New BMW 1 Series: Is the new BMW 1 Series really a step forward or just a cosmetic makeover?

When you look at the new one BMW 1 Series, you'll notice that the designers rolled up their sleeves this time. Long bonnet, the rear passenger cell and the prominent rear side remain characteristic BMW elements. The car has grown to 4,361 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width and 1,459 mm in height, giving it a more muscular look. The wheelbase remains 2,670 mm.

But is this evolution enough? It appears to be the front end of the car, with a low lying kidney and new ones LED headlights, perhaps too restrained. While the rear lights are reminiscent of a Peugeot, which is commendable, but is this what we expect from a BMW? They are still searching for their true design direction and it shows. To tell the truth, the car turns out to be more of an evolution of the existing one than a new generation.

The new BMW 1 Series brings several updates to the interior and exterior, although it remains on the same UKL2 platform. Models include the entry-level 118 and the high-end M135. The new design includes an elongated nose, black accents, square tailpipes and an improved front fascia. Inside is the new BMW OS 9 operating system with an integrated screen. The M135 has a revised 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 hp and an 8-speed transmission.

Interior: comfort with a touch of elegance

New inside BMW 1 Series offers superior comfort with some interesting solutions. Comfortable leather-free seats made from recycled materials offer long-term comfort. Veganza/Alcantara seats are part M Sport package and standard v M135 x Drive, which promises more sporting character.

Of course, digital displays are here to make life easier. 10.25-inch information screen and a 10.7-inch control screen replaces a bunch of buttons, which may delight or disappoint traditionalists. Maybe you are already tired of minimalism? However, we hope that the interface is simplified, which is a veritable maze of options. Of course, in the bad sense of the word.

New ones BMW 1 Series is equipped with the latest technologies, including systems for automated driving and parking. It includes collision warning, Lane Departure Warning and traffic sign recognition as standard. Optionally you can add Parking Assistant Professional, which enables parking management via smartphone.

Engines: Is this real progress?

BMW is promising a lot with the new engines, including 48-volt mild hybrid technology. The BMW 120 with a three-cylinder gasoline engine offers 170 hp and reaches 100 km/h 7.8 seconds. BMW 120d with a four-cylinder diesel engine, it offers 163 hp and reaches 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds. Top notch M135 xDrive with 300 hp, it promises an acceleration of up to 100 km/h 4.9 seconds.

These numbers are impressive, but is that really what we need in a compact car? Some might prefer to see an all-electric model, which would be more in line with modern sustainability trends. In this segment, a plug-in hybrid with at least 14 kWh a battery that would enable the journey to work and back. However, this is a segment where vehicles that should also perform such tasks are at home.

Conclusion: Is the BMW 1 Series really a new car? 

New ones BMW 1 Series is undoubtedly an interesting car with many improvements and technological advances. Its design is dynamic, if perhaps a bit confusing, and the interior offers superior comfort. Engines and driving characteristics are at a high level, but the all-electric version may be missing.

It will be new at the end of the day BMW 1 Series has certainly found its fans, but the question remains whether it will be real convinced all the skeptics. If you're looking for a sporty, technologically advanced compact car, this model is definitely worth a look. However, will it really stand out from the crowd? Time and, of course, your personal preferences will tell. The price range in Germany is between 33,000 and 60,000 euros, depending on equipment and accessories.