BMW 1-Series massive facelift officially unveiled [video]

More than welcomed cosmetic changes

BMW has prepared a comprehensive facelift for its entry-level model, the 1-Series.

Looks are subjective but many will agree the 1-Series has the least appealing design in BMW’s range but thankfully the car has just received a massive cosmetic revision. The whole front fascia has been redesigned and now packs bigger air intakes, revised apron and a different kidney grille with a more sculpted frame and chrome accents.

More importantly, the pre-facelift’s awkward headlights are now gone and have been replaced by far more attractive clusters that have a twin circular configuration and come as standard with LED daytime running lights. At an additional cost, the 1-Series can get full LED headlights (including indicators) as well as adaptive LED headlights with High Beam Assistant function and LED fog lights with cornering.

The side profile shows flared wheel arches and new horizontal lines which make the car look wider while the rear end is also brand new. It has two-piece taillights extending onto the trunk lid with L-shaped graphics and benefit from LED technology just like the fog lamp.

Stepping inside the cabin, the facelifted BMW 1-Series gets new upholstery options, a 6.5-inch central display and a Controller unit mounted on the center console. Opt for the more expensive navigation system and you get a bigger Controller and a larger 8.8-inch screen. BMW has also updated the buttons and knobs with chrome surrounds while the keypads of the radio and climate control system benefit from high-gloss black detailing. The dual-zone climate system features a white light in daytime mode and orange in night mode.

Both the three- and five-door 1-Series have received a revamped engine lineup, as follows:

• 116i with three-cylinder 1.5-liter with 109 HP & 180 Nm


• 118i with four-cylinder 1.6-liter with 136 HP & 220 Nm


• 120i with four-cylinder 1.6-liter with 177 HP & 250 Nm


• 125i with four-cylinder 2.0-liter with 218 HP & 310 Nm


• 116d & 116d Efficient Dynamics Edition with three-cylinder 1.5-liter with 116 HP & 270 Nm


• 118d & 118d xDrive with four-cylinder 2.0-liter with 150 HP & 320 Nm


• 120d & 120d xDrive with four-cylinder 2.0-liter with 190 HP & 400 Nm


• 125d with four-cylinder 2.0-liter with 224 HP & 450 Nm

As for the range-topping M135i / M135i xDrive, this one has received a 6.8 HP (5 kW) bump in power so the six-cylinder 3.0-liter engine now delivers 326 HP (240 kW) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft). The rear-wheel drive version sprints to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 5.1 seconds with the standard six-speed manual and in 4.9 seconds with the optional eight-speed Steptronic gearbox before topping at an electronically-capped 155 mph (250 km/h). The xDrive-equipped model (Steptronic is standard) is quicker as it runs the sprint in 4.7 seconds.

Additional details can be found in the attached press release.