Last July, BMW teased the world with photos of the upcoming 1-Series sedan. The model wasn’t just a new variant in the compact 1-Series range. It was likewise touted as a new direction for the German carmaker, as it offered quite a few bits that were un-BMW. After around 8 months, BMW finally unveils the 1-Series sedan in all its metal glory.
Tailor-made specifically for the ever-growing Chinese market, the premium compact sedan offers the same BMW hallmarks, along with a few new bits. The design, though compact, remains truly BMW. The trademark wide kidney grille up front, flanked by circular LED headlights, and L-shaped rear lamps all hint at this. And yes, the profile is unmistakably from the German carmaker.
Once inside, the cabin is a familiar place for anyone who’s ever driven a BMW. The driver-centric cockpit, first-rate materials, and the centrally-mounted controller for the large flatscreen interface are all standard fare. BMW Connected allows drivers to seamlessly integrate their mobile devices with the car. A range of driver assistance systems, on the other hand, keeps occupants and other road users safe. These standard or optional extras include City Brake, collision warning, and the like.
At launch the BMW 1-Series sedan can be had with a choice of three TwinPower-equipped engines. There is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 231hp and 350Nm for the 125i. This one is paired with an 8-speed Steptronic, hauling the car from rest to 100kph in 6.8 seconds. Then there is the 120i, with a detuned version of the 2.0-liter mill, putting out 192hp and 280Nm. Though it loses some steam, it still sprints from 0-100kph in a claimed 7.5 seconds. Folks that prefer economy may want to check out the 118i, with its 1.5-liter three-cylinder lump. This one, paired with a 6-speed Steptronic gearbox, produces 136hp and 220Nm. It goes from 0-100kph in a relatively quick (for a compact) 9.4 ticks.
Apart from the new engines, the 1-Series sedan is among the next-gen BMWs to be driven by the front wheels. While this may sound sacrilegious for the BMW faithful, the German automaker promises that thanks to a rigid body, excellent weight distribution, and a model-specific suspension setup, the car will still exhibit BMW-like handling with the right balance of comfort thrown in.
The new BMW 1-Series sedan was launched in Shanghai, China. A joint venture between the BMW Group and BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd, it is built in the country, specifically for the Chinese market.
