BMW is putting the finishing touches on the 2020
1-Series. Shown undergoing testing at the
Miramas proving ground in France, the 2020 1-Series has an evolutionary design
which is hidden underneath heavy camouflage. The car will have a more prominent grille that is flanked by
angular headlights.
Moving back, we can see pronounced character
lines and a curvier beltline. Other notable changes include a ventilated rear
bumper, larger exhaust tips and slimmer taillights. BMW is keeping full details under
wraps, but the company said the 1-Series will set “new standards in the premium
compact class in terms of driving dynamics, whilst also offering significantly
more space inside.”
Part of the 1-Series’ newfound agility will come
from a surprising source – the i3s. While the eco-friendly hatchback isn’t a
sports car, BMW confirmed the 1-Series will become the first internal
combustion model to benefit from the EV’s ARB (actuator contiguous wheel slip
limitation) technology. The technology will come standard on the 1-Series and
company says it will reduce the understeer that is typically associated with
front-wheel drive vehicles while also improving traction. The 1-Series will have
dynamic brake intervention and improved torsional stiffness. The latter has
been achieved by the “targeted use of additional struts such as a standard
rear-end boomerang strut.”
Under the hood, we can expect an assortment of
petrol and diesel engines. BMW didn’t go into too many specifics, but confirmed
the M135i xDrive will have the company’s most powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
with TwinPower Turbo technology. It produces 301 hp and
that’s identical to the output of the Mercedes-AMG A35 Hatchback. Besides talking about performance
specifications, BMW confirmed rear seat head- and legroom have increased by 19
mm and 33 mm. Cargo capacity will also climb by 20 liters to a total of 380 liters.
