optional extras.
Moving on to the juicy bits of the story, the 120 is powered by a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine with 115 kW (156 metric hp) and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft). There’s a 48-volt mild-hybrid system with a 15 kW (20 metric hp) e-motor integrated into a 7-speed DCT. The system figures are 125 kW (170 metric hp) and 280 Nm (207 lb-ft).
There’s also the 118d to choose from, powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine with 110 kW (150 metric hp) and 360 Nm (266 lb-ft). This engine is also paired with a 7-speed DCT, driving the front wheels. No mild-hybrid system here. For those who want more, BMW will offer the 120d, powered by the same diesel engine as 118d, but here, there’s a mild-hybrid system, offering system figures of 120 kW (163 metric hp) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft).
And of course, there’s the range-topping M135 xDrive. It packs a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine with 221 kW (300 metric hp) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft). The engine is paired with a 7-speed DCT and xDrive AWD system. The official 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time is 4.9 seconds while the top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). No, this ain’t the most-powerful 1 Series ever. In fact, compared with the previous-gen M135 xDrive, there’s a shortage of 4 kW (6 metric hp).
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