The 2023 BMW 1 Series is a premium subcompact hatchback that is longer part of the Philippine lineup. It was available in the local market in one variant with a price of Php 2,690,000. Powering this vehicle is a 1.5-liter TwinPower inline-3 gasoline engine good for 138 horsepower and 220 Nm of torque. A 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is used to send power exclusively to the front wheels.
In terms of dimensions, the 1 Series is 4,319 mm long, 1,799 mm wide, and 1,434 mm high. Locally, this German subcompact premium hatchback competed against the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Audi A3.
Launch
The refreshed model of the 2023 BMW 1 Series was launched to the Philippine market in February 2020 at the BMW Joyfest. It was offered in two variants which are the BMW 118i priced at Php 2,690,000 and the top range BMW M135i xDrive with an introductory price of Php 4,590,000.
The 1-Series is the most affordable car in BMW's lineup
Exterior
Following the signature aesthetic of BMW, the 1-Series sports a smooth and seamless styling especially after its most recent facelift. Among its most notable physical upgrades is the broad front with a large double kidney grille with exclusively designed vertical slats finished in black high-gloss. On the sides are more prominent character lines that run to the rear, complemented by a flowing roofline to complete its athletic yet sophisticated look.
The BMW 1-Series is equipped with LED headlights, LED fog lights, and 17-inch light-alloy wheels double-spoke style 549 with run-flat tires.
Interior
The BMW 1-Series’ premium character extends into the cabin boasting of generously proportioned spaces. Its modern and structured interior is equipped with sport seats for the driver and front passenger wrapped in a fabric and Sensatec combination. The whole interior is finished in the German brand’s Illuminated Berlin palette with gray accents that match the stitching on the instrument panel for a cohesive look. To create more room for cargo, rear seats can be split folded 60/40. On the dashboard is a fully digital instrument cluster for the driver’s convenience and road safety.
Technology & Safety Features
BMW completely modernized the infotainment features of the 1-Series with its latest evolution of the BMW Live Cockpit. It comes with an 8.8-inch touchscreen display that has Bluetooth and USB connectivity. In addition, the standard infotainment system is elevated by the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant that can be activated through voice command. The system can provide information about the vehicle and can control central functions such as ambient lighting and temperature.
The BMW 1-Series offers a wide range of digital services and driver assistance technologies that include cruise control, gesture control to operate the on-board computer, a driver assistant package, and an active parking system. Its driving assistant package comes with speed limit assist, lane departure warning, crossing traffic warning rear, lane change warning, and rear collision warning. It is coupled with a parking assistant system that includes a rearview camera, active park distance control, and reversing assistant to ensure your utmost safety.
Platform & Chassis
The current BMW 1-Series model uses the same platform as that of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, BMW X1, and BMW X2. The suspension of the 1-Series comes in the form of an Independent MacPherson strut in front and an independent multi-link at the rear. Stopping power comes from disc brakes all around.
Engine & Drivetrain
Under the hood of the BMW M135i xDrive is an M TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder gasoline engine. The current model is equipped with new pistons and a larger turbocharger compared to its previous generation. It can produce a powerful 302 hp and 450 Nm of torque through an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission that sends power to all wheels. It has an automatic or manual gearshift that provides the driver with more control on the road.
The BMW 118i base variant, on the other hand, comes with a 1.5-liter TwinPower turbocharged inline-3 gasoline engine which produces 138 hp and 220 Nm of torque. Power is sent exclusively to the front wheels through a seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission.