Body Design

The BMW 1 Series might be an all-new model in the company’s line-up, but the heritage of the marque shines through.

Unmistakable BMW features such as the double headlights, kidney grille and Hofmeister kink are all present.

Sitting on a wheelbase of 2,660mm and with short overhangs, 737mm front and 830mm rear, the 1 Series has an air of the BMW Z4 and historic M Roadster about it.

The striking lines cut a swathe through the air too with the aerodynamic body of the 1 Series helping to post a class-leading drag co-efficient of 0.29 (116i).

Visually its dimensions and styling are almost coupé-like, but internally the car is capacious with the height from the seat base to the roof lining measuring 963mm in the front and 967mm in the rear, providing ample headroom for tall passengers.

Another clear benefit of the front-engine, rear-drive layout is that the driver will also appreciate accelerator, brake and clutch pedals that are centrally located and not offset compared to its front-wheel drive competitors.

Chassis

Thanks to the car’s svelte 1,205kgs overall weight (116i), delivered through the use of aluminium parts, the 1 Series delivers on its promises.

Much of the front suspension and subframe are made of aluminium along with the axle, suspension struts and pivot bearings. At the rear, BMW’s pioneering five-link rear suspension is fitted for optimum ride quality. By replacing the traditional double wishbone arrangement with a version of the five-link set-up employed on the 5 and 6 Series, engineers have been able to subtly alter the toe-in, toe-out and camber angles for increased cornering ability.

For drivers wanting an even sportier ride, the new BMW 1 Series can be specified with sports suspension that lowers the car by a further 15mm. This not only gives the car a more aggressive stance but also adds to the performance characteristics by giving a more agile ride.

Interiors

The BMW 1 Series offers superior comfort on up to five seats. With its split rear seat bench folding down as required and luggage compartment capacity ranging from 330–1,150 litres, this five-door compact is perfectly suited also for unusual transport requirements.

Opening up to a height of 1.80 metres or almost 6 feet, the tailgate allows particularly convenient and comfortable loading and unloading, opening either by remote control or by means of the rear lid handle complete with an integrated BMW logo.

Load capacity of up to 500 kg or 1,100 lb as well as a high standard of variability in the luggage compartment enhance the car’s practical benefits, just as the numerous storage compartments, the double floor beneath the luggage compartment and the power socket* in the rear compartment offer additional amenities.

The BMW 1 Series is the first car in its class to feature a partition net preventing luggage and other items stowed in the rear from sliding forwards and endangering the car’s occupants when the driver applies the brakes all-out.

The seats in the BMW 1 Series ensure superior comfort also on long distances and a safe, secure seating position. Various adjustment options taking even particularly tall or short passengers into account and even including adjustment of the steering wheel for reach and height, make it far easier to find one’s ideal seating position.

A distinct reference to the car’s sporting aspirations sits on the dashboard, with its standard Z8-style starter button. Pressing the button after inserting the new-style key fires up the technologically advanced four-cylinder engines.

The newly-designed key retains the advanced Key Memory feature common to all BMWs. Courtesy of a microchip located inside the key, the 1 Series recognises which of the two keys supplied with the car is being used and alters door mirrors, air conditioning, radio and electric seat settings accordingly.

A further unique feature exclusive to the BMW 1 Series within the compact class is the special arrangement of the gas, brake and clutch pedals. With the engine of the 1 Series being fitted lengthwise, the pedals come right in front of the driver’s seat and do not have to be moved out of their ideal position slightly to the right, as is otherwise the case in cars with the engine fitted crosswise. This again enables the driver of the 1 Series to find his or her optimum seating position ideal for active motoring, without suffering any particular body tension or unpleasantness even on long distances.

Further personalisation is possible, with the owner able to specify the interior in either fabric upholstery or optional leather. Optional sports seats, derived from those in the M3, provide the 1 Series driver with the ability to adjust the side bolsters for the optimum lateral support. Again, further recognition of the 1 Series as a driver’s car. In the rear, boot capacity is 330-litres with the seats raised and with the rear seats spilt 60:40, the virtually flat load floor offers 1,150 litres of storage space.

(Source: BMW)