If you can’t get enough of the new F40 BMW 1 Series, the German carmaker has released more photos of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class rival following the international media launch of the model.
On show are two variants, with the first being the range-topping M135i xDrive, which features the same powertrain as the X2 M35i. Under the bonnet is the BMW Group’s most powerful four-cylinder engine, a B48 2.0 litre turbocharged unit with 306 PS (302 hp) and 450 Nm of torque.
The mill is paired with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel drive system, which is good for a zero to 100 km/h time of 4.8 seconds and 250 km/h top speed. The direct rival to the M135i xDrive is the Mercedes-AMG A 35 4Matic, which has 306 PS (302 hp) and 400 Nm, with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
For something much milder, the car finished in white is the 118d, which is specified with the Sport Line package. Unlike the full M Sport get-up on the M135i, the Sport Line is fitted with a bumper that features two “tusks” at the front that frame the fog lamps and Air Breathers.
Around the back, the Sport Line also loses out on the prominent diffuser found on M Sport cars. Other packages available for the 1 Series include the Advantage, Luxury and of course, the M Sport.
In 118d guise, the engine is an oil-burning 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 150 PS (147 hp) and 350 Nm. While the base diesel motor comes with a six-speed manual as standard, this particular car is fitted with the optional eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.
As a recap, the 1 Series has shifted to a front-wheel drive platform, resulting in some changes to the dimensions. The new model is now five mm shorter compared to the F20 at 4,319 mm. Additionally, the width is now 1,799 mm (+34 mm), the height now measures 1,434 mm (+13 mm), while the wheelbase has shrunk by 20 mm to 2,670 mm.
The new platform also sees improvements in terms of spaciousness, as there’s now 33 mm more kneeroom and 19 mm more headroom in the rear. Better elbowroom is available to both front (+42 mm) and rear (+13 mm) passengers. Luggage space is also up by 20 litres to 380 litres, or 1,200 litres when the rear seat bench is folded down.
Meanwhile, the interior is also a significant step up from before, with available equipment being the Live Cockpit Professional system, ambient lighting, a wide variety of upholstery and trims, three speaker setups, a head-up display, and many more.
Are you looking forward to the arrival of the new 1er in Malaysia? Do you prefer it to the latest A-Class? Go through the photos, and let us know in the comments below.
F40 BMW M135i xDrive
F40 BMW 118d Sport Line
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Look like a facelifted 2 series gran tourer to me…
M135i,and the BMW X2 M35i will sell more here.
Waiting for that joker to come here and say his Myvi is better than this car.
myvi is better than this car..definitely
myvi fc is better than this car..definitely
BMW 118i – 13.5km/l
Myvi 1.5Adv – 13.5km/l
Really? And the Beemer FC rating is measured with the stricter NEDC cycle. So the 118i FC would return better results compared to Myvi. So how definite is your ‘definitely’?
Doesn’t look as premium as new Mazda 3 on the inside. Even not as handsome outside, with the big nose.
Omg! Definitely ‘chunner’ than the A class!
this is awful