2019 BMW 1-Series unveiled

BMW has unveiled the third-generation 1-Series. The global launch of the car will take place on September 28, 2019.

The 1-Series measures 4,319 mm in length, 1,799 mm in width and 1,434 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,670 mm. Compared to the outgoing car, the new car's length and wheelbase are shorter by 5 mm and 20 mm respectively, while its width and height have increased by 34 mm and 13 mm respectively.

In terms of design, the front end gets a conjoined kidney grille, dual tone bumper and fog lamps at both ends. The headlights get C-shaped daytime running lights and the bonnet has prominent crease lines. On the sides, the window line rises upwards towards the rear and there is a crease line parallel to it below. The rear gets a dual tone bumper with a single exhaust pipe and L-shaped light elements in the tail lamp clusters. The M135i gets a mesh grille at the front, vertical vents on the front bumper and dual exhaust pipes at the back.

On the inside, BMW claims to have increased the passenger as well as boot space. The rear seats are claimed to offer 19 mm more headroom, 33 mm more knee room and 13 mm more elbow room while the front occupants get 33 mm of extra elbow room. The boot space has gone up by 20 litres to 280 litres. The 1-Series will come with an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment head-unit as standard while dual 10.25-inch displays, including the driver display, will be offered as optional extra. An electric tailgate and panoramic roof are offered as well.

The new 1-Series moves to a new front-wheel drive layout. The car comes with a choice of 3 diesel and 2 petrol engines ranging from 114 BHP to 302 BHP. The range topping M 135i comes with a 2-litre petrol engine developing 302 BHP. BMW claims a 0-100 km/h time of 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h for the car. Gearbox options include a 6-speed manual, 7-speed automatic and 8-speed automatic depending on the variant. All-wheel drive is offered on the M 135i xDrive and 120d xDrive variants.

Features on offer include automatic parking assistant, BMW Digital Key (a smartphone can be used to lock / unlock the car), pedestrian and collision warning, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control among others.