F40 BMW 1 Series launching in Malaysia on July 24

It looks like we are set to welcome the all-new F40 BMW 1 Series really soon, as BMW Malaysia has teased the W177 Mercedes-Benz A-Class rival on its official social media accounts. We really mean soon, as an official launch date has been set for July 24, which is tomorrow!

The third-generation 1 Series first made its global premiere back in May 2019, marking a big shift for the model as it now rides on a front-wheel drive platform for the first time, specifically the FAAR (Frontantriebsarchitektur). This is different from the first two generations, which adopted a rear-wheel drive layout instead, but BMW says there are benefits to be had with this change.

The new architecture allows for 33 mm more kneeroom and 19 mm more headroom in the rear, while elbowroom is improved by 42 mm at the front and 13 mm at the rear. As for dimensions, the new 1er 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. It’s also lighter by some 30 kg, while boasting improved rigidity.

You won’t mistake the new 1er for any of its predecessors, as the switch to a transverse engine layout results in a shorter bonnet, giving the car less of a “bread van” look than before. For a better look at what’s new, BMW has already released a helpful comparison video, where we get to see the F40’s redesigned headlamps, a conjoined kidney grille, sleeker taillights and modernised interior.

In terms of variants, it looks like we will be getting the 1 Series in its range-topping M135i xDrive guise, based on what is shown in the teaser video. This uses BMW Group’s most powerful four-cylinder engine: a B48 2.0 litre turbocharged unit that develops 306 PS (302 hp) and 450 Nm, paired with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system. The M135i xDrive takes just 4.8 seconds to complete the zero to 100 km/h, with an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.

Should that be the case, it will go up against the Mercedes-AMG A 35 4Matic that is offered in both hatchback and sedan body styles. Performance-wise, the A 35 takes 4.7 seconds (hatchback) or 4.8 seconds (sedan) to complete the century sprint, both with the same 250 km/h top speed. Like the BMW, the A 35 cars feature a 2.0 litre turbo four-pot with 306 PS (302 hp) and 400 Nm and all-wheel drive, but with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission instead.

In other markets, the 1 Series comes in a few diesel variants and a lesser 118i with a B38 1.5 litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol unit rated at 140 PS (138 hp) and 220 Nm of torque. This can be paired to either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed torque converter Steptronic automatic.

With a launch date set, the only missing details are the exact specifications that we will get and most importantly, pricing. We clearly won’t need to wait long for an answer, but in the meantime, would you pick the new 1 Series over the A-Class? Discuss in the comments below.

GALLERY: F40 BMW M135i xDrive

GALLERY: F40 BMW 118i Sport Line

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Gerard Lye

Originating from the corporate world with a background in finance and economics, Gerard’s strong love for cars led him to take the plunge into the automotive media industry. It was only then did he realise that there are more things to a car than just horsepower count.

 

Comments

  • M & B on Jul 23, 2020 at 1:24 pm

    Finally new 1 Series has just arrived!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 0
  • Dayum on Jul 23, 2020 at 1:31 pm

    Good looking car

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 3
  • zalrasyad on Jul 23, 2020 at 1:37 pm

    M135i for me anyday. problem is I prefer the A Class’ face but in terms of rear I prefer the 1 series lol. I hope we get the M135i tho. BMW malaysia needs to respond after MBM launched the full compact AMG lineup (CLA45S, A45S, A35 hatchback & sedan)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 1
  • Bieight on Jul 23, 2020 at 1:48 pm

    Spec it with power boot because power boot is extremely important

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 6
  • Hpjet on Jul 23, 2020 at 2:02 pm

    (Like) BMW 1 series
    (Dislike) Mercedes Benz GLA

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 20 Thumb down 7
  • ThePolygon on Jul 23, 2020 at 2:05 pm

    Sadly looks like an old designed car.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 17
  • seancorr (Member) on Jul 23, 2020 at 2:11 pm

    There’s just the base 118i and the top dog M135i for sale globally. No mid tier model yet. Should throw in their 2.0 engine for the 120/125i range to compete with the A250.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 3
  • M135i same engine as 330i M RM 280k, with the same top speed.
    Supposed to be cheaper with smaller chasis and interior too.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
    • Datuk R on Jul 23, 2020 at 4:21 pm

      I smell you want to push price up. Then like that markup sell at RM280k max

      Same top speed. Chasis also not upgraded
      Handling and interior cannot match AMG A35, track race ready

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • Win10 on Jul 23, 2020 at 2:21 pm

    So looking cool

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 2
  • Intel on Jul 23, 2020 at 2:28 pm

    Comfort, performance and handling for this F40 have higher rating

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • Good competitng. Conform this as Ckd

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 2
  • Sell here pre-reg priced below RM 180K.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
  • E.Eng on Jul 23, 2020 at 2:40 pm

    If a stick shift is available, most definitely. The only way to really drive a car.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 2
  • M & B on Jul 23, 2020 at 2:41 pm

    Great job SD BMW

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 2
  • quickly buy up all the F20, future classic, the last RWD hatchback

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
    • Kidney Grille on Jul 23, 2020 at 6:30 pm

      For this Kidney Grill, dont need to Sell 1 kidney to buy 1.

      https://paultan.org/2017/02/01/bmw-118i-m-sport-launched-in-malaysia-rm189k/

      118i M RWD 8.7s RM189k also nobody buy.
      M135i 2020 – Australia selling RM 190k only

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 6
      • M & B on Jul 24, 2020 at 11:02 am

        Seriously you mean you say nobody wants to buy this? You’re wrong. This looks like girls car to me. So young women will go for it because this looks so sporty with best performance.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
        • Not only girls like it, guys too. Is X1 better than GLA in most aspects of it, be it specs, comfort, fuel consumption or ride?

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • James on Jul 23, 2020 at 4:17 pm

    Top Gear ugliest hot hatch award arriving.. phewwit

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 15
  • Mohamad Amirull Ameer Abdullah on Jul 23, 2020 at 5:18 pm

    Nice and good car.. But, i prefer on AMG35 due to best performance, infotainment and comfortable…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 6
    • Pororo on Jul 24, 2020 at 11:55 am

      If uses M135i, you may also not know that M135i also have better performance and infortainment. Should try one.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • 25yrsOld on Jul 23, 2020 at 6:22 pm

    the TradeMark BMW Kidney Grille
    hugely emphasized at a Small Hatchback.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Monana on Jul 23, 2020 at 8:37 pm

    I can guarantee, there will be NO driver assistance features. AEB? Dont think so!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • Semi-Value (Member) on Jul 23, 2020 at 11:21 pm

    fwd and ugly looking junk.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 7
  • Jia Ren on Jul 24, 2020 at 12:28 am

    Good power with even more excitement

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • Seems like LCI 5 Series also coming soon in Malaysia

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Birdie on Jul 24, 2020 at 12:51 am

    1 series on the way here

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • E-View on Jul 24, 2020 at 2:03 am

    If I ever pay around 200k for a three-cylinder (118 model) car I would never forgive myself. This is a complete loser against A200 in terms of engine and interior.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 6
 

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