SPIED: Next-gen BMW 1 Series shows its new interior

The next-generation BMW 1 Series has been sighted yet again, and this time, our spy photographers managed to grab a few shots of the car’s interior. Although large sections of the cabin are under wraps, we are still able to see quite a bit of details.

For starters, there are two digital displays – one for the instrument cluster and the other for the iDrive infotainment system. The latter appears to be a lot larger than the one in the current F20, and it is stacked on top of the air-conditioning vents and switchgear for the climate control and infotainment system.

On the other hand, the driver-dedicated display is a step up from before, and will likely be configurable to show vehicle instrumentation, navigation and infotainment functions.

Also located in front of the driver is a new steering wheel design, with a hexagonal boss in the middle compared to the F20’s circle, and four spokes. The steering wheel also gets an assortment of buttons on it, for the car’s audio and cruise control systems.

Elsewhere, the centre console has been tidied up, with the iDrive controller now positioned closer to the curiously stubby-looking gearshift. Also sharing the same real estate is the switchgear for the car’s electronic parking brake and drive mode selector.

From the outside, the prototype doesn’t look that much different from the one we posted back in May. The new 1 Series will reportedly ride on the UKL platform, which underpins other BMW Group products such as the 2 Series Active Tourer and 2 Series Gran Tourer, along with the MINI range of models.

Front- and all-wheel drive powertrains will be part of the 1 Series line-up, paired with a range of three- and four-cylinder engines in both petrol and diesel forms. As a plug-in hybrid powertrain is already available for BMW models riding on the UKL platform, the 1 Series could follow suit as well.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.