2020 BMW 1-Series: New A-Class Rival Shows Us All Its Secrets

BMW is currently holding the press launch event of the new 1-Series and it dropped a massive image gallery, detailing not only the range-topping M135 but the more accessible (and popular, as far as sales are concerned) 118d as well.

The main thing of the all-new 1-Series is, of course, the switch from rear- to front-wheel drive. While not a few BMW fans were dismayed by this, the truth remains that the vast majority of the 1-Series’ target audience will never even notice it.

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

What they will notice is the much improved space in the cabin, an area where the previous generation (and the one before that…) was lacking badly. The new 1-Series now offers an extra 19 mm of head room, 33 mm of legroom and 13 mm of elbow room for the rear passengers, bringing it closer to the competition.

The dash is hosting the latest tech BMW has to offer, including the Operating System 7.0 complete with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display for the infotainment and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. There’s also the option of a massive 9.2-inch head-up display too.

European customers will be offered a choice between two petrol and three diesel engines at the initial launch phase. The base petrol 118i is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder with 138hp (140PS) and 162lb-ft (240Nm) of torque, paired to a six-speed manual transmission as standard or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic as an option.

The range-topping M135i xDrive utilizes a turbocharged 2.0-liter four with 302hp (306PS) and 331lb-ft (450Nm) of torque, paired to an eight-speed automatic. BMW claims 4.8 seconds for the 0-62mph (100km/h) run and a 155mph (250km/h) top speed.

The diesel range kicks off with the 116d, which uses a three-cylinder 1.5-liter with 114hp and 199lb-ft (270Nm). Next up is the 118d, which gets a 2.0-liter four with 147hp (150PS) and 258lb-ft (350Nm), while the 120d xDrive gets the same engine, only with 187hp (190PS) and 295lb-ft (400Nm) of torque and an eight-speed auto as standard, whereas the 116d and 118d come with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch.