BMW announced on August 29th the launch of the new 1 Series, a compact hatchback that has undergone a full model change for its third generation, and began sales on the same day.

The biggest change in the new 1 Series, now in its third generation, is the adoption of a front-wheel-drive system for the first time. This has successfully created a more spacious interior than previous models. It also features enhanced functionality, such as the introduction of the Tire Slip Control system (ARB), a first for BMW cars sold in Japan.

The body dimensions are 4,335mm in length, 1,800mm in width, and 1,465mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,670mm. The exterior features a larger kidney grille with a connected center. Other new features include sharply designed four-eyed hexagonal LED headlights, a body side with distinct character lines, and newly designed L-shaped taillights. The overall silhouette is refined and balanced.

As mentioned, the adoption of the front-wheel-drive system has increased rear legroom by approximately 40mm and improved ease of entry and exit. In terms of features, in addition to the 5.1-inch instrument cluster display and 8.8-inch control display, an optional BMW Live Cockpit with two 10.25-inch displays and a large head-up display are available. The luggage compartment has been expanded by 20 liters compared to the previous generation, offering 380 liters. With the rear seats folded down, it expands to 1,200 liters.

The engine for the "118i" is a 1.5-liter inline 3-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine, producing a maximum output of 140 PS (103 kW) at 4,200-6,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 220 Nm at 1,480-4,500 rpm. The "M135i xDrive" is equipped with a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine, delivering a maximum output of 306 PS (225 kW) at 4,500-6,240 rpm and a maximum torque of 450 Nm at 1,750-4,500 rpm.

The ARB, a new system for both BMW cars sold in Japan and the new 1 Series, directly detects slip conditions via the engine control unit and transmits signals directly to the engine at three times the previous speed, bypassing the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). This system is designed to suppress the understeer characteristic of front-wheel-drive vehicles (the tendency for the car to push wide in corners) and achieve agile driving.

Driving assistance features such as Lane Change Warning, Rear Collision Warning, Cross-Traffic Warning (Rear), and Speed Limit Info display are standard on all models except the entry-grade.

The "Reversing Assistant," which remembers the last 50 meters of forward travel and can reverse along the same path, is standard on all vehicles. The "BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant," which allows for vehicle operation and information access through voice commands, is available as an option on all 118i models and standard on the M135i.

Prices are 3.34 million yen for the 118i, 3.75 million yen for the 118i Play, 4.13 million yen for the 118i M Sport, and 6.30 million yen for the M135i xDrive. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in November.


Spec
BMW 118i
Body | Length 4,335 × Width 1,800 × Height 1,465 mm
Wheelbase | 2,670 mm
Engine | 1,499cc Inline 3-cylinder
Max Output | 103 kW (140 ps) / 4,600-6,500rpm
Max Torque | 220 Nm (22.4kgm) / 1,480-4,200 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed DCT
Drive System | FF
Suspension | Front Strut / Rear Multi-link
Tires | 205/55R16
Trunk Capacity | 380 liters (1,200 liters with rear seats folded)
Seating Capacity | 5 people
Price | 3.34 million yen

BMW M135i xDrive
Body | Length 4,335 × Width 1,800 × Height 1,465 mm
Wheelbase | 2,670 mm
Engine | 1,998cc Inline 4-cylinder
Max Output | 225 kW (306 ps) / 5,000-6,250rpm
Max Torque | 450 Nm (45.9kgm) / 1,750-4,500 rpm
Transmission | 8-speed AT
Drive System | 4WD
Suspension | Front Strut / Rear Multi-link
Tires | 225/40R18
Trunk Capacity | 380 liters (1,200 liters with rear seats folded)
Seating Capacity | 5 people
Price | 6.30 million yen