The all-new BMW 1 Series debuts

BMW Asia last week announced the official launch of the new BMW 1 Series which will be available in two variants; BMW 116i and BMW 118i.

This second generation entry-level BMW 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.

 “The premium compact BMW 1 Series is already synonymous with driving pleasure. Now, the all-new BMW 1 Series 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. By building on the strengths of its predecessor which has already sold more than one million units worldwide, we are confident that the new BMW 1 Series will be just as well received,” said Managing Director of BMW Group Asia Neil Fiorentinos.

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, while 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, using the latest BMW design language.

 It is also the first model to be offered with the BMW Sport Line and BMW Urban Line, providing exclusive opportunities for personalisation.

The new BMW 1 Series features the new generation 4-cylinder petrol engine with the BMW TwinPower Turbo technology.

Not only does this new generation petrol engine offer a sporty feel, it also has exceptionally low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.  The new BMW 1 Series comes with the wide range of BMW Efficient Dynamics technology such as Brake Energy Re-generation, electromechanical servo-assisted steering, as well as the unique-in-its-class features including the Eight-speed automatic transmission with the Automatic Start/Stop function and ECO PRO mode.

 “Apart from its sporty new look, the new BMW 1 Series remains a leader in fuel economy thanks to BMW Efficient Dynamics technology. It is also the first time that a BMW car is available with a 1.6-litre engine capacity, which effectively qualifies us for the small-car COE category (Category A). This enables us to extend our existing outreach to an even greater target audience, specifically those in search of a small premium car capable of the sheer driving pleasure that BMW is so famous for,” added Fiorentinos.

The new generation of petrol engines: dynamic power delivery and outstanding fuel efficiency thanks to BMW Twin Power Turbo technology.

The 1.6-litre petrol engines making their debut in the BMW 116i and BMW 118i models use BMW Twin Power Turbo technology, consisting of a twin-scroll turbocharger, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC and Double-VANOS. The forced-induction system uses the twin-scroll principle, with separate ducts both in the exhaust manifold and the turbocharger itself, each serving one pair of two cylinders.

Output is also boosted by VALVETRONIC variable valve control, which is fully integrated into the cylinder head, and Double-VANOS variable camshaft control on the intake and exhaust sides. The new petrol engines are also unusually fuel-efficient, thanks mainly to High Precision Injection.

The four-cylinder engine of the new BMW 118i, which has an all-aluminium crankcase, has a maximum output of 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 7.5 seconds and on to a maximum speed of 222 km/h. Improved efficiency is reflected in combined-cycle fuel consumption of 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres and CO2 emissions of 134 grams per kilometre (EU combined test cycle).

The new BMW 116i’s four-cylinder engine provides significantly improved driving dynamics compared to the predecessor model. It has an output of 136 hp at 4,400 rpm and a maximum torque of 220 Nm between 1,350 and 4,300 rpm. The car takes 9.1 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 5.6 per 100 kilometres, and its CO2 emissions are 131 grams per kilometre (EU combined test cycle).

Efficient Dynamics technology Class leading in fuel-efficiency

The BMW 1 Series continues to embody the concept of fuel-efficiency like no other premium car via a comprehensive array of consumption and emission-reducing technologies.

BMW Efficient Dynamics technologies fitted as standard include Brake Energy Regeneration and electromechanical servo-assisted steering, and tyres with reduced rolling resistance. The Automatic Start/Stop function comes as standard also with the automatic transmissions.

Using the driving experience switch, drivers can activate ECO PRO mode, which is designed to facilitate a particularly economical driving style.

The BMW 1 Series is also standard with eight-speed automatic transmission – the only car in the compact segment to offer this. Its principle benefits are faster, smother gear changes, and superior fuel-efficiency.

Perfect handling and increased comfort: 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 MacPherson struts and sway bars, and a five-link rear axle. It has a wider track than its predecessor at both front and rear, and the almost perfect 50:50 weight distribution helps to translate the dynamic advantages of the rear-wheel drive layout into an exciting responses and a more comfortable ride compared with the predecessor model.

The electromechanical power steering of the new BMW 1 Series combines typical BMW precision with very low energy consumption.

The standard Servotronic function provides speed-dependent power assist. The instant responses of the new BMW 1 Series are due to the combination of a powerful, reliable braking system and DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), which is fitted as standard.

Proven features such as ABS (anti-lock braking system), DTC (Dynamic Traction Control), CBC (Cornering Brake Control) and DBC (Dynamic Braking Control) are now augmented with braking assistance, fading compensation, brake drying, hill assist, and, in DSC Off mode, an electronic rear axle differential locking system.

Meanwhile, the driving experience switch, fitted as standard on the centre console, adjusts the car’s set-up to suit the driver’s personal preferences. All models offer a choice of three modes, COMFORT, SPORT and ECO PRO. On the BMW Sport Line models, when fitted with the optional Variable Sports Steering, there is furthermore a fourth mode, SPORT+.

Intelligent Lightweight Construction: More agility, more safety

The lightweight body of the new BMW 1 Series makes it more agile and improves passenger safety, with high-strength steel being used to increase the torsional resistance and strength of the passenger safety cell while minimising weight. The advances made in this area are reflected in the car’s dynamic responses and its improved power-to-weight ratio compared with its predecessor.

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 built into the seatbacks, front and rear head airbags, three-point automatic belts in all seats, front seatbelt tension limiters and pre-tensioners, and ISOFIX child seat mountings in the rear.

Exciting, elegant, innovative design

This innovativeness, elegance and responsiveness of the new BMW 1 Series are all reflected in its compact bodywork. Its overall proportions follow an instantly recognisable BMW template, with an elongated bonnet, long wheelbase and set-back passenger cell.

The front of the car is dominated by the large BMW kidney-shaped radiator grille, boldly shaped headlight units and three-section air intake.

The double-round headlights have an accent trim across their tops, while for the first time on a BMW model, the side indicator lights are built onto the exterior mirrors.

The slightly sloping roof line, sporty, angled rear windscreen and flat side windows give the car a coupe-like feel when seen from the side, 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 an exit from the rear seats.

The bold, characteristic BMW swage line gives powerful emphasis to the shoulder area. It starts at the front wing and rises continuously to the rear lights, with the door handle integrated neatly into it.

The wide-set wheel arches reinforce the broad, powerful impression created by the rear of the new BMW 1 Series, and the rear light units too are set well apart. Each unit has a raised surround, and the different lights within it are structure horizontally.

Premium ambience and excellent use of interior space

Inside, a combination of typical BMW design features and innovative details creates a fresh, youthful and contemporary ambience, with a focus on spaciousness and driving pleasure. High-quality materials further enhance the premium feel. Where an optional navigation system and the BMW Professional radio are fitted, the new BMW 1 Series also comes equipped with the BMW iDrive system.

This comprises a controller on the centre console, favourites buttons and a freestanding flatscreen monitor.

The all- new BMW 1 Series also offers much more storage space, with large door pockets, two cupholders in the centre console, a roomy glove compartment, and a compartment under the armrest. The 360-litre luggage compartment expands to a maximum of 1,200 litres by lowering the 60/40 split-folding rear seats, giving a flat surface extending all the way to the front seats.

BMW Sport Line and BMW Urban Line make their debut

The new BMW 1 Series is the first car to feature the new BMW Lines, opening up a whole new world of possibilities for personalisation.

An exclusive range of equipment options, colour schemes and materials for the interior and exterior equipment help to show off the dynamic design and technological sophistication of the new BMW 1 Series to best advantage.

All the components of the BMW Lines are matched down to the last detail, and create a striking visual impact.

Other individually customisable features include a choice of seat coverings, interior trims and accent strips and light-alloy wheels.

The new BMW 1 Series is also offered with numerous design and material options apart from those included in the new BMW Lines. There are currently three non-metallic and nine metallic exterior paint colours.