BMW’s first generation 1 Series, which debuted in 2004, was a wildly popular but oddly designed vehicle. Although it possessed the rear-wheel-drive configuration of many other BMWs and a variety of sports cars, the inside was shockingly small for a family vehicle, and the driving experience wasn’t very noteworthy either.
These flaws were partially, if not entirely, fixed in this second-generation version, which was released in 2011 and wasn’t changed until 2019. In addition to being notably more comfortable to drive, it has undergone several modifications to its chassis and running gear and is now slightly more spacious.
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One of the best luxury hatchbacks now available, the BMW 1 Series combines performance, efficiency, and driving fun.
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Although the BMW 1 Series now has front (and four) wheel drive, this modification hasn’t lessened its attractiveness; the smallest BMW is still a blast to drive. The 1 Series offers a variety of powerful yet efficient engines, as well as more interior space.
The 1 Series’ interior is now on level with the most recent 3 Series in terms of lay-out, build, and – critically in this class – infotainment. Quality has also improved. Although the Volkswagen Golf is more affordable and useful, especially in terms of rear headroom, the BMW 1 Series is a very alluring combination that’s very difficult to criticize.
Should I get a 1 Series?
As a standalone vehicle, the 128ti is a lively, sporty little hatchback that maintains key BMW qualities like interior quality, comfort, and electronics.
But it falls short due to certain pricey extras, a ride that some might find too stiff for daily driving, and the fact that fans like myself will always yearn for a rear-drive BMW driving experience. Again, driving this makes it feel less like a compact BMW and more like a huge Mini.
The M Performance version of BMW’s smallest passenger model, the M135i xDrive, lacks the personality of something like a Mini JCW Hatch or JCW Clubman even though it has a front-biased AWD engine and looks sporty inside and out. It also doesn’t do enough to set itself apart from competing front-biased AWD hot hatches.
Its performance and luxurious interior are undeniably impressive, but the M135i can’t match the technology or all-around utility of an Audi S3 or VW Golf R, nor can it outperform any of its direct competitors in terms of straight-line speed or corner-carving prowess.
The BMW 1 Series is what kind of vehicle?
Since 2004, BMW has been producing a line of C-segment subcompact executive automobiles under the name BMW 1 Series. It is presently in its third generation and is the replacement for the BMW 3 Series Compact. The first generation, which served as the entry-level model in the BMW product line, was made in hatchback, coupe, and convertible body types.
Since 2014, the coupe and convertible versions have been sold independently under the 2 Series brand, therefore both body types are no longer part of the 1 Series lineup. 2017 saw the release of a four-door sedan for the Chinese market, which was built on the same front-wheel drive architecture as the third-generation 1 Series hatchback.
The first generation featured the BMW 1 Series M Coupe, a high-performance BMW M variant. The 1 Series M Coupe was replaced by the BMW M2 in 2016 as a result of the 1 Series coupe type being replaced by the 2 Series.
The 1 Series has been rear-wheel driven for its first two incarnations, although all-wheel drive has been an available feature since 2012. The 1 Series’ third generation, which debuted in 2019, switched to a front-wheel drive configuration while keeping the all-wheel drive option.
What was the BMW 1 Series’ successor?
The last 1-Series Coupe left the factory in August, while the 1-Series Convertible was phased out in June.
Since the models will be replaced by a 2-Series Coupe and Convertible, the announcement isn’t particularly shocking. The Convertible will arrive soon after the Coupe, which is anticipated to be on sale in March.
The models will be available with at least three different engines, including the following ones, according to leaked specifications:
- a 2.0-liter gasoline engine producing 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque and 183 HP (135 kW)
- a 2.0-liter diesel engine producing 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque and 183 HP (135 kW)
- a 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque and 326 HP (240 kW)
The latter variant, the M235i, has a top speed of 250 km/h and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds.
A family vehicle, the BMW 1 Series?
“The second generation of BMW’s wildly popular premium family hatchback is now available. It’s a more upscale alternative to a Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf and is available in three-door and five-door body styles. It frequently competes with the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class for top 10 best-selling status in the UK. This version, which debuted in 2011, has proven to be the most well-liked thus far.”
For some, the BMW’s class-distinct USP—rear-wheel drive, the preferred configuration for all driving enthusiasts—is what makes it so popular. For others, there is something in the lineup for practically everyone thanks to the draw of the BMW badge, slick style, and a wide variety of engines and trims.
The top-of-the-line M135i and M140i models are especially coveted and are starting to seem like a modern classic among enthusiasts. There might never be another family hatchback just like this one since the 2019 BMW 1 Series will only be front-wheel drive.
The 2011 unveiling of the 1 Series caused some controversy. Although its style was largely a development of the original, it appeared to have acquired an excessively huge set of headlights along the way. Certain people were more polite than others when they described it as awkward, and some odd launch specification packages that included questionable white-painted wheels did not help.
But even the first-generation 1 Series is a blast to drive. The turbocharged gasoline engines and more potent diesels in particular delivered outstanding value for the money. Inside, a lot of the new 3 Series executive saloon’s technology was on display, including BMW’s incredible most recent generation of infotainment systems.
However, we must caution you that the 1 Series is only somewhat family-friendly. Compared to, instance, a Volkswagen Golf, rear-seat room is significantly more constrained, and while cargo space appears to be enough on paper, in actuality it is much more restricted. Put the rear-wheel-drive system to blame.
Later, BMW increased the number of engines available, introduced an all-wheel-drive xDrive model, and, in 2015, addressed the primary criticism of this generation of 1 Series: the uncomfortable front end. It was a much better-looking automobile with new, smaller headlights that carried clear LED running lights. At the back, bigger tail lamps gave the impression that the car was slightly more hunkered down on the road. Sales grew in line with this.
BMW had already introduced the outstanding M135i in its pre-facelift configuration. This performance range-topper became even more popular among fans when it was upgraded to M140i form. The straight-six turbocharged engine produces fantastic power and sound effects, and the handling isn’t too far off from a sports vehicle.
The diesel engines, on the other hand, kept improving in efficiency, with the fuel-efficient EfficientDynamics models reaching new highs for mpg and record lows for CO2. BMW has also consistently improved its leading infotainment systems throughout the years.
The 1 Series functions best as a sporty model for people who travel two up and seek the greatest possible entry into the BMW brand, even if it is available as a five-door and promotes itself as a family competitor.
Despite its limitations, it has a following because of the thrilling way it drives and makes people feel. It is simple to understand why the 1 Series has been so well-liked over the years given that it supports this with high reliability and reasonable operating costs, as well as two exceptional performance range-toppers.
A little automobile is the BMW 1 Series.
The BMW 1 Series is a cutting-edge family hatchback with stylish exterior styling and a luxurious interior. For the first time ever, BMW’s smallest car has front-wheel drive as standard, much like the Mercedes A-Class and Audi A3.
When did the form of the BMW 1 Series change?
The 1-Series, a vehicle introduced by BMW in 2004, completely transformed the company’s image. It was regarded as the genuine replacement for the storied BMW 3-Series E30 from the 1980s. It was upgraded in 2007.
New engines, a new interior, and a new version of the bodywork were all included during the facelift. Significant changes were made to the range. The entire lineup was upgraded, including the brand-new three-door model.
Is the BMW 1 Series still produced?
BMW continues to promote the 1-series as a “sporty” family hatchback despite the change to FWD. The rear-to-front switcheroo hasn’t changed the formula, which is fortunate for BMW. Still, it’s a fantastic steer.
The BMW 1 Series is produced where?
As the business updates its lineup of vehicles across the board, from the entry-level 1 Series to the facelifted 7 Series, plus that crazy X7 pickup truck one-off, BMW has been making headlines quite a bit lately. The Mercedes A-Class and Audi A3 rival has begun series production after the German carmaker unveiled a brand-new, front-wheel-drive-based 1er at the end of May.
The redesigned 1 Series is just one of eight models built at the Leipzig factory in Germany, which also produces the compact hatchback’s first and second generations with rear-wheel drive. The 2 Series Coupe and Convertible, the faster M2 Competition, and the family-friendly 2 Series Active Tourer MPV are all assembled at the same plant by BMW. In addition to these standard models, Leipzig also produces the electric i3 and plug-in hybrid i8 coupe and roadster. The production rate overall impressively tops 1,000 units each day.
Which BMW 1 Series is the fastest?
There are two petrol engines and three diesel engines to select from, the most of which are available with either an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment or a six-speed manual transmission as an option.
The first vehicle in the lineup, the 118i, has a 138 horsepower turbocharged gasoline engine. Performance is strong; regardless of the gearbox used, 0-62 mph takes 8.5 seconds. This is currently the sole non-performance gasoline option available in the range.
The 116d is the least expensive, most effective, and least powerful diesel engine available. Its 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine generates 114 horsepower, and it accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 10.3 or 10.1 seconds with a manual or automatic gearbox, respectively. The 118d model offers a 2.0-liter four-pot with a decent 138 horsepower; it accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in either 8.4 or 8.5 seconds with the manual or automatic.
The 120d’s 2.0-liter engine, which generates 187 horsepower, is the most potent diesel engine. With its built-in four-wheel drive, this vehicle can accelerate from zero to sixty miles per hour in just seven seconds flat.
The M135i, the quickest 1 Series in the lineup, can accelerate from zero to sixty miles per hour in just 4.8 seconds, outpacing the Volkswagen Golf R. It has a 302 horsepower 2.0-liter engine and comes standard with four-wheel drive. If you choose the 128ti, 0-62 mph will be reached in 6.2 seconds.