Review
BMW 1 Series
It has been ten years since we were first introduced to the BMW 1 Series. This was a true revolution for many enthusiasts of the German car manufacturer. With the arrival of the 1 Series, a BMW immediately became accessible to a larger and perhaps also younger audience. We went out with the most recent generation of the 1 Series.
Standard iDrive
The most striking external difference from the previous generation are the redesigned rear lights. These have been given the typical “L” shape and use LED technology. It looks quite a nice car. At the front we find, among other things, a new design of the radiator grille with the BMW kidney grille.
What we also think is a big improvement compared to the previous generation is that from now on you get the iDrive operating system as standard on the 1 Series. Complete with a free-standing 6.5” high-resolution screen. You also get automatic air conditioning, a rain sensor and Professional radio as standard. The 1 Series is also equipped with an integrated SIM card that, among other things, enables the use of the intelligent emergency call.
New engine generation
You can choose the 1 Series as a 3-door “Sportshatch” from 22,450 euros or as a 5-door “Hatch” from 23,250 euros. For both body variants you can choose from a total of 14 engine types from BMW’s new engine family.
The champion of economy is the 116d EfficientDynamics Edition. This 1 Series with a power of 116 hp, has an average consumption of 3.4 l per 100 km and CO² emissions of only 89 g/km. This is available from 24,950 euros if you opt for the 5-door.
If you want performance, go for the M135i. This top version of the 1 Series has a power of 326 hp and a torque of 450 Nm and is available with rear-wheel drive or intelligent all-wheel drive (xDrive) and this as a 3- or 5-door version. The basic prices are between 41,555 euros and 45,350 euros depending on what exactly you are looking for. Under the hood we find a six-cylinder in-line M Performance TwinPower turbo engine with a capacity of 2979 cc. The top speed is 250 km/h and you can go from 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds in the case of the xDrive version, which is equipped with the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.
BMW 1 Series 118d xDrive Hatch
We were introduced to the new 1 Series using the 118d xDrive Hatch, which was also richly equipped with numerous packs and options. The list price of the car as tested rose to a whopping 41,685 euros, while the base price of the 118d xDrive Hatch is 28,800 euros. What was there to do then, I hear you thinking. First of all, you can optionally choose from 4 models. In our case it was the Model Sport (+2,940 euros). For this you get, among other things, a multifunctional sports steering wheel, front fog lights, Park Distance Control at the rear and sports seats at the front. You can optionally add leather to this for 1,620 euros. Personally, we would certainly opt for the optional M sports steering wheel (+105 euros).
You can then optionally choose from one or more of the six packs. Our test car was equipped with Comfort Pack Plus (+2,025 euros) and Business Pack Plus (2,830 euros).
The 118d xDrive Hatch is equipped with intelligent all-wheel drive (xDrive). Under the hood we find a 2 liter diesel engine with BMW TwinPower turbo technology and 4 cylinders in-line. This gives you a smooth and quick car that has a power of 150 hp and a torque of 320 Nm. You can go from 0-100 km/h in 8.4 seconds and the top speed is about 210 km/h. In terms of driving pleasure, this xDrive also scores well, but personally we still enjoy ourselves best in a 1 Series with rear-wheel drive. Or at least in the case of a 1 Series with 150 hp. We think the M135i is at least as fun with xDrive as without xDrive.
Conclusion
The new BMW 1 Series captivated us with its handsome rear end and striking new rear lights. You can choose from a huge range of 14 motorisations, which offer something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a tax-friendly company car or a sporty beast, this is all available within the 1 Series range.
Johan De Haes
Test driver
