The new BMW 1 Series

The new generation BMW 1 Series has been revealed with an extensive set of images.

All the main dimensions have been increased: it is 85 millimeters longer, the with a 30 mm longer wheelbase.

The front track is 51 millimeters wider and the rear track is 72 millimeters, while the luggage compartment capacity has increased from 330 to 360 liters.

The exterior design is characterized by a new distinctive front end, with a concave-shaped nose and large, triangular headlights.

This new design adopts some of the styling elements introduced with the latest BMW models, such as the 5 Series Gran Turismo.

On the 1 Series these elements are bold design statements that give a distinctive appearance, to be verified in real life.

The silhouette has maintained the general lines and the DLO graphics of the first model, while the lower character line has lost the typical “arch-like” profile.

The rear end has more conventional tail-lights, which incorporate horizontal lighting units.

Overall, the exterior design of the new 1 Series has raised a controversial reaction with a number of critics from the public.

A more thoughtful analysis will be possible when the model is officially presented at the next Frankfurt Motor Show.

From a technical standpoint, the 1 Series remain the only rear-wheel drive model in the compact segment.

It will be available with a choice of gasoline and diesel units with TwinPower Turbo technology, with power outputs ranging from 85 kW/116 hp up to 135 kW/184 hp.

Below we report the official design story, selected from the press release.

From the official Press Release:

Exterior Design

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 grille is tilted forwards, adding emphasis to the challenging stance of this most sporty of compact models, while the surrounding areas catch the light and create a strong sense of three-dimensionality, with four contour lines on the bonnet forming a V that points towards the grille.

The typical BMW double-round headlights have accent trim across their tops. In combination with the optional bi-xenon headlights, this creates a strongly focused look, powerfully enhanced by the direction indicators set into the inner light rings of the headlights and an LED accent light. In another innovation for BMW, the side indicator lights are integrated in the exterior mirrors.

From the side, the proportions of the new BMW 1 Series are even more strikingly apparent. The slightly sloping roof line, sporty, angled rear windscreen and flat side windows give the car a coupé-like feel, 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 design quality of the new BMW 1 Series, which is unique in the compact segment, is particularly evident in the distinctive BMW lines and dramatically curved surfaces.

The characteristic BMW swage line starts at the front sidewall and rises continuously to the rear lights, its boldness giving powerful emphasis to the shoulder area, with the door openers neatly integrated into the swage line.

An additional character line below the doors flows sharply upwards into the outline of the rear wheel arch.

The sill line provides a similarly dynamic touch, running parallel to the road and then rising steeply at the rear wheel arch, which is nicely echoed by the outlines of the side windows.

The size of the rear wheel arches draws attention to its rear-wheel-drive layout which is the reason for its excellent dynamic responses.

The wide-set wheel arches reinforce the broad, powerful impression created by the back of the new BMW 1 Series.

The wide-opening, slightly concave tailgate is opened by pressing the top section of the BMW emblem that sits at its centre, and the rear lights are also set well apart, creating a strong horizontal emphasis that is heightened by their deep surrounds.

There are optional xenon headlights, and the rear lights consist of L-shaped banks of LEDs. An additional brake light is set into the roof spoiler.

The outline of the rear apron echoes that of the front bumper, while the V-shaped emblem surround leads the eye towards the road surface, emphasizing the new BMW 1 Series’ stable roadholding.