The premium compact BMW 1-Series is already synonymous with driving pleasure. Now, the second generation offers state-of-the-art engine and suspension technology, further improvements in fuel efficiency, significantly more space and an innovative range of features and equipment. Still the only rear-wheel-driven car in its class, it builds on the strengths of its predecessor, which has already sold more than one million units worldwide. With its outstanding handling and design, innovative technology and premium image, the new BMW 1-Series has consolidated its position as a pioneering individualist in the competitive five-door segment.
BMW's entry-level model has achieved maturity, offering an even better balance between sportiness and driving comfort, improved functionality, and numerous driver assistance systems previously available only in higher segments. This is also apparent in its size. The body of the new BMW 1-Series is 85 millimetres longer than its predecessor, at 4,324 millimetres, while the wheelbase has widened by 30 millimetres to 2,690 millimetres. The car also looks more powerful because its overall width has increased by 17 millimetres to 1,765 millimetres (due to an increase in track of 51 millimetres at the front and 72 millimetres at the rear), whereas its height remains unchanged at 1,421 millimetres. The rear seats have 21 millimetres more legroom, and the luggage compartment has expanded by 30 litres to 360 litres.
The design of the new generation is a powerful expression of the latest technological advances. The model's fresh, youthful image has been stylishly updated, with precision-moulded body surfaces and a modern, functional interior both underlining its premium status. Another innovation is the BMW Sport Line and BMW Urban Line, two ranges of interior and exterior design features and equipment that provide exclusive personalization opportunities.
All engines in the new BMW 1-Series are four-cylinder models using BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The petrol engines are part of a new generation, combining an impressively sporty feel with exceptionally low fuel consumption and emissions. The 1.6-litre engines have twin-scroll turbochargers, direct injection, VALVETRONIC and Double-VANOS. The new BMW 116i achieves 100 kW/136 hp, and the new BMW 118i 125 kW/170 hp. These represent increases of 10 kW and 20 kW on the previous versions, with fuel consumption reduced by up to 10 per cent. The 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel models have been radically redesigned, featuring variable turbine geometry and common-rail direct fuel injection. The new BMW 116d (85 kW/116 hp), the new BMW 118d (105 kW/143 hp) and the new BMW 120d (135 kW/184 hp) have further consolidated the BMW 1-Series' record of superior fuel efficiency in the compact segment.
Exciting, elegant, innovative design
The drive-train layout, with a longitudinally mounted in-line engine at the front and rear-wheel drive, is unique within the compact segment. This improves the new BMW 1-Series' handling, and is also reflected in its design, with BMW's typical proportions: long bonnet, wide wheelbase, swept-back passenger cell. The new BMW 1-Series is the embodiment of responsiveness and innovative elegance in a compact car, with a youthful, lively design and high-quality features adding to the excitement.
From the side, the proportions of the new BMW 1-Series are even more strikingly apparent. The slightly sloping roof line, sporty, angled rear windscreen and flat side windows give the car a coupé-like feel, while the Hofmeister kink - the low forward bend at the back end of the side windows - extends well into the C-pillar, making the door aperture wider and facilitating entry to and exit from the rear seats.
The design quality of the new BMW 1-Series, which is unique in the compact segment, is particularly evident in the distinctive BMW lines and dramatically curved surfaces. The characteristic BMW swage line starts at the front sidewall and rises continuously to the rear lights, its boldness giving powerful emphasis to the shoulder area, with the door openers neatly integrated into the swage line. An additional character line below the doors flows sharply upwards into the outline of the rear wheel arch. The sill line provides a similarly dynamic touch, running parallel to the road and then rising steeply at the rear wheel arch, which is nicely echoed by the outlines of the side windows. The size of the rear wheel arches draws attention to its rear-wheel-drive layout which is the reason for its excellent dynamic responses.
The interior: premium finish, dynamic lines, driver-friendly cockpit
Inside, a combination of typical BMW design features and innovative accents gives the new BMW 1-Series a fresh, youthful and modern feel, with a focus on spaciousness and driving pleasure. Lines and surfaces are dynamic and forward-leaning, with high-quality, precision-finished materials reflecting the model's premium specifications. BMW's characteristic driver-friendliness is apparent in the angled displays and controls in the middle of the instrument panel, and the ergonomic contours of the centre console, designed for maximum visibility. The interior surfaces are layered, another innovation which gives the new BMW 1-Series an organic look and feel.
The new BMW 1-Series also offers much more storage space, with large door pockets, two cupholders on the centre console, a roomy glove compartment, and a compartment under the armrest. Bottles of up to 1 litre can be fitted into the lower door panel sections.
The ultimate in personalization: BMW Sport Line and BMW Urban Line make their debut
The exclusive new BMW Sport Line and BMW Urban Line of interior and exterior equipment help to show off the high-tech, dynamic facets of the new BMW 1-Series to best advantage.
The BMW Sport Line includes sports seats with specific coverings, leather sports steering wheel with contrasting red stitching, a red keyclasp, adjustable armrests, high-gloss black interior trim and matt coral accent strips. The instruments have specific number and scaling designs. The ambient lighting can be switched between orange and white the inclusion of this feature in the centre console and footwell is exclusive to the BMW Sport Line.
The new generation of petrol engines: dynamic power delivery and outstanding fuel efficiency thanks to BMW TwinPower Turbo technology.
The new BMW 1-Series is currently available with a choice of two latest-generation four-cylinder petrol engines and three radically redesigned four-cylinder diesel units.
The 1.6-litre petrol engines making their debut in the BMW 116i and BMW 118i models use BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, consisting of a twin-scroll turbocharger, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve control and Double-VANOS variable camshaft control.
The four-cylinder engine of the new BMW 118i, which has an all-aluminium crankcase, has a maximum output of 125 kW/170 hp at 4,800 rpm, and a maximum torque of 250 Nm at between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm. It is exceptionally responsive, accelerating the car from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds and on to a maximum speed of 225 km/h. Improved efficiency is reflected in combined-cycle fuel consumption of 5.8 to 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres and CO2 emissions of 134 to 137 grams per kilometre (EU test figures, variations due to differences in the tyres fitted).
The new BMW 116i's four-cylinder engine provides significantly improved driving dynamics compared to the predecessor model. It has an output of 100 kW/136 hp at 4, 400 rpm and a maximum torque of 220 Nm between 1,350 and 4, 300 rpm. The car takes 8.5 seconds to reach 100 km/h from a standing start, and has a maximum speed of 210 km/h. The new BMW 116i's fuel consumption over the combined cycle is 5.5 to 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres, and its CO2 emissions are 129 to 132 grams per kilometre.
The new BMW 120d marks another major advance, with a 5 kW increase in maximum output to 135 kW/184 hp at 4,000 rpm, and maximum torque boosted by 30 Nm to 380 Nm between 1,750 and 2,750 rpm. It reaches 100 km/h from a standing start in 7.2 seconds, and has a maximum speed of 228 km/h. Combined-cycle fuel consumption has been reduced to 4.5 to 4.6 litres per 100 kilometres, with CO2 emissions of 119 to 122 grams per kilometre (EU test figures, variations due to differences in the tyres fitted).
The four-cylinder diesel engine of the new BMW 118d has a maximum output of 105 kW/143 hp at 4,000 rpm, and maximum torque of 320 Nm between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds, and has a maximum speed of 212 km/h. Its combined-cyle fuel consumption is 4.4 to 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres, with CO2 emissions of 115 to 118 grams per kilometre (EU test figures, variations due to differences in the tyres fitted).
The new entry-level BMW 116d has a maximum output of 85 kW/116 hp at 4,000 rpm, and maximum torque of 260 Nm between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.3 seconds, and has a maximum speed of 200 km/h. Its combined-cyle fuel consumption is an outstanding 4.3 to 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres, with CO2 emissions an equally impressive 114 to 117 grams per kilometre (EU test figures, variations due to differences in the tyres fitted).
Advanced BMW EfficientDynamics technology puts the new BMW 1-Series in a class of its own
Back in 2007, the BMW 1-Series set a new global benchmark, with a unique range of technologies to reduce fuel consumption and emissions being included as standard. Today, the new BMW 1-Series extends the scope of the BMW EfficientDynamics programme. The diesel versions have a centrifugal-force pendulum built into the dual-mass flywheel to compensate for rotational irregularities and ensure a smooth ride at low revs.
The car makes extensive use of intelligent energy management systems, including Brake Energy Regeneration and electromechanical power steering. Depending on the model, these may also include a gear shift indicator, automatic air valve control, a high-efficiency rear differential, a map-regulated oil pump, a pressure/rev-regulated electric fuel pump, a self-disconnecting air-conditioning compressor and tyres with reduced rolling resistance.
The Automatic Start/Stop function, which switches off the engine when it is stationary at traffic lights or in slow-moving traffic, is included as standard in the new BMW 1-Series, with both manual and automatic transmissions. ECO PRO mode, which is activated by the driving experience switch, adjusts the engine map, heating, air conditioning, and mirror/seat heating to minimize fuel consumption. The resulting increase in range is shown on a display.
As a result, the new BMW 1-Series will embody the concept of fuel-efficiency like no other premium car, building on the strengths of its predecessor in this area. At a later date, the range will be expanded with the BMW 116d EfficientDynamics Edition. This will be powered by a 1.6-litre diesel engine, and feature a number of fuel-saving and emission-reducing technologies, including solutions to further optimize drive-train efficiency, improve aerodynamic performance and reduce rolling resistance. The BMW 116d EfficientDynamics Edition will have an output of 85 kW/116 hp, with fuel consumption of 3.8 litres per 100 kilometres and CO2 emissions of 99 grams per kilometre over the EU combined cycle (provisional figures).
Eight-speed automatic transmission: sporty, fuel-efficient, and unique in a compact car
The standard six-speed manual petrol and diesel versions of the new BMW 1-Series offer efficient power transmission and precise gear changes.
The BMW 1-Series is also the only compact car also available with the option of an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering fast, smooth gear changes and excellent fuel efficiency. The innovative architecture of its wheel set allows more gears and a better spread of ratios, with barely any increase in weight over the existing six-speed automatic gearbox for the BMW 1-Series.
The unusually high efficiency of the eight-speed automatic transmission means that fitting it to the most powerful new BMW 1-Series models actually results in lower fuel consumption and CO2 figures than with a manual transmission.
The Steptronic function used in the automatic transmission allows gear changes to be initiated manually using the electronic selector lever. A further option is the eight-speed sports automatic transmission, which enables even more dynamic gear changes, and includes shift paddles on the steering wheel.
Perfect handling: high-quality suspension technology, even weight distribution and improved stability control
The new BMW 1-Series boasts best-in-class suspension technology, with a double-joint cross-strut front axle with McPherson struts and sway bars, and a five-link rear axle. The high aluminium content of the front axle structure effectively reduces the unsprung mass, while noise levels have also been reduced and crash performance improved.
The new BMW 1-Series has electromechanical power steering as standard, combining typical BMW precision with very low energy consumption. The optional Servotronic function provides speed-dependent power assist. Variable Sport Steering, also available as an option, reduces the number of steering wheel rotations required to make sharp turns. In this mechanical system, steering ratios are adjusted using a variable steering rack. Parking and turning are safer and easier, requiring minimal steering effort, but the typical BMW steering precision and directional stability at high speeds are maintained.
As an alternative to the standard 16-inch wheels, the new BMW 1-Series is also available with 16, 17 and 18-inch light-alloy wheels. Its responsiveness and powerful braking in emergency situations are partly due to DSC Dynamic Stability Control, and the car also has ABS anti-lock braking, DTC Dynamic Traction Control, CBC Cornering Brake Control and DBC Dynamic Braking Control. Other features now include braking assistance, fading compensation, brake drying and hill assist.
DTC mode increases the intervention thresholds of DSC, making it easier to drive on loose sand or deep snow. By allowing slight slippage of the drive wheels, it also facilitates controllable oversteer. DSC Off mode activates the electronic rear axle differential locking system. If either of the drive wheels suffers wheelspin while accelerating through tight bends, brake force is applied to this individually, so that the opposite wheel maintains traction.
Torsion-resistant body, optimal weight, wide range of safety features
The new BMW Series 1's lightweight body makes it more agile and improves passenger safety, with high-strength steel being used to increase torsion resistance and the strength of the passenger safety cell while minimising weight. Crumple zones and clearly defined load paths absorb the force of an impact and deflect it away from the passenger cell.
The standard safety package comprises front airbags, side airbags integrated into the seatbacks, front and rear head airbags, three-point automatic seatbelts in all seats, front seatbelt tension limiters and pre-tensioners, and an ISOFIX child seat mounting system in the rear.
The Adaptive Headlight function incorporated in the optional xenon headlights adjusts the illumination depending on the vehicle's speed, steering angle and yaw rate. At low speeds, the turning lights integrated into the foglamp illuminate the road in the direction of travel. Other features include rain sensor, automatic headlight control, high beam assistance, park distance control, which allows safe, precise parking, with the image from the reversing camera appearing on the iDrive control display. Park assist aids parallel parking by identifying suitable spaces and steering the car into place if required.
Cruise control with brake function controls the engine and brakes while setting the optimum automatic gear to maintain the speed selected by the driver. The Lane Departure Warning facility now incorporates Collision Warning, which uses a camera at the bottom of the rear-view mirror to monitor the road markings and prevent unintended changes of direction.
The camera also monitors other vehicles and, if required, sounds a two-stage alarm to prevent collisions. A visual warning appears on the instrument panel if a minimum distance set by the driver is not maintained, and a flashing symbol and acoustic signal are activated if avoiding action is required.
The Speed Limit Info system has been expanded, with symbols on the instrument panel showing known speed limits and no-passing signs above or beside the road as recorded by its camera.
Innovative technology has been used to facilitate the integration of Apple iPhones and other smartphones and music players, including online services. BMW Apps allow iPhone users to receive web radio stations and display Facebook and Twitter posts on the onboard monitor. Another new function, Real-Time Traffic Information, provides detailed congestion data and recommended diversions. The new BMW 1-Series also has unlimited Internet connectivity, another unique feature within the compact segment.
High-quality standard features include driving experience switch, air conditioning, and keyless ignition.
The new BMW 1-Series offers all the excitement of premium-quality, pioneering technology and exceptional driving pleasure within a compact car, with many superior features as standard and a wide range of attractive options. The driving experience switch, a standard feature located on the centralconsole, tailors the car's settings to the driver's personal tastes, including engine characteristics, DSC driving stability control, optional Servotronic settings and automatic gear change programme and dynamics.
COMFORT, SPORT and ECO PRO modes are included as standard. The eight-speed sports automatic, Variable Sport Steering and BMW Sport Line versions also have SPORT+ mode. Cars fitted with the Professional navigation system have a sport display on the control monitor showing real-time engine performance and torque.
