It feels as though it wasn’t that long BMW introduced the third generation 1 Series into the market. But here we are, a new BMW 1 Series has just been unveiled. Good news for local fans is that the model will appear in SA showrooms before the year is out.

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New Appearance

The most obvious change to the new BMW 1 Series is its appearance. This is evident at the front where the radiator grille features vertical and diagonal bars. The standard LED headlights have vertical elements for the daytime running light and the turn indicators. In profile one can see a long roof spoiler and side air deflectors. While the rear has  vertical reflectors and a black diffuser-style insert in the rear bumper. The new appearance comes with slightly different exterior dimensions. The new BMW 1 Series is 42 mm longer at 4361 millimetres. It is 1 800 mm wide and 25 mm taller at 1 459.

The interior features BMMW’s, now standard, Curved Display. The fully digital display comprises a 10,25-inch instrument cluster and a 10,7-inch infotainment interface. BMW says the number of buttons and controls in the cockpit has been significantly reduced thanks to the consistent use of digital technology. This includes the controls for the standard air conditioning system. 

Engine Line-up

BMW SA has already confirmed which derivatives will be coming to Msanzi. The three-cylinder BMW 118 and the BMW M135 xDrive will come to market towards the end of the year. A BMW 120 will follow in 2025. Note that BMW has dropped the ‘i’ from its naming structure for petrol-powered cars. That letter is reserved for battery powered vehicles going forward.

Info on the engine range is not clear but all engines will be mated with seven-speed dual clutch transmissions as standard. However, the press material does confirm the power rating of the range-leading M135. The all-wheel-drive M135 is powered by a 233 kW four-cylinder engine. That is just a fraction more than the 225 kW of the outgoing version. BMW says the hot hatch can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 4,9 seconds.