Here we are again, the new BMW 1 Series has received a design update. What can we say? Honestly, when a new BMW is released, there are two possible paths: either the design is magnificent and immediately loved by all, or it’s controversial and initially disliked, only for it to grow on us over time, becoming almost iconic like the BMW M4 with its now-famous grille.
The premiere of the new BMW 1 Series marks the start of a new chapter in the brand’s 20-year success story in the compact segment. The new model generation will also be produced at the BMW Group plant in Leipzig, with a market launch scheduled for October 2024. The most important sales region is the German domestic market, with Japan also ranking among the top five markets.
But… just hours after the news broke, car enthusiasts have already spoken: the new BMW 1 Series is not liked!
This may seem like a superficial and perhaps premature statement, but this new model seems to follow the path of its predecessor, which didn’t particularly shine among enthusiasts. It appears to have lost all the spirit of BMW we were accustomed to. The new model adopts the design cues of recent models but without the giant grille, and the interiors have transformed into an anonymous space filled with screens that replace almost all buttons, losing the tactile feeling of driving a BMW in everyday life.
It seems that one of the best-selling models in Europe is destined to become another sterile, almost synthetic car that could easily be mistaken for a Kia.
How did we end up in this position? Naturally, manufacturers need to address modern issues like pollution, recycling, and safety. It’s normal to see every model becoming taller, wider, longer, and heavier. The days of the Hot Hatch are over, and not all changes are for the worse, thanks to continuous improvements in safety standards that allow us to travel safely, making cars “teenager-proof.”
Another key player in this evolution is the European Union, which practically forces manufacturers to produce electric vehicles and mild hybrids, equipped with batteries that make the vehicle heavier and clumsier to handle. Just look at the new electric Porsche Macan and note the high and thick platform, which Porsche tried to downplay by painting it black during the presentation.
Despite the general pessimism we’re accustomed to, there might still be a glimmer of hope: the BMW M135i xDrive:
- 300 hp engine
- M Sport composite brakes
- XDrive all-wheel drive
- 0-100Km/h 4,9s
On paper, it seems promising. The interiors are much more interesting thanks to the higher-quality materials provided as standard, and the aesthetics are decidedly better. However, it doesn’t seem enough, as if BMW hasn’t tried hard enough because in Ingolstadt and Stuttgart, they produce the Audi S3 and Mercedes A35 AMG; both with more horsepower and a faster 0-100 km/h acceleration.
BMW’s press release states that the 1 Series say: “most important sales region is the German domestic market. In addition to other European countries, Japan is one of the top five markets for the new BMW 1 Series.” But honestly, it’s hard to believe that in Europe, those looking for a sporty hatchback will choose the new 1 Series. Likely, owners who change their vehicles through leasing and long-term rental plans will still be happy, and soon, the new BMW 1 Series will fill European cities, but it seems unlikely to fill our hearts.
Press Release Highlights:
The pioneer of driving pleasure in the premium compact segment is entering its fourth model generation. With a dynamic design presence, a completely revised drive portfolio, and extensively improved chassis technology, the new BMW 1 Series has sharpened its profile as the sportiest vehicle in the competitive environment. Highly efficient engines with 48-volt mild hybrid technology and a production process designed to conserve resources and recycle materials optimize sustainability throughout the entire product life cycle. Its progressive character is also reflected in the redesigned interior, an extended range of automated driving and parking systems, the new BMW iDrive with QuickSelect, and innovative digital services based on BMW Operating System 9.
The premiere of the new BMW 1 Series marks the start of a new chapter in the brand’s 20-year success story in the compact segment. The new model generation will also be produced at the BMW Group plant in Leipzig, with a market launch scheduled for October 2024. The most important sales region is the German domestic market, with Japan also ranking among the top five markets.
Exterior Design: Dynamic Front End and Hallmark BMW Proportions
The sporty aura of the BMW 1 Series is underlined by typical BMW proportions: a long bonnet, a passenger cell set well back, a dynamically flowing roofline, and a powerful rear end. The dimensions of the five-door model have changed only slightly compared to its predecessor. The exterior length has increased by 42 millimeters to 4,361 millimeters, while the wheelbase is 2,670 millimeters. The vehicle width is 1,800 millimeters, while the height has increased by 25 millimeters to 1,459 millimeters.
With a strikingly flat front end that sits significantly lower to the road than its predecessor, the new BMW 1 Series signals its sporty character more than ever. The wide, forward-leaning BMW radiator grille features an innovative structure of vertical and diagonal bars. The standard LED headlights feature striking vertical elements for the daytime running lights and turn indicators. Adaptive LED headlights with glare-free matrix high beam, cornering light function, and blue accents are optionally available.
Interior: Sporty Premium Ambience, Leather-Free Interior
The newly designed interior of the new BMW 1 Series, which is completely leather-free as standard, offers a modern premium ambience with sporty accents and generous space for up to five occupants. Newly designed seats offer a high level of comfort for long journeys. Sport seats in the Econeer version with covers and upholstery made from recycled polyester and M sport seats are optionally available. Perforated seat surfaces are also available in the Veganza version with leather-like properties.
Performance: New Generation of Engines, 7-Speed Steptronic Transmission
Like the BMW M135 xDrive engine, all of the other engines available for the new BMW 1 Series are part of the latest generation of modular engines from the BMW Group. The three-cylinder petrol engine of the new BMW 120 and the four-cylinder diesel engine of the new BMW 120d are combined with 48-volt mild hybrid technology, enhancing both efficiency and spontaneous power delivery. All of the drive units transmit their power to a 7-speed Steptronic transmission with dual clutch as standard.
Conclusion
Of course, only time will tell if the new BMW 1 Series can win the hearts of enthusiasts. We know that BMW has produced phenomenal cars, and their name is already etched in the annals of motorsport. They have created legendary cars that, even if we didn’t love them immediately, we grew to adore over time, like the M5 E60. Others, like the 7 Series E65, were less appreciated. It’s challenging to stand out in a saturated market driven by global changes and strict regulations. We hope that BMW can bounce back and continue to produce cars that make a lasting impression.