The official launch film for the latest-generation BMW 1-Series has been released, focusing exclusively on the sporty M135i model.
BMW is clearly quite keen to promote the youthful personality of the 1-Series and the clip shows it being driven in a number of different urban environments before it’s taken to some more exotic areas and ultimately driven to a racetrack. While we wouldn’t go as far as saying that the 1-Series is any kind of track car, the M135i certainly has a number of things going for it in the performance department.
Sitting at the heart of the range-topping model in the family is a potent 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 302 hp. Whereas the rest of the new 1-Series family has moved from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive, the sporty variant also losses rear-wheel drive but makes up for that with all-wheel drive. BMW says the vehicle can reach 62 mph (100 km/h) in a brisk 4.8 seconds.
Also Read: 2020 BMW 1-Series Priced From £24,430 OTR In The UK
Customers in Europe will have three diesel engines and two petrol versions to choose from. The diesel range consists of the 116d, the 118d, and the 120d xDrive while the 118i is the sole petrol model not affixed with an ‘M’ badge. The 116d, 118d, and 118i models all come standard with a six-speed manual transmission whereas the M135i will be sold exclusively with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport gearbox.
BMW didn’t just overhaul the exterior of the new 1-Series but also made a number of significant interior upgrades. For example, there is the latest BMW Operating System 7.0 with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. The car also features a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster while a 9.2-inch BMW Head-Up Display is an optional extra.