BMW 1 Series

After trying to insert itself into the compact sedan segment with the relatively successful 3 Series Compact (E36 and E46), BMW marketed the 1 Series in 2004. The third generation that appeared in 2019 is taking early retirement and making way for a new version in 2024, still embodying the brand's entry ticket in the face of increasingly fierce competitors.

The look and dimensions of the BMW 1 Series

This latest version takes the technical basis (UKL) of the previous one, but increases in length with 4.36 m (+43 mm) and in height with 1.46 m (+ 30 mm). On the other hand, the width remains unchanged at 1.80 m, as does the wheelbase, which still stretches to 2.67 m. Aesthetically, the silhouette of the German car is ever closer to that of a small MPV, whose roof line is less receding. The front features incisive and refined headlights higher than before, while the historic grille would almost disappear, the separation of the famous beans being made invisible. At the rear, the lights are reminiscent of those of the new X2.

The interior retains a slightly more classic dimension with a dashboard oriented towards the driver. A large curved panel at the top of the dashboard appears, just like its big sister, the 3 Series. It consists of a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch touchscreen. Finally, the centre console abandons its control wheel and accommodates a larger, easier-to-access induction charger. In terms of volume, the BMW 1 Series claims 300 dm3 of cargo in the micro-hybrid version and 380 dm3 in the M135 xDrive version. A configuration that aims to compete with the Audi A3 and the very trendy Mercedes A-Class.

The combustion engines of the BMW 1 Series

On the technical side, the 1 Series cleans up its range of engines. There are now only three engines available, all paired with the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The compact car is the first model from the manufacturer to abandon the famous letter "i" designating the petrol versions. A hard blow for purists. In petrol, the offer consists of a 170 hp (120) 1.5 turbocharged three-cylinder micro-hybrid engine and a 300 hp 2.0 four-cylinder engine, reserved for the sporty version called M135 xDrive. The diesel is resisting with its 163 hp (120d) four-cylinder engine, also micro-hybridized.