Description
BMW introduced a final refresh for the second generation of the 1 Series in 2017, and while some updates were difficult to notice, others were significant and long-awaited by customers.
The second generation of the three-door 1 Series, known as the F21 in factory coding, was launched in 2012, almost a year after its five-door brother. Then, in 2015, the automaker introduced the facelifted version of it, or Life Cycle Impulse as the Bavarian brand called it, and customers thought that that was the end of the upgrades. However, BMW offered them a surprise in 2017 when it tweaked the look and the interior of the 1 Series 3 doors. On the engine side, there was no news, but in that department, the car was already a pleasant machine. While it wasn’t a big upgrade, like the one from 2015, it was enough to satisfy some of the demands of its customers.
The 2017 BMW 1 Series 3 doors was available with three blacked-out packages. Up front, the kidney grille was offered with a shiny black decoration that replaced the chromed one, which many considered out of style, especially on a youth-oriented vehicle. Furthermore, the automaker added black inserts into the headlights, contrasting beautifully with the LED corona lights. On the lower side of the bumper, BMW offered a standard apron with a broad but slim trapezoidal air intake flanked by a pair of scoops decorated with a horizontal slat. Those who ticked the M Sport package box received a different design, with a taller air intake flanked by rectangular-shaped side scoops that housed the fog lamps. Both versions had specially designed vents to create an air curtain around the front wheels to improve the drag coefficient.
Along with the introduction of the 2017 BMW 1 Series 3 doors, the automaker also offered two new colors: Sunset Orange and Seaside Blue. In addition, there was a choice of five new designs for the 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels, which made the car look even sportier. Thanks to the frameless windows on the long doors, the 3-door version of the 1 Series had a sportier look and was among the few to provide that feature. In the back, the available smoked taillights created a nice contrast with the LED L-shaped stripes that crossed them. Depending on the engine version, the automaker offered the car with one or two exhausts in the back. Furthermore, the M140i had a black lower trim on the bumper, which made it look even more aggressive, on par with the performance it provided.
Inside, customers found a refreshed cabin with more material options and even contrast stitching. However, the most significant upgrade was for the iDrive infotainment system. Unlike previous 1 Series models, this was available with an 8.8-inch touchscreen atop the center stack. It also had an improved layout and was moving fast. The high-bolstered seats were on the firm side, and some customers complained about them. However, these were very supportive and kept their occupants in place during high-speed cornering maneuvers. In the back, the split-folding bench seat featured three headrests, albeit there was enough room just for two adults due to the tall transmission tunnel that crossed the vehicle front to back.
Under the hood, there were no surprises. BMW offered an entry-level version powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine. It provided just 109 PS (108 hp) and was paired exclusively with a six-speed manual. On the other hand, the base turbodiesel was available with an eight-speed automatic, thanks to its higher torque. Selected diesel and gasoline powerplants could be fitted with BMW’s xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system.
Press Release
Unmistakably sporty, with a higher-quality feel and greater presence. New special-edition models, an enhanced premium interior, extended connectivity features and the latest-generation iDrive operating system: this is the new BMW 1 Series.
New edition of the sportiest car in the premium compact segment set to be launched in 3-door and 5-door form in July 2017. New model sees BMW writing the next chapter in the BMW 1 Series success story: around one million units of the 1 Series were sold between 2011 and 2017. Clear focus on Europe, which accounts for over 70% of sales. Largest markets are Germany, Great Britain and China.
New Edition Sport Line Shadow, Edition M Sport Shadow and BMW M140i Edition Shadow special editions underline the car’s distinctively sporty yet elegant appearance with a black kidney grille, black inserts in the LED headlights and darkened LED rear lights.
Two new exterior colours – Sunset Orange and Seaside Blue – give the BMW 1 Series even greater presence. Five new light-alloy wheel variants (17-inch and 18-inch) bring further lustre to the exterior.
Completely newly designed instrument panel with enhanced driver focus provides a more generous feeling of space. Exclusive materials and a new leather upholstery variant lend added class to the interior.
Innovative operating concept with latest-generation iDrive system. Optional Navigation system Professional with 8.8-inch touchscreen, voice control and iDrive Controller with touch-sensitive interface.
BMW ConnectedDrive Services ensure an extremely high level of connectivity. New BMW 1 Series is available with Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI) with hazard preview, On-Street Parking Information, vehicle access via Remote Services and the integrated Microsoft Exchange function for sharing and editing emails, calendar entries and contact details. Smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay, inductive charging and a WiFi hotspot for up to ten devices are all available.
Wide range of powerful and efficient engines includes three-, four- and six-cylinder petrol units and cutting-edge three- and four-cylinder diesel variants. Outputs range from 80 kW/109 hp in the BMW 116i to 250 kW/340 hp in the BMW M140i (fuel consumption combined: 7.8 – 3.4 l/100 km [36.2 – 83.1 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 179 – 89 g/km)*.
Rear-wheel drive (not offered by any rival) delivers standout dynamics in the segment. BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive is available as an option.
