New BMW 1 Series – South African pricing revealed

BMW has officially listed the pricing for the next-generation 1 Series ahead of its launch in South Africa later this year.

The German carmaker’s new entry-level hatchback will start at R713,395, only R21,679 more than the current units.

The 1 Series is scheduled to make landfall in the final quarter of 2024 and will initially be available in 118 and M135 guises, with a 120 option to follow in 2025.

Motorists should be able to get a look at the 1 Series before it goes on sale, however, as it’s sure to make an appearance at BMW’s M Fest in Gauteng this October.

What’s in store

Starting with the engine selection, the 118 uses a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine which now produces 115kW and 230Nm – an increase of 12kW and 10Nm over the outgoing models.

This allows the hatchback to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 226km/h.

In contrast, the flagship M135 runs on a turbocharged, 2.0-litre, four-cylinder plant which raises its power ceiling to 233kW and 400Nm.

This is 8kW and 50Nm more than before, which lets the hot hatch rocket to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds before hitting a cap of 250km/h.

Importantly, the 118 is front-wheel drive whereas the M135 features the xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

In either case, you can expect a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic gearbox and new 48V mild-hybrid technology that will contribute to better fuel economy.

The incoming 1 Series is larger than its predecessor in every dimension and features a new, more aggressive-looking body.

At the front, the fascia sits much lower than before and there are new LED headlights and vertical daytime running lights, and the brand’s signature kidney grille is still on full display but with a revised pattern.

As for the back, there are vertical reflectors, a black diffuser-style insert, a roof spoiler with side air deflectors, and two-part LED taillamps.

Alloy wheels start at 17 inches in size, and buyers can optionally upgrade to rims as large as 19 inches while also adding a new contrasting black roof.

The hotter M135 naturally features additional elements designed by BMW’s M performance division, such as a model-exclusive kidney grille, mirror caps, and four tailpipes.

Moving inside, the 1 Series now comes standard with leather-free upholstery as part of the company’s ongoing sustainability drive.

There’s a new Sports multifunction steering wheel and a dashboard dominated by a curved 10.25-inch digital driver display and a 10.7-inch infotainment monitor.

The screens are operated by the Munich-based manufacturer’s latest BMW Operating System 9 and offer voice commands, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, BMW Maps with cloud-based navigation, and over-the-air software updates.

The M135 additionally benefits from M Sports seats in Veganza leather and Alcantara upholstery with blue stitching, courtesy of the standard M Sport package.

Other touted features on the upcoming hatchback include automatic climate control, a heads-up display, ambient lighting, and driving assistance functions such as front-collision warning, lane-departure warning, exit warning, traffic sign recognition, and a Parking and Reversing Assistant.