In the United States, we stopped seeing the BMW 1 Series back in 2014 when it turned into the 2 Series. But in Europe, the 1 Series is still here, and it’s getting a big update.
This new version, the fourth generation, is different inside and out. The last version, from 2019, changed a lot: it went from rear-wheel-drive to front-wheel-drive. Now, the new one keeps evolving. The front of the car looks sharper with new headlights and a thinner, wider grille. The back has horizontal lights, but with a little bend where the bumper meets the trunk. It’s a bit longer and taller than the old model.
You can choose different looks for the car, like a glossy black roof or the M Sport Design Package. But it’s not just about looks. BMW says they made the car sturdier to make it steer and corner better.
Inside, there’s a ton of new technology. It has a big curved screen that combines the instrument panel and the touchscreen for the infotainment system. There are fewer buttons now, even for the climate control. The gear shifter is gone, replaced by a small switch.
When it comes out, there will be four versions to pick from: 120, M135 xDrive, 118d, and 120d. The 120 has a three-cylinder engine with 170 horsepower. The M135 is the most powerful with a four-cylinder engine making 300 horsepower. There are also two diesel options, the 118d and the 120d, with 150 and 163 horsepower respectively.
All versions come with front-wheel-drive and an automatic transmission, except for the M135, which has all-wheel-drive. Sadly, there won’t be a manual option anymore.
The new BMW 1 Series will be available in Europe starting in October 2024. But it doesn’t look like it’s coming to the United States.
