2020 BMW 1-Series Priced From £24,430 OTR In The UK

BMW UK has announced the pricing and range details of the 2020 1-Series, its shiny new weapon against the Mercedes A-Class and Audi A3 in the compact premium class.

Customers will get to choose between three diesel and two petrol engines initially, starting with the 118i, which is priced from £24,430.

Power for the base version of the new 1-Series comes from a revised turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol unit, which now produces slightly more power at 138hp (140PS) and 162lb-ft (220Nm) of torque and less CO2 emissions, from 114g/km.

Also Read: New BMW 1-Series Is FWD And Looks Just Like The X2

BMW claims a 0-62mph (100km/h) in 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 132mph (212km/h) for the base petrol 1-Series, which comes paired either to a standard six-speed manual or a new, optional, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Those interested in the range-topping M135i xDrive will have to shell out at least £36,430. The hottest derivative of the range is powered by the newly developed turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 302hp (306PS) and 332lb-ft (450Nm) of torque, and is mated exclusively to an improved eight-speed automatic.

According to BMW, the new M135i xDrive needs 4.8 seconds to sprint to 62 mph (100 km/h); top speed is capped at 155mph (250km/h) and CO2 emissions are rated from 155g/km.

The diesel range consists of the 116d, 118d and the 120d xDrive. The base oil-burner is powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder with 114hp (116PS) and 199lb-ft (270Nm) of torque, while the other two come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Power is rated at 147hp (150PS) and 258lb-ft (350Nm) for the 118d and 187hp (190PS) and 295lb-ft (400Nm) for the 120d, which is offered only with the eight-speed automatic transmission.

The big headline for the all-new 1-Series is of course the compact model’s switch to front-wheel drive. This might not have sat well with BMW enthusiasts at first, but it means that the third generation compact Bimmer now poses as a much more rounded proposal in a very competitive segment.

BMW says that despite having an almost identical footprint with its predecessor, the new 1-Series offers a significantly roomier cabin, with an extra 33mm of knee room available for the rear passengers.

UK customers will get to choose between three equipment lines: SE, Sport and M Sport. SE models feature matt black grilles, while the Sport trim adds model-specific air inlets in high-gloss black and a chrome-framed kidney grille. M Sport models can be distinguished by the aero kit and the satin aluminum struts on the grille while the range-topping M135i features an exclusive -and more aggressive- bodykit.

The new BMW 1-Series is available to order from May 28 in the UK, with the first customer deliveries expected this September.