Next-generation BMW 1 Series revealed – When it’s coming to South Africa

BMW has taken the covers off the fourth-generation 1 Series which is the sportiest interpretation of the series yet.

The new hatchback boasts a completely overhauled exterior aesthetic, enhanced technologies inside and out, and mild-hybrid powertrains across the range.

The South African market launch for the 1 Series is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2024, the domestic arm of BMW confirmed, right around the same time the updated 3 Series and M3 will make their local introduction.

The new entry-level BMW

The new 1 Series is larger than its predecessor in every dimension, with its length increased by 42mm to 4,361mm, width by 1mm to 1,800mm, and height by 25mm to 1,459mm, though it retains all the signature design elements of the one that came before it such as the long bonnet, rearward passenger cell, and stout backend.

The revised front fascia now sits much lower than before underscoring its athletic aura, with a wider grille incorporating vertical and diagonal bars as well as new LED headlights with vertical daytime running lights completing the front look.

At the rear, the German city car features vertical reflectors, a black diffuser-style insert, a long roof spoiler with side air deflectors, and new two-part LED tail lamps that extend well into the side sections.

The refreshed light-alloy wheels measure 17 inches in diameter as standard, with up to 19-inch rims being available as optional extras.

The new 1 Series is also the first BMW to be available with an optional high-gloss black contrasting roof.

At the top of the range sits the M135 xDrive which is differentiated by an M kidney grille with horizontal bars, M exterior mirror caps, distinctive 18-inch wheels, and four exhaust tailpipes making it instantly recognisable as the flagship model.

The updated cabin of the new 1 Series is completely leather-free as standard and comes with new-design seats providing higher levels of comfort, a Sports multifunction steering wheel, a curved display on the dash comprising a 10.25-inch driver’s display and a 10.7-inch infotainment screen, a revised gear selector, new trim materials, and a significant reduction in physical buttons and controls.

Standard kit across the range now encompasses electrically folding exterior mirrors, climate control, a new driver and front-passenger interaction airbag that enhances occupant protection, and the latest BMW Operating System 9 with intelligent voice control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, BMW Maps cloud-based navigation, and remote software upgrades.

This is on top of an expanded selection of advanced assistance systems comprising the Driving Assistant with front-collision warning, lane-departure warning, exit warning, traffic sign recognition, and the Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant.

Once again, the pinnacle M135i gets Veganza leather/Alcantara upholstery as part of the M Sport Package.

Despite its larger stature, the new 1 Series still offers 380 litres of boot space just like before, which can be increased to 1,200 litres by folding down the rear seats.

In South Africa, the new hatchback will launch with the three-cylinder 118 and four-cylinder M135 powertrains, with the 120 to follow in 2025. Take note that BMW has dropped the “i” from its petrol-powered vehicles as this will now be used to denote its electric offerings.

All of these engines will be complemented by 48V mild-hybrid technologies and transmit power to the wheels through a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission.

BMW has yet to disclose the power statistics of the upgraded drivelines, though it did say that the new M135 boasts an output of 233kW – which reflects an improvement of 8kW – though it takes 0.1 seconds longer than the old model to reach 100km/h at 4.9 seconds.

The new 1 Series further achieves sharper agility, steering precision, and cornering performance courtesy of a more rigid body structure and chassis connection, new shock absorber technology, a 20% increased caster of the front wheels, and other smaller tweaks to its mechanical architecture.

Models with the M Sport Package get the Adaptive M Chassis as well, which lowers the vehicle by up to 8mm and increases handling performance, and an M sport brake system is available as optional equipment.

The complete South African specifications of the new 1 Series will be announced closer to its launch in Q4 2024.

BMW M135 xDrive

BMW 120