BMW’s 1-Series range is about to get a facelift, arriving shortly after the new generation of the related 2-Series Active Tourer and X1. Our spy photographers captured two prototypes of the facelifted five-door hatch in regular and M135i xDrive form, while also giving us our first look inside the cabin.
The Update 1 Series debuted last February, with the M135i xDrive hot hatch variant introduced in April. The camouflage manages to hide most of the details, but we can still see new faces, including more rounded headlights, a new grille, and redesigned front and rear bumpers that round out the look.
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Unlike the M135i xDrive (below) with its quad tailpipes, the entry-level trim of the facelifted 1 Series (above) has no visible tailpipes.
Naturally, the smaller variant has a different body kit from the hotter M135i, easily distinguishable by the larger-diameter wheels and quad tailpipes. The latter will be a common feature of all new models in the M Performance range, although it was previously reserved for full-fledged M cars.
What’s more, the 1 Series will benefit from the addition of BMW’s curved display, or in other words, the Bavarian automaker’s latest digital cockpit. The similar 2 Series Active Tourer has a 10.7-inch infotainment touchscreen with iDrive8 software and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster that will likely be carried over by the five-door hatchback. The centre console has been redesigned with a new transmission selector and the cylindrical BMW Drive controls have been omitted.
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The interior of the facelifted BMW 1 Series (above) is still covered up, but we can still see a similar layout to the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (below).
In addition to styling tweaks and new technology upgrades inside, the facelift is expected to bring more ADAS features borrowed from the larger BMW model. The third-generation BMW compact hatchback based on the UKL-FAAR platform is likely to get a revised chassis setup and a cleaner engine since 2019, although there’s still no info on specs.
BMW could expand its plug-in hybrid range with a new variant of the 1 Series, similar to the outgoing X1’s xDrive25e. An all-electric i1 has been rumored since 2019, but there’s no sign of an EV prototype yet. However, the upcoming BMW iX1 proves that the platform is compatible with zero-emission powertrains. In any case, the M135i xDrive will maintain its leadership in performance. The current version features a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produces 302 hp (225 kW/306 hp), while an eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels.
The facelifted BMW 1 Series range is expected to launch in 2023. Until then, we’ll be keeping an eye out for more spy shots of the prototypes, which will start to shed their camouflage as we get closer to their debut. Interestingly, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the strongest rival of the BMW 1 Series that keeps pace with the Audi A3, is also about to undergo a facelift.
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