After almost one million units sold since 2011, BMW 1 Series received a well-awaited face-lift.
The new, 2017 model received new colors and a wider range of alloy wheels. Engines are ranging from a very economical three cylinder to a powerful inline six, three liter badged as M140i. They are offering both petrol and diesel engines. The power ranges between 109 HP on the 116i and 340 HP for M140i.

The main market for the 1 series is Europe, where the Bavarian manufacturer sold around 70% of its production. As expected, another big market for the premium compact size vehicle is China. It is the last model of 1 Series offered on a RWD platform. The next generation will receive a new FWD chassis, which will be shared with MINI.

In the tech-department, BMW brought the latest-generation iDrive infotainment system. For those who wants more, they are offering a Professional Navigation System with an 8.8 inch touchscreen. It can be controlled either by voice or through iDrive controller with touch-sensitive knob.

The advanced system offers Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI) which works together with the navigation system offering the shortest or fastest routes taking into account traffic-jams, accidents and other hazards on the road. The connectivity integration allows also up to ten devices on its on-board WiFi hotspot and Apple CarPlay.

In 2015, the second generation of the 1 Series from BMW went through plastic surgery and some other technical updates.
The final result for the 3-door compact hatchback from the German brand is now more appealing and could be ordered with the xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

For the 3-door, as well as for the 5-door version, BMW installed features like automatic climate control, rain sensor, BMW Radio Professional and the iDrive standard on all the range. The 6.5 inches color display is also standard and integrated into the dashboard. It doesn’t look like it was installed by the dealers afterward.

The long doors of the 3-door version are as long as before, and the rear passengers will have to climb inside behind the front seats. Fortunately, the big wheelbase allows them to enter good enough.

Under the hood, there is a big range of powertrains, with manual or automatic transmissions. For the first time, the 1 Series can be equipped with the 8-speed Steptronic gearbox from the Japanese manufacturer Aisin.
Five petrol and five diesel engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology are available for the 2015 BMW 1-Series. Setting the pace in terms of sports performance is the BMW M135i M with an inline-6 engine now producing 326 hp. The most fuel-efficient is the BMW 116d EfficientDynamics Edition, which combines 116 hp with low fuel consumption of 3.4 liters per 100 kilometers (69.1 mpg-US). Customers can also choose the all-wheel-drive system, BMW xDrive, for the BMW M135i, BMW 120d, and BMW 118d.

BMW introduced the second generation of the 1 Series in 2012 and continued to be the smallest car with a rear-wheel-drive and an all-wheel-drive option.
The first generation of the 1 Series was well received by the market in all of its shapes and number of doors (two, three, or five) and took its main competitor, Mercedes-Benz, by surprise. Then, after learning and listening to all the critics from its customers, BMW chose to change the pace and improved the 1 Series to a higher level.

From the outside, the 1 Series three doors looked more like a hot-hatchback. Its cab-rearward design with a sloped-down rear window’s top edge induced the image of a coupe. Well, it wasn’t. But its big, swept-back headlights and the sculptured side panels gave the impression of one. In the back, the Kamm-back styling with a raked-forward windscreen and a small roof-spoiler improved the sporty image.

Inside, BMW increased the materials’ quality and finishes. It offered plenty of storage areas in the center console, the center armrest, the door panels, and even under the steering-column. Its two bucket-seats at the front were mounted low. The carmaker used soft, spongy materials on the dashboard. Even though all the range received a standard infotainment unit, it wasn’t available with a touch-screen. In the back, the 60/40 split-folding bench enlarged the trunk area with a completely flat surface.

Under the hood, BMW installed a very wide choice of engines, ranged between 101 hp and 320 hp paired with a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic. Some specific versions were available with all-wheel-drive.

BMW launched an all-new 3-door hatch version of the 1 Series in 2007.
Based on the E81 automobile platform and showing several resemblances to the previous 5-door hatchback, this model featured a newly-designed front/rear bumper, revised headlights and new taillights, while also fitted with a new interior trim. Another novelty about this 3-door hatch 1 Series was BMW’s innovative EfficientDynamics technology, which included several driver-assist & active safety functions: Brake Energy Regeneration, Electric Power Steering or Auto Start/Stop. Based on this model, BMW later developed its all-new 1 Series Coupe.