The popular BMW 1 Series has undergone a significant mid-life update, boasting a fresh look, advanced technology, and upgraded engines. This extensive facelift aims to keep the 1 Series competitive against rivals like the Audi A3 and Mercedes A-Class.
The refreshed 2024 BMW 1 Series showcases a dramatic transformation in its exterior design, aimed at keeping it competitive and appealing in the compact luxury segment. At the forefront of these changes is a much sleeker and more aggressive front end. The nose of the car now features swept-back headlights that lend a sharper and more dynamic appearance. These headlights are complemented by more angular surfacing around the front fascia, giving the 1 Series a more modern and assertive look.
A significant update is seen in the reimagined kidney grilles. Gone are the color-coded central strakes; instead, the grilles merge into a single, large vented panel. This new grille design is not only visually striking but also functional, housing the sensors and radars for the vehicle’s advanced driver assistance systems. The integration of these elements ensures a cleaner look while maintaining the high-tech functionality BMW is known for.
Moving to the sides, the most notable change is the embossed number ‘1’ on the car’s C-pillar. This distinctive feature is incorporated within the iconic Hoffmeister kink, directly above the rear wheel, adding a unique and identifiable touch to the vehicle’s profile. This detail is subtle yet adds a layer of sophistication and brand identity to the car.
At the rear, the changes are more restrained but equally impactful. The revised LED light clusters offer a fresher look, while the new bumper design enhances the overall aesthetic without deviating too much from the familiar 1 Series silhouette. The car’s overall dimensions have slightly increased, with an additional 42mm in length (now totaling 4,361mm) and 25mm in height (now 1,459mm), which contribute to a more substantial presence on the road. The width remains virtually unchanged at 1,800mm, ensuring the car retains its compact agility.
These exterior updates are not just about aesthetics; they reflect BMW’s ongoing commitment to blending form with function. The new design elements not only modernise the 1 Series but also improve its aerodynamic efficiency and visual appeal, ensuring that the 1 Series continues to stand out in the crowded compact luxury market.
Inside, the 2024 BMW 1 Series showcases a single-piece curved infotainment display, combining a 10.7-inch main screen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Running BMW’s latest OS 9 software, the system includes Quickselect on-screen shortcut functions, significantly reducing the number of physical buttons. Other interior enhancements include a new sport steering wheel, optional heated M Sport wheel with shift paddles, and new seats upholstered in eco-friendly ‘Econeer’ material made from recycled PET. The boot space remains unchanged, but a 40:20:40 split-fold rear seat is now available.
The new BMW 1 Series introduces updated model names, with the ‘i’ designation reserved for BMW’s electric vehicles. The entry-level 120 is powered by a mild-hybrid 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine, producing 168bhp and 280Nm of torque, and achieving 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds. The 1 Series now comes standard with a seven-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.
The M135, positioned as the flagship model, boasts “significantly enhanced performance characteristics” despite a slight decrease in power to 296bhp. It reaches 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds and has a top speed of 155mph. The M135 features a quad-exit exhaust layout, Adaptive M Chassis tech, and a sports steering setup. BMW has also improved the car’s agility, steering precision, and cornering dynamics through increased body structure rigidity and optimised kinematics.
UK specifications for the new BMW 1 Series will mirror those in Europe. Standard features include 17-inch wheels, electrically-folding door mirrors, automatic air conditioning, and BMW’s Live Cockpit Plus with cloud-based navigation. The infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional features include two-zone climate control, a panoramic glass roof, and a Harman Kardon stereo. The Innovation Package offers Live Cockpit Professional with head-up display and Parking Assistant Plus, while the Premium Package includes wireless phone charging, keyless entry, and adaptive LED headlights.
Pricing for the base 120 model starts at £29,950 for the Sport variant and £31,950 for the M Sport variant. The M135 hot hatchback is priced at £41,000. The new BMW 1 Series is set to launch in the UK market in October.
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