A More Practical Car with an Enlarged Body

The second generation of the BMW 1 Series, the brand's entry-level model that has sold over one million units worldwide, has now been revealed. The 1 Series is a car that harmonizes high fuel efficiency, driving performance, and comfort. The second generation features a newly designed, more fuel-efficient engine and a refreshed design. While the 1 Series has traditionally offered a variety of body styles including convertible, coupe, and three-door, this latest announcement is for the five-door hatchback model.

The body dimensions have been increased to 4,324mm (plus 85mm) in length, 1,765mm (plus 17mm) in width, and 1,421mm (plus 21mm) in height compared to the previous model. The wheelbase has also been extended by 30mm to 2,690mm, resulting in an additional 21mm of legroom for rear passengers. The luggage capacity can be expanded from the standard 360 liters to 1,200 liters by folding down the rear seats, suggesting promising practicality.

Regarding the exterior design, BMW states it is "stylish, targeting a younger customer base." While maintaining the basic direction, the car features smaller headlights than before and a slightly flatter front design, creating a sharp and refined appearance. The roofline is sleeker, while the traditional BMW Hofmeister kink is present on the C-pillar. Furthermore, thanks to the enlarged body design, the door openings are wider, making it easier for passengers to get in and out of the rear seats.

BMW 1 Series

The interior also features innovative accents throughout, centered around a traditional asymmetrical center console. The instrument panel is equipped with a 6.5 or 8.8-inch control display that can be used for the navigation system and other functions.

The new 1 Series is available in two distinct styles, Sport Line and Urban Line, differentiated by their interior and exterior accents. The Sport Line features a leather steering wheel with red stitching, interior trim finished in glossy black, and lightweight two-tone alloy wheels. The Urban Line includes a leather steering wheel and seats, an adjustable armrest, and 16-inch V-spoke alloy wheels (with an option for 17-inch white wheels).

Fuel Efficiency of 18.2 km/L Achieved!

The powertrain is exclusively equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. Both gasoline and diesel variants are available, but we will focus on the gasoline engine, which is highly likely to be introduced in Japan.

The new engine, developed from the 6-cylinder engine previously used in the BMW 135i, incorporates technologies such as Valvetronic variable valve lift and Double VANOS for enhanced efficiency. The lower-spec 116i model delivers a maximum output of 100kW (136hp) at 4,400rpm and a peak torque of 220Nm between 1,350-4,300rpm. The higher-spec 118i engine is boosted by a twin-scroll turbocharger, producing a maximum output of 125kW (170hp) at 4,800rpm and a peak torque of 250Nm between 1,500-4,500rpm. Both models boast excellent environmental performance, with the 116i achieving fuel economy of 17.5-18.2 km/L and CO2 emissions of 129-132g/km, while the 118i records fuel economy of 16.9-17.2 km/L and CO2 emissions of 134-137g/km. This represents a significant improvement from the previous 116i's fuel economy of 14.2 km/L. The transmission is a standard 6-speed manual, with an optional 8-speed automatic available.

The new 1 Series will go on sale starting September 17th in the UK, with prices announced from 19,375 Euros (approximately 2.3 million Yen).

BMW 116i
Body Size | Length 4,324 x Width 1,765 x Height 1,421mm
Wheelbase | 2,690mm
Engine | 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine
Maximum Output | 100kW (136hp) / 4,400rpm
Peak Torque | 220Nm / 1,350-4,300rpm
Vehicle Weight | 1,365kg
Fuel Economy | 17.5-18.2km/L
CO2 Emissions | 129-132g/km
Price | 19,375 Euros (approx. 2.3 million Yen)

BMW 118i
Engine | 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with twin-scroll turbo
Maximum Output | 125kW (170hp) / 4,800rpm
Peak Torque | 250Nm / 1,500-4,500rpm
Vehicle Weight | 1,370kg
Fuel Economy | 16.9-17.2km/L
CO2 Emissions | 134-137g/km
Price | 21,985 Euros (approx. 2.6 million Yen)