Re-engineered BMW 1 series unveiled
Maureen Ihua-Maduenyi
BMW’s new 2019 1 Series has been unveiled in a re-engineered form with front-wheel drive for the first time.
The automaker says for its third generation, the 1 Series has undergone its most dramatic transformation since the car was launched in 2004.
“Based on customer feedback, BMW has focused on increasing practicality, so the hatch is now larger than before, while the brand’s compact car line-up will see the three-door 2 Series Coupe morph into a five-door Gran Coupé,” Auto Express says.
“To achieve those gains in practicality, the 1 Series has switched to BMW’s front-wheel-drive architecture, which also underpins the Mini range. But to suit the 1 Series’ focus on driving dynamics, bosses say that the platform has been revamped so that it can deliver greater driver enjoyment,” it adds.
BMW’s 1 Series Product Manager, Jochen Schmalholz, says, “If we could have rear-wheel drive for this generation, we wouldn’t, because what we have is a better system. The two main purchase reasons were a sporty design and strong driving dynamics; this car will be the benchmark in its class in this respect.”
The automaker says the switch to the new architecture can be seen in the stubby bonnet, raked windscreen and curvier C-pillar, which give the car a more compact look, despite being larger than before, at 4,319mm long (-5mm), 1,799mm wide (+34mm) and 1,434mm tall (+13mm), and a wheelbase 20mm longer, at 2,670mm.
BMW says rear passenger space has greatly improved with an extra 33mm of knee room and 19mm of headroom.
It adds that the boot is 20 litres bigger as well, at 380 litres, putting it on par with the Volkswagen Golf’s, while the width of the load bay’s opening has grown by 67mm.
“The cabin has also been overhauled, with the 1 Series borrowing most of its new tech and design from the larger 3 Series. All but entry-level cars get a new 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, while a 9.2-inch head-up display and upgraded 10.25-inch infotainment screen can be specked, too,” Auto Express says.
It adds that the 1 Series range will consist of five models: two petrols and three diesels.
Auto Express says, “The flagship 1 Series will be the M135i, which rivals the VW Golf R, Audi S3 and Mercedes-AMG A 35. In place of the old car’s 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine is a 306bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo – the most powerful 2.0-litre unit ever fitted to a production of BMW. It comes with an eight-speed auto box and xDrive four-wheel drive, which splits its power 50:50 front to rear.
“With the help of launch control, the M135i will complete 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds, while performance upgrades include a limited-slip diff on the front axle, plus bespoke M Sport suspension, steering and brakes.”