BMW’s 4th generation 1 Series stays highly conventional

The BMW 1 Series is entering its fourth model generation. With a modestly altered design presence, a revised drive portfolio, and improved chassis technology, the new BMW 1 Series has sharpened its profile, but further electrifcation was clearly not a priority. Efficient ICE engines with 48-volt mild hybrid technology are the closest the new car gets to electric drive.

The new 1 Series also features a redesigned interior, an extended range of automated driving and parking systems, the new BMW iDrive with QuickSelect, and innovative digital services based on BMW’s Operating System 9.

The new BMW 1 Series premiere marks the start of a new chapter in the brand’s 20-year story in the compact segment. The new model generation will also be produced at the BMW Group plant in Leipzig. Its market launch is scheduled for October 2024.

The most important sales region is the German domestic market. In addition to other European countries, Japan is among the top five markets for the new BMW 1 Series.

Same looks, slightly bigger

The dimensions of the five-door model have changed only slightly compared to its predecessor. The exterior length of the new BMW 1 Series has increased by 42 mm to 4,361 mm, while the wheelbase is 2,670 mm. The vehicle width is 1,800 mm, while the height has increased by 25 mm to 1,459 mm.

As usual, the latest model generation has typical BMW proportions: a long bonnet, a passenger cell set well back, a flowing roofline, and a short rear end. A flat front end sits significantly lower on the road than its predecessor.

The standard LED headlights now feature 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 new BMW 1 Series’s side view is characterized by the typical wedge shape. A long roof spoiler and side air deflectors emphasize the stretched silhouette. Two-part rear lights extend into the side sections. An M sports package is available from the beginning.

The newly designed interior, which is completely leather-free as standard, has redesigned seats. Heated seats and a wide range of electric adjustments, including memory on the driver’s side, are available as options for all seat versions. Lumbar support can be added to the optional sports seats and the M sports seats.

A driver and front-passenger interaction airbag is now fitted as standard to enhance occupant protection further. By folding down the rear seat backrests, the storage space under the tailgate can be increased from 380 liters to 1,200 liters.

7-speed dual-clutch gearbox

Like the BMW M135 xDrive top engine (4 cylinders, 221 kW/300 hp, all-wheel drive), all of the other engines available for the new BMW 1 Series are part of the latest generation of modular engines from the BMW Group.

The new BMW 120’s three-cylinder petrol engine (125 kW/170 hp) and four-cylinder diesel engine (120 kW/ 163 hp) are combined with 48-volt mild hybrid technology for better efficiency and spontaneous power delivery.  A 118d (110 kW/150 hp) is also available, and a 116 base version is in the pipeline.

All of the drive units transmit their power to a 7-speed Steptronic transmission with dual clutch as standard. The new BMW 1 Series’s agility, steering precision, and cornering dynamics benefit from the increased rigidity of the body structure and chassis connection.

Expanded equipment

The new 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, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant.

Highlights of the optional range include Steering and Lane Control Assist, Automatic Speed Limit Assist, and route guidance when using Active Cruise Control with the Stop & Go function. Parking Assistant Professional is also available for the new BMW 120 and the new BMW 120d, allowing parking and manoeuvring to be controlled by smartphone.

In addition to the assistance systems, the new BMW 1 Series’ expanded range of standard equipment includes automatic air conditioning, electrically folding exterior mirrors, and the BMW Live Cockpit Plus, which includes the BMW Maps cloud-based navigation system. New optional equipment packages allow targeted individualization.

The new BMW 1 Series features the latest version of BMW iDrive with QuickSelect “for intuitive and convenient operation of the vehicle’s functions”. The new BMW iDrive is consistently designed for touch operation and voice control. It is based on the BMW Operating System 9, which also provides the basis for an individual selection of additional digital services.

Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is available as standard in the new BMW 1 Series. BMW ID and My BMW App offer a way to personalize the user experience.