BMW 1 Series News

BMW is allegedly preparing a trio of small high-performance cars, headlined by a second-generation M2 coupe with “at least” 313kW of power

BMW Australia's two-variant new-generation 1 Series range will launch before year's end priced at $42,990 before on-road costs for the base 118i and $63,990 for the performance-honed M135i xDrive.Compared to its predecessor, the new 118i is $4000 more exp

BMW is marching ahead with plug-in hybrid and full-electric vehicles with no less than 25 electrified models planned to launch over the next five years to capitalise an expected increase in alternative powertrain sales.

BMW’s new-generation 1 Series will land in Australian showrooms in the fourth quarter this year in two flavours, 118i and M135i xDrive guise, with pricing expected to come in at around $45,000 before on-road costs for the former and $60,000 for the latter.Though an official confirmation is still forthcoming, CarsGuide has seen documentation confirming specification for both the entry-level, front-wheel drive 118i and flagship all-paw M135i hot hatch.While the 118i is expected to step up significantly from the outgoing version’s $38,990 pricetag, the changeover to new-generation form will come with a substantial lift in equipment and technology.Standard equipment in the 118i will include 18-inch M alloy wheels, an M Sport exterior styling package and LED headlights, while inside, two 10.25-inch screens – one for instrumentation and the other for multimedia – are fitted, along with a head-up display and illuminated trim finishers.Powering the 118i is a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine (shared the entry-level X1 and X2 SUVs, as well as the Mini Cooper) producing 103kW of power from 4200-6500rpm and 220Nm of torque from 1480-4600rpm, which is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.With drive sent to the front wheels, the 0-100km/h acceleration takes 8.5 seconds.For comparison, the outgoing 118i produces 100kW/220Nm from the same engine configuration, which is sent to the rear wheels.Meanwhile, the top-spec M135i’s expected $60,000 price will place it lineball with its $59,990 M40i predecessor, as well as competitive against the $65,800 Audi S3 and incoming Mercedes-AMG A35.Though engine outputs are down from 250kW/500Nm to 225kW/450Nm – due to a switch from a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six to a 2.0-litre force-fed four powerplant – the new-generation M135i will sport all-wheel-drive traction instead of being rear driven.Drive will be channelled through an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, enabling a 0-100km/h sprint in 4.8sec.The top-spec M135i will add 19-inch Cerium Grey-coloured wheels, keyless entry, automatic climate control, adaptive LED headlights with high-beam assist, leather upholstery and an uprated harman/kardon sound system.A smattering of M Sport goodies are also fitted, such as brakes, steering wheel, seats and rear spoiler.Although the 1 Series is available with a choice of five engines overseas, BMW Australia has opted for petrol-only power for its new small hatchback.CarsGuide understands more variants will launch next year to bolster the 1 Series range, but the bulk of sales are expected from the 118i and M135i xDrive versions.

BMW is planning a massive shake-up of its M Division lineup, including plans for an A45-rivalling 1 Series that produces 300kW.International reports today suggest plans have been approved for a new go-fast 1 Series, with an M-stamped model with AWD and 30

Following the unveiling of the all-new third-generation BMW 1 Series, which is set to arrive Down Under in the fourth quarter of 2019, the Bavarian brand has revealed a list of M Performance upgrade options.

After a long teaser program, BMW has finally revealed the third-generation 1 Series ahead of a fourth quarter 2019 Australian on-sale date with a new platform, new styling and much-needed new technology. The new-generation 1 Sereis model is based on the same UKL platform as the Mini range, as well as the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer and X1 and X2 SUVs. Measuring 4319mm long, 1799mm wide, 1434mm tall and with a 2670mm wheelbase, the new model is 5mm shorter, 34mm wider, 13mm taller and features a 20mm longer wheelbase than the previous model. For the first time, Australian-spec 1 Series models will be available with all-wheel drive and the M135i xDrive will top the range. Globally just five models are available for the moment - more are sure to come - with the 118i and M135i xDrive the only petrol choices. The 118i uses a 103kW/220Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine, and the M135i xDrive uses a 225kW/450Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. A seven-speed dual-clutch auto will be standard on the 118i, and the M135i xDrive gets an eight-speed auto, while the 118i lists combined fuel consumption of 5.0-5.7L/100km and the M135i xDrive 6.8-7.1L/100km.On the overseas diesel front, an 85kW/270Nm 116d, 110kW/350Nm 118d and 140kW/400Nm 120d xDrive will be available, but diesels are unlikely to be offered locally as they were cut from the range in 2018. Available technology in the new BMW 1 Series has been improved significantly with full auto emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning and rear cross traffic alert standard across the range - all features unavailable with the current model.Optionally available tech includes adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, automatic parking, a 464W 16-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system, a dual-10.25-inch driver’s display/multimedia system touchscreen set up, a 9.2-inch heads-up display, a powered tailgate and a panoramic roof.BMW Australia has confirmed that the new 1 Series will be launching locally the fourth quarter of 2019 with pricing and specs to be revealed before then.

BMW has announced pricing and specification for its M140i Finale Edition hot hatch, which is expected to farewell the most potent version of the current-generation 1 Series small hatchback.

BMW Group Australia has released a unique Shadow Edition grade for its 1 Series 118i and 125i variants.

BMW's M140i hatch could soon be getting some go-fast siblings, with the company's M boss planning more performance variants of the brand's smallest car.