BMW 1 Series

BMW 1 Series – Overview

The BMW 1 Series, as the model number suggests, is the entry model to the BMW family, slotting below the evergreen 3 Series sedan. Being developed with Germany and overall Europe in mind to compete with the Audi A3, Volvo 40-range and Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the 1 Series was exclusively developed as a hatchback only and a coupe body style followed later.

Another key feature of the BMW 1 Series was the driven wheels- it was the only rear-wheel drive premium hatchback and coupe for the first two generations (E87, F20). However, due to the ever-competitive nature of the hatchback segment in Europe, BMW moved to an all-new front-wheel drive platform for this current third-generation F40 BMW 1 Series.

BMW Malaysia currently only offers the range-topping BMW M135i xDrive as the sole representative of the F40 BMW 1 Series range in Malaysia. The previously-popular locally-assembled F20 BMW 118i rear-wheel drive compact hatch that was priced around RM220,000 is currently represented by the all-new F44 BMW 218i Gran Coupe, also front-wheel drive.

Being the top of the range as well as a M Performance model, the fully-imported BMW M135i xDrive does not come cheap, in fact, more expensive than the common 3 Series and even the 530e at RM355,646.25. Its closest competitor is the Mercedes-AMG A35 4Matic at RM366,785.05. The Renault Megane RS 300 is now priced at RM326,477 while the Audi S3 and Honda Civic Type R are not available in Malaysia.

BMW 1 Series – Exterior

The front-wheel drive architecture and platform no longer require a long bonnet to position the engine and transmission lengthwise, as such, the F40 BMW 1 Series now looks like a typical hatchback. BMW has added some sportiness in the side profile through a long roofline that drops towards the rear. The tapering rear window and C-pillar features an updated Hofmeister kink which adds to the wedge shape of the BMW 1 Series.

The large kidney grille with mesh pattern is unique to M Performance models with highlights in Cerium Grey together with the side mirrors, air inlets and large 100 mm dual exhaust finishers. The tailgate meanwhile is fitted with a subtle but effective M rear spoiler.

The V-spoke 557 M Bicolour wheels measure 19 inches, wrapped with 235/35R19 tyres. M Sport suspension and blue coloured M Sport brake calipers complete the visual and performance communications of the BMW M135i xDrive.

BMW 1 Series – Interior

While the front-wheel drive architecture is untraditional for a BMW, the driver-focused interior of the BMW 1 Series is familiar BMW territory. In the BMW M135i xDrive, a large BMW Live Cockpit Professional driver’s display measuring 10.25 inches greets the driver, together with specific M items such as the steering wheel with large paddle shifters, foot pedals and front door sill finishers.

The BMW Navigation system Professional with 10.25-inch touch-sensitive display carefully angled towards the driver as well as optimally in the field of view, yet not obstructing the forward view out. The compact controls and display for the automatic 2-zone air-conditioning also follow suit, angled towards the driver.

Overall, the interior is well built with a good mixture of high-quality materials and solid plastics. The M Sport front seats are comfortable on long journeys too.

Thanks to the new front-wheel drive platform, there is an increase in all-around roominess for all occupants as well as a larger boot at 380 litres.

BMW 1 Series – Features

The BMW 1 Series features a Comfort access system with a start/stop button plus a smartphone wireless charging system. Inside the BMW M135i xDrive, heavily bolstered M Sport front seats are electrically operated and finished in Dakota leather. These are then paired with seatbelts subtly inserted with the tri-colour from the BMW M logo.

In typical BMW fashion, the headliner is in black Anthracite. The dashboard and doors of the BMW 1 Series have new backlit trim strips. The trim pieces called Illuminated Boston retain their normal appearance in daylight, but function as ambient lighting with a space-shaping effect in the dark. There are six colours to select from to create an accompanying mood in the cabin.

Safety

There are six airbags in the BMW 1 Series. Included in the BMW M135i xDrive’s Driving Assistance suite is the front collision warning with brake intervention, lane departure warning, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert and collision prevention.

A rear-view camera is also included as well as BMW’s Reversing Assist, where the vehicle ‘remembers’ the final 50 metres of forward movement with steering input and then able to repeat the exact in the reverse direction. The feature is useful when you intend to exit from your parking spot that has narrow and long pathways or a dead end.

Infotainment

The BMW M135i xDrive comes with the BMW Navigation System Professional and 10.25-inch touch-sensitive display. Users can customise the contents of the main display screen, displaying personalized information in up to four quarters (or widgets) such as including the sport display with audio, weather and cruising information.

The iDrive controller can still be used, as well as gesture control and voice via Intelligent Personal Assistant. In the BMW M135i xDrive, occupants can enjoy their favourite tunes played over the Harman/Kardon surround sound system with 464 watts of audio power and a total of 16 speakers.

Smartphone connectivity is only limited to Apple CarPlay but BMW adds the BMW Digital Key function exclusive for iPhone owners. The Digital Key allows iPhone users to unlock the doors and start the BMW M135i xDrive without the presence of the physical keyfob.

The BMW M135i xDrive is also fitted with Active Sound Design, where the system amplifies the actual sound from the engine and plays accordingly into the speakers to further enhance the driving pleasure.

BMW 1 Series – Powertrain

Engine

In the RM355,646.25 BMW M135i xDrive lies BMW’s most powerful four-cylinder engine. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine generates 306 hp at 5,000 to 6,250 rpm and 450 Nm of torque from 1,750 to 4,500 rpm. The engine has been upgraded with a reinforced crankshaft, larger diameter bearings, a larger turbocharger and increased cooling capacity.

Transmission

In the BMW M135i xDrive, the transmission is an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission with shift paddles and Launch Control function. The transmission fluid also has its own oil cooling circuit, independent from the engine coolant system.

To properly channel all the driving force, the front axle is also fitted with Torsen limited-slip differential (LSD). An electronic version is also added to control the slip between the front wheels called EDLC or electronic differential lock control.

Chassis

The biggest change when moving from the F20 BMW 1 Series to the new F40 BMW 1 Series is the layout of the engine, switching from the brand’s signature rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive. Even without the structural central hump, the bending and torsional stiffness of the bodyshell is better than the predecessor.

The BMW M135i xDrive is fitted with M Sport suspension and M Sport steering with its more direct ratio and even sharper response.

A new electronic traction control system is featured in the new F40 BMW 1 Series. This system called ARB controls the wheel slips ten times quicker and more sensitively as the controller unit is placed directly in the engine control unit rather than in the stability control unit, accurately adjusting engine torque rather than using the brakes to match the grip levels.

Drivetrain

The F40 BMW 1 Series is now a front-wheel drive premium hatchback. However, in the range-topping RM355,646.25 BMW M135i xDrive, xDrive all-wheel drive system is fitted as standard to intelligently shuffle power between the front and rear wheels. The xDrive’s control system can lock up the rear multi-plate clutch to deliver a 50-50 equal torque but that is an uncommon occasion, as it dynamically adjusts the power to the rear wheels.

BMW 1 Series – Driving Performance

The BMW M135i xDrive with 306 PS and 450 Nm of torque can complete the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in just 4.8 seconds, where Launch Control mode is also available. The top speed is limited to 250 km/h.

It weighs a hefty 1,600 kg, more than a G20 BMW 330i sedan. But the clever BMW tuning as well as all the new electronic and mechanical traction control mean the new BMW M135i xDrive is incredibly agile and fun to drive.

On the limit, it certainly is different from its predecessor that has its rear axle more alive. The new 1 Series has a better front-end grip than many of its rivals, even in the 450 Nm M135i xDrive. Torque-steer is only found on the most extreme steering angle and full mashing of the throttle. Once the wheels return closer to neutral, the xDrive bites the rear wheels hard, catapulting the hatchback out of corners with tremendous thrust.

Praise to the 8-speed sports traditional automatic too. It offers fast-changing shifts and paired with well-timed and smooth auto-blipping downshifts.

BMW 1 Series – Ride Comfort

The ride is at the harsher end of the scale, courtesy of the non-adaptive M Sport suspension in the BMW M135i xDrive. Occupants will notice the lack of damping compression, especially on continuously uneven roads. However, on the highway, the interior is quiet, with all the road and wind noise while muted.

The fuel consumption of the 306 hp M135i xDrive is rated at 7.5 litres per 100 km (13.3 km/L).  

BMW 1 Series – Conclusion

The charm of the rear-wheel drive BMW 1 Series has diminished, at least in this latest generation. BMW Malaysia also changed the product strategy, where the old F20 BMW 118i was a great entry to the brand ownership and driving pleasure.

With the high price of RM355,646.25 (and of course accompanying technology and performance) of the BMW M135i xDrive, is it enough to attract and pull the appeal away from the Mercedes-AMG A35? Visually, it doesn’t, as the Mercedes has plenty of well placed aerodynamic sporty pieces.

However, dynamically, the BMW 1 Series still delivers plenty of driving pleasure that the brand is known for. The BMW 1 Series also feels more spacious and better built once you spend more time in it, rather than just browsing the photo gallery on your smartphone.