It's been five years since the front-wheel-drive BMW 1 Series was revealed, and now the German firm is updating its smallest model. However, the update is significant enough that rather than branding it a facelift, it's calling it the 'fourth-generation' 1 Series.
Sharper looks
Chief among the exterior updates is a new nose that features a grille that's smaller than the original car's and is more in line with the front end of the BMW 2 Series. Another departure is that chrome has been completely removed from the car. The new grille is flanked by vertical air intakes on either side, with another large opening in the lower bumper.
There are new LED headlights with subtle, arrow-shaped daytime running lights and indicators, while adaptive beam lights with blue accents are available as an option. Moving to the sides, and everything is largely the same as before, although the new nose adds 42mm to the car's length, bringing it up to 4,361mm in total.
At the back, the lights blend into the tailgate as before, but there's a distinct step between them, while all models bar the top-spec M135 feature hidden exhaust tips within a large gloss black diffuser. Another new addition is the option of a contrast black roof finish, which is a first for any BMW model.
Interior upgrades
As well as having a fresher looking exterior, the interior of the 1 Series has also been given a comprehensive overhaul, further justifying BMW calling it the fourth-generation model. The 1 Series introduces the latest Operating System 9 iDrive software, along with twin screens measuring 10.25 inches across the diagonal for the driver and 10.7 inches for the central touchscreen, both within a single curved display.
An increased number of touchscreen functions means there are fewer buttons on the dashboard, while the layout has been given an overhaul, with new finishes and trim. The seats are redesigned, and the cabin is completely leather-free, with synthetic Econeer fabric and Veganza artificial leather, while Alcantara features on M Sport models.
Under the skin, the new 1 Series has increased body rigidity, while revised anti-roll bars and new damper technology are designed to deliver improved steering and an improved balance between ride comfort and cornering prowess.
While Irish specifications have yet to be confirmed, it’s expected that standard equipment will include automatic air conditioning, folding door mirrors and LED interior lighting, while BMW's Live Cockpit Plus introduces cloud-based mapping for the navigation.
Power options - not a diesel in sight
As seen on the current 5 Series and forthcoming updated 3 Series, diesel engines will not form part of the 1 Series range in Ireland. And BMW is dropping the 'i' suffix from its petrol models, too. The BMW 120 features a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine tuned to make 170hp (when assisted by its mild-hybrid technology) and can sprint from 0-100km/h in 7.8 seconds. Fuel consumption is quoted as 5.3 litres/100km. The only gearbox available in the BMW 120 is a seven-speed automatic, and drive goes to the front wheels.
Enhanced flagship
While the standard 1 Series is front-wheel drive, the high-performance M135 hot hatchback continues with xDrive four-wheel drive as standard, though with the same automatic transmission. Under the bonnet is a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine, making up to 300hp and delivering a 0-100km/h time of 4.9 seconds. The M135 features a different look to the standard car, with a unique grille and mirror caps, while four exhaust outlets appear at the rear. There are 18-inch alloy wheels as standard on this model, plus adaptive dampers, sport steering and a lowered ride height.
An M Technology package is available for the M135, for those that want something sportier; it adds track-biased dampers and anti-roll bars, M Compound brakes and 19-inch forged alloy wheels.
Irish retail pricing for the BMW 120 starts at €40,330, while the M135 is priced from €64,740. The new 1 Series arrives in Ireland at the end of the year, ahead of the “251” registration period in January 2025.