For the first time in 15 years, BMW 1-series gets a front-wheel drive system.
The 2020 BMW 1-series has been revealed with a completely revised exterior layout and new tech on offer. The hatchback is being offered with a front-wheel drive system for the first time. The car is now in its 3rd generation and the German manufacturer has made a host of changes on the inside as well as the outside. Looking at the 1-series, one would find subtle hints of the bigger BMW X2 in it.
The signature BMW kidney grille has a huge presence at the front and is flanked by LED headlamps with DRLs. The rear profile of the vehicle is brought to life by the sleek pair of tail lights. To add more character to the car, it also comes with a diffuser and twin tailpipes, but only on the M135i variant.
The car has been designed in a way to provide better interior space. The headroom has now increased by 19 mm, the rear legroom has increased by 33 mm and the elbow room is now 13 mm wider. The cargo space is 380-litres, which is 20-litres more than that on the previous generation. It also comes with foldable rear seats that increase the cargo space to 1200-litres when folded down.
The new 1-series gets a panoramic sunroof for the first time and also gets an optional wireless charging pad in front of the gear lever. The interiors have a very airy and premium feel to it and it is enhanced by the new 10.25-inch infotainment system. The German carmaker has equipped this infotainment system with the latest BMW Operating System 7.0. The instrument cluster is also a 10.25-inch digital unit and you also get an optional 9.2-inch Head-Up Display.
BMW is offering three diesel engines and two petrol engines with the new 1-Series in the European market. The diesel engine options include 116d, 118d and 120d xDrive engine. Whereas in petrol, there is 118i engine and range topping M135i xDrive petrol engine that churns out 302 BHP and gets all-wheel drive and launch control. Gearbox options include 6-speed manual, 7-speed AT and an 8-speed AT which is offered as standard on the 120d.
The 1-series is well equipped in terms of safety and comes with city braking function, active cruise control, lane change warning, rear collision warning, active lane return, etc. Safety features like rearview camera, park assist function and park distance control are an optional extra.
We can expect BMW to introduce the new 1-Series in India by next year to compete with the likes of Mercedes A-Class, Audi A3 and Volvo V40.
2020 BMW 1-Series
– Gets front-wheel drive system for the first time
– Redesigned exterior and interior with new features
– The new hatchback comes with improved cabin and cargo space
