BMW 1 Series range gains updated engines and new features

BMW has refreshed the Australian-designed 1 Series with new equipment and updated engines across the model range.

Designed by Sydney-born Calvin Luk, the revised BMW 1 Series range arrives Q4 2016 and commences with the efficient 118i, priced from $36,900 plus ORC, and the turbocharged diesel-powered 118d, available from $40,300 plus ORC. Engines, pricing and specification for both remain unchanged.

They are joined by the 120i and 125i, both with refreshed engine specification, and the new M140i which is updated with the new turbocharged petrol straight-six engine.

BMW 120i – $41,900 plus ORC

The substantially revised 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine receives a new B48 designation. Power and torque increase to 135kW and 270Nm respectively (from 130kW and 250Nm), resulting in a 7.1 second sprint from standstill to 100km/h; a 0.1 second improvement.

Fuel consumption is set at 5.8L/100km, with CO2 emissions of 133g/km.

The BMW 120i’s standard specification highlights include the Sport line package, a rearview camera, two-zone automatic climate control, extended smartphone connectivity, ConnectedDrive Lifestyle with real-time traffic information, eight-speed automatic transmission (with six-speed manual a no-cost option) and 17-inch alloy wheels.

BMW 125i – $48,900 plus ORC

Building from the 120i, the 125i introduces further sportiness to the 1 Series range with standard M Sport Package and M Sport braking system.

Power from the revised 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine is increased 5kW, to 165kW, with a stout 310Nm peak torque figure. Zero to 100km/h is now achieved in 6.1 seconds, down from 6.2 seconds.

Even more impressively, fuel efficiency improves 0.6L/100km, to 5.9L/100km. CO2 emissions also improves to 134g/km, down from 151g/km.

LED fog lights are now a standard feature on the BMW 125i, building on a comprehensive standard specification that includes an eight-speed sports automatic transmission (with six speed manual available as a no-cost option), 18-inch M light alloy wheels, external mirrors with anti-dazzle function and fold, front and rear park distance control, variable sport steering and Alcantara/cloth upholstery.

BMW M140i – $64,900 plus ORC

The 1 Series range is topped by the new M140i, the latest flagship from the M Performance stable.

Replacing the M135i, the M140i introduces a redesigned 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol six-cylinder engine, known as the B58.

The new engine generates a substantial 250kW peak power output, up 10kW on the M135i power unit. Torque figure sees an uplift of 50Nm to an impressive 500Nm.

Zero to 100km/h is completed in 4.6 seconds (down from 4.9 seconds), while the latest efficiency technologies realise fuel consumption of 7.1L/100km; a reduction of 0.4L/100km. Emissions also fall significantly, from 175g/km to only 163g/km.

Standard equipment has also been lifted for the M140i over its predecessor. Comfort access, 12-speaker harman/kardon loudspeaker system and heated leather-trimmed front seats with electric seat adjustment are now standard.

These additions work in conjunction with standard Adaptive M Suspension, Adaptive LED Headlights, Professional Navigation and DAB+ Digital Radio.