Alex has written for Vanity Fair, Barrons, Bloomberg and Condé…
Here’s the first look at the new BMW 1 Series. Features of the second generation compact range include:
– Five doors. Bold hatchback body shape; distinctive sporty design with elongated lines, instantly recognizable BMW proportions and boldly shaped surfaces. Youthful, lively image enhanced by design elements highlighting the proven quality and premium status of the new BMW 1 Series.
– New BMW Sport Line and BMW Urban Line provide added scope for personalization using exclusive interior and exterior design features and equipment.
– For the first time, all the petrol and diesel engines for the BMW 1 Series now feature new BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. A new generation of 1.6-litre petrol engines: BMW 116i with 100 kW/136 hp, BMW 118i with 125 kW/170 hp. Radically redesigned 2.0-litre diesel engines: BMW 116d with 85 kW/116 hp, BMW 118d with 105 kW/143 hp, BMW 120d with 135 kW/184 hp. Also scheduled for launch soon is the
– BMW 116d EfficientDynamics Edition, with a 85-kW/116-hp 1.6 litre diesel engine and additional fuel-saving technologies that will keep CO2 emissions over the EU testing cycle down to just 99 g/km.
– Thanks to BMW EfficientDynamics technology, the BMW 1 Series remains a leader in fuel economy: first car in its segment with optional eight-speed automatic transmission, Automatic Start/Stop function with both manual and automatic transmissions. ECO PRO mode is activated using the driving experience switch (included as standard).
– Significantly improved comfort and unrivalled handling thanks to rear-wheel drive, longitudinally mounted engines, perfectly balanced weight distribution and advanced suspension technology. Double-joint cross-strut front axle; five-link rear axle; high-precision electromechanical power steering with no interference from the drive train. Optional Variable Sports Steering; DSC Driving Stability Control including DTC Dynamic Traction Control and electronically locking rear differential as standard. Adaptive Suspension with electronic damper regulation available as an option.
– Compared with the predecessor model, the body is 85 millimetres longer, the wheelbase is 30 millimetres longer, and 17 millimetres of extra width gives a more spacious interior and a sportier look. 21 millimetres more rear legroom; luggage compartment expanded from 330 to 360 litres; luggage capacity expandable to a maximum of 1,200 litres with rear seats folded down (40/20/40 split-folding rear seat available as an option). Large number of storage compartments, shelves and cupholders in cockpit.
– Highly torsion-resistant body for increased responsiveness and passenger protection. Comprehensive range of safety equipment including front, side and head airbags.
– High-quality interior with driver-friendly cockpit and outstanding materials and finishes; optional iDrive system with integral dashboard Control Display using a flatscreen design that is exclusive to BMW.
– BMW ConnectedDrive: a comprehensive selection of optional driver assistance systems and mobility services that is unique in the compact segment. High-beam assistance, Adaptive Headlights, Parking Assistant, rear view camera, Lane Departure Warning (now including Collision Warning), cruise control with braking function, Speed Limit Info (now including No Passing Info), Internet connectivity, enhanced smartphone and music player integration, Real-Time Traffic Information, and Web radio, Facebook and Twitter apps.
Alex has written for Vanity Fair, Barrons, Bloomberg and Condé Nast Traveler.