The all-new 2020 BMW 1 Series hatch will arrive in Australian showrooms later this year initially with a two-tier line-up, starting with the entry-level 1 Series 118i and capped off with the top-spec 1 Series M135i xDrive.
Looking like a low riding version of the larger BMW X2 SUV, the third-generation 1 Series is actually slightly shorter at 4,319mm (-5mm), while width has increased to 1,799mm (+34mm) and height has gone up to 1,434mm (+13mm). Its wheelbase is also shorter at 2,670mm (-20mm).
However, thanks to a switch to front-wheel drive, interior space has grown significantly. Rear seat passengers now enjoy an extra 19mm of headroom, 33mm of added legroom, and 13mm of elbowroom.
And thanks to the in layout, there is an additional 20 litres of rear cargo space at 380 litres compare to the outgoing model, which increases to 1,200 litres when the rear seats are flipped down.
On the styling front, the new 1 Series sports a more prominent kidney grille flanked by a pair of shard headlights placed diagonally on the front fascia. There are several front bumper designs depending on trim, with the sportiest reserved for the range-topping M135i xDrive.
Around the back, there’s a set of sleek LED taillights and as revealed previously in a spy shot, while the M135i (blue car) also features a subtle diffuser and twin tailpipes.
Wheel sizes measure 18-inch for the 118i and 19-inch for the M135i xDrive – the latter a first for the nameplate. Also making its debut on the 1 Series is an optional panoramic glass sunroof.
Insides, Australian-delivered 1 Series models will incorporate an 10.25-inches infotainment touchscreen running the latest BMW Operating System 7.0, along with a similarly sized fully digital instruments cluster. A 9.2-inch BMW Head-Up Display is also fitted as standard across the range.
While a slew of diesel-powered 1 Series is available in Europe, Australia will be limited to just two petrol variants, for now. The 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine in the 118i produces 103kW and 220Nm, and helps deliver the standard 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The M135i xDrive is powered by BMW’s most potent 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine ever. It develops 225kW (302hp) and 450Nm of torque sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, enough to rocket the hot hatch to 100km/h from a standstill in 4.8 seconds. An optional M Performance package (slated to be available in 2020) will shave an extra tenth of the sprint time. Top speed is electronically governed at 250km/h.
2020 BMW 1 Series range, pricing (excl. on-roads) and specification
The BMW 1 Series 118i is priced at $42,990 and includes the following standard specification highlights:
- M Sport Package including: M Sport multifunction leather steering wheel, Sport Seats, Cloth/Sensatec upholstery, BMW Individual headliner in Anthracite
- 18” M Light Alloy double spoke alloy wheels (M Bicolour)
- BMW Driving Assistant, incl. Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, Approach Control Warning with city-braking intervention, Rear Cross Traffic Warning, Rear Collision Prevention and Speed Limit Information
- BMW Head-Up Display
- Parking Assistant, incl. PDC (front and rear), Rear View Camera, Automatic Parking Assistant and Reversing Assistant
- Live Cockpit Professional including 10.25” instrument cluster, 10.25” BMW operating system 7.0 display and Intelligent Personal Assistant
- Connected Package Professional including Apple CarPlay (1 year) plus Wireless Charging for smartphone
- Storage Compartment Package
- Lights Package incl. Ambient interior lighting and exterior BMW Logo projection on driver’s side
- ‘Illuminated Boston’ interior trim finish
- LED headlights and tail lights, LED fog lights, front
- Stereo speaker system, 6 loudspeakers (100W)
The BMW M135i xDrive is priced at $63,990 and adds the following specification items in addition to those listed above from the 118i:
- M Sport Brakes
- M Sport Steering
- M Rear Spoiler
- 19” M Light alloy wheels (M Bicolour Cerium Grey matte finish)
- Comfort Access incl. BMW Digital Key
- M Sport Seats for driver and front passenger with integrated headrests and improved lateral support
- Leather ‘Dakota’ Upholstery
- Electric Seat Adjustment incl. driver’s side seat memory function
- Adaptive LED headlights incl. High Beam Assistant
- harman/kardon surround sound system, 16 speakers (464W)
Options packages:
Enhancement Package ($2,900)
Package features:
- Metallic paint
- Panoramic Glass Roof
Additional features:
118i only:
- 19” M Light alloy wheels (M Bicolour Jet Black)
M135i xDrive only:
- Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function
Note: the package is $3,400 if selected in combination with BMW Individual Storm Bay metallic paintwork.
Comfort Package (118i: $2,300; M135i xDrive: $923)
Package features:
- Seat heating for driver and front passenger
- Lumbar support for driver and front passenger
Additional features:
118i only:
- Comfort Access incl. Digital Key
- Electric seat adjustment for driver and front passenger
M135i xDrive only:
- Steering wheel heating
Convenience Package ($1,200)
Package features:
- Automatic operation of tailgate
- Luggage Compartment Package
- Luggage Compartment Storage Net
- Through-loading system
Driver Assistance Package ($1,000; not available on M135i xDrive)
Package features:
- Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function
- Adaptive LED headlights incl. High Beam Assistant
- Tyre pressure monitor
M Sport Plus Package ($2,100; not applicable for M135i xDrive)
Package features:
- M Sport seats for driver and front passenger
- M Rear Spoiler
- M Seat Belts
- M Sports Steering
- M Sport Brakes
By variant: BMW 1 Series hatch performance and efficiency
Model | Engine | Power/Torque | 0-100km/h | Fuel Use | CO2 | MRLP |
118i | 1.5L TwinPower 3-cylinder petrol | 103kW/220Nm | 8.5 seconds | TBC | TBC | $42,990 |
M135i xDrive | 2.0L TwinPower 4-cylinder petrol | 225kW/450Nm | 4.8 seconds | TBC | TBC | $63,990 |