BMW is currently holding the press launch event of
the new 1-Series and it dropped a massive image gallery, detailing not only the
range-topping M135 but the more accessible 118d as well.
The main thing of the all-new 1-Series is, of
course, the switch from rear- to front-wheel drive. While not a few BMW fans
were dismayed by this, the truth remains that the vast majority of the
1-Series’ target audience will never even notice it.
What they will notice is the much improved space in
the cabin, an area where the previous generation was
lacking badly. The new 1-Series now offers an extra 19 mm of head room, 33 mm
of legroom and 13 mm of elbow room for the rear passengers, bringing it closer
to the competition.
The dash is hosting the latest tech BMW has to
offer, including the Operating System 7.0 complete with a 10.25-inch
touchscreen display for the infotainment and a 10.25-inch digital instrument
cluster. There’s also the option of a massive 9.2-inch head-up display too.
European customers will be offered a choice between
two petrol and three diesel engines at the initial launch phase. The base
petrol 118i is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder with 138 hp and 240 Nm of torque, paired to a six-speed manual
transmission as standard or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic as an option.
The range-topping M135i xDrive utilizes a
turbocharged 2.0-liter four with 302 hp and 450 Nm of torque,
paired to an eight-speed automatic. BMW claims 4.8 seconds for the 0-100 km/h run and a 250 km/h top speed.
The diesel range kicks off with the 116d, which uses
a three-cylinder 1.5-liter with 114 hp and 270 Nm. Next up is the
118d, which gets a 2.0-liter four with 147 hp and 350 Nm,
while the 120d xDrive gets the same engine, only with 187 hp and 400 Nm of torque and an eight-speed auto as standard, whereas the
116d and 118d come with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch.
