BMW 1 Series (Germany, 2011-present)

In June 2011, BMW released details and pictures of the second generation 1 Series which 1 debuted at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The new line-up features adjusted proportions and a more powerful and fuel efficient engines choice.

The new three-door 1-Series is far more attractive than its five-door sibling. The car appears light and agile with large head lights and larger doors. The car is 85mm longer, has a 30mm longer wheelbase, wider track by 51mm in the front and 72mm in the rear and 17mm wider width overall. The larger exterior dimensions translate to 21mm more legroom in the rear, 30 more liters of luggage space and a fold-able rear seat. At least on the M135i, it also has a deeper front bumper. The M135i also has lower side sills. 

The three-door is available with a variety of power options. The 114i has 102hp; the 116i has 136hp, 125i has 218hp, 116dBMW 116d Urban AutomaticGermany, 2011 > present2 photos
with 116hp, 118d with 143hp, 125d with 218hp, 116d EfficientDynamics with 116hp but 99g/km of CO2 emissions. The M135i uses BMW's turbocharged 3.0 liter, inline 6 with 320hp.

The design of the new generation is a powerful expression of the latest technological advances. The model’s fresh, youthful image has been stylishly updated, using the latest BMW design language.

This innovativeness, elegance and responsiveness of the new BMW 1 Series are all reflected in its compact bodywork. Its overall proportions follow an instantly recognizable BMW template, with an elongated bonnet, long wheelbase and set-back passenger cell. The front of the car is dominated by the large BMW kidney-shaped radiator grille, boldly shaped headlight units and three-section air intake. The double-round headlights have an accent trim across their tops, while for the first time on a BMW model, the side indicator lights are built into the exterior mirrors.

The slightly sloping roof line, sporty, angled rear windscreen and flat side windows give the car a coupé-like feel when seen from the side, while the Hofmeister kink – the low forward bend at the back end of the side windows – extends well into the C-pillar, making the door aperture wider and facilitating entry to and exit from the rear seats.

The characteristic BMW swage line gives powerful emphasis to the shoulder area. It starts at the front wing and rises continuously to the rear lights, with the door handle integrated neatly into it.

The 2011 1 Series has a rear-wheel-drive layout with all engine options featuring four-cylinders and turbocharging thanks to BMW’s TwinPower turbo technology. Two 1.6 litre petrol engines are available featuring 100 kW and 125 kW, with the more powerful achieving 0-100 km/h in 7.4 seconds with a combined cycle fuel consumption of between 5.8 – 5.9 litres/100km.

The diesels offer a choice of three 2.0 litre engines with 85 kW, 105 kW and 135 kW. The more powerful 102d reaches 100 km/h from a standstill in 7.2 seconds, keeping fuel consumption between 4.5 – 4.6 litres/100km. A 116d EfficientDynamics Edition is planned which is said to keep CO2 emissions to 99 g/km.

The second generation 1 Series is also the first vehicle in its class to have an optional eight-speed automatic transmission. Both automatic and manual models will also feature start/stop functionality and an ECO PRO mode

The new 1 Series will also be available in two trim levels; Sport and Urban.

The BMW Sport Line includes sports seats with exclusive coverings, a sports leather steering wheel with red contrast stitching, a red keyclasp, an adjustable armrest, high-gloss black interior trim strips and matt coral red accent strips. The instrument cluster features special Sport numbers and scales. The ambient lighting can be switched between orange and white, and includes additional light sources in the centre console and footwell.

Other features ofthe BMW Sport Line include exclusive 16-inch star spoke light-alloy wheels, black trim for the exhaust tailpipe, and door sill finishers with “BMW Sport” lettering. The bars of the kidney grille, the trim bar in the central air intake, the side intake surrounds and the rear bumper trim are all high-gloss black. Additional options include high-gloss black mirror caps and 17-inch bi-colour light-alloy wheels.

The BMW Urban Line includes special cloth/leather seats, a sports leather steering wheel, an adjustable armrest, and contemporary interior trim finishers in acrylic glass. This has a strong sense of depth and is available in white or black with matt oxide silver accent strips. A striking effect is also provided by the ambient and courtesy lights, which can be switched between orange and LED royal blue and white and royal blue respectively. An additional light source on the B-pillar enhances the effect of the illumination.

The distinctive exterior includes special 16-inch V-spoke alloy wheels or optional 17-inch high-gloss white wheels with an angled surface, and white rear bumper trim. Additional design accents on the front include white kidney bars with chrome-plated fronts and a white trim bar for the centre air intake. The side intake surrounds are painted in the same colour as the car, and the BMW Urban Line also includes door sill finishers with “BMW Urban” lettering and a white keyclasp. White mirror caps are available as an option.