BMW slashes 1 Series prices

BMW Australia has cut up to $3500 from the price of its 1 Series line-up, which will match the base price of its most direct new rivals in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Audi A3 Sportback.

All three small premium five-door hatchbacks now start from $35,600, following a $1700 price cut for the entry-level 100kW/220Nm 1.6-litre 116i petrol – down $1700 from $37,300.

At the other end of the 1 Series spectrum, the range-topping M135i 3.0-litre turbo-six hot hatch can now be had for $68,400 plus on-road costs - $3500 less than before ($68,400).

In between, the 125kW/250Nm 1.6-litre petrol 118i and 105kW/320Nm 2.0-litre diesel 118d now both cost $42,500 plus ORCs, representing $700 and $1400 price reductions respectively.

The only 1 Series to increase in price is the 160kW/310Nm 2.0-litre 125i, which is $1400 more expensive at $47,500 plus ORCs.

Apart from matching the entry price point of the A3 and A-Class, the 1 Series line-up will come with a simplified options list and extra standard equipment across the range, which BMW represents more than $5000 of added value.

Effective from July production, the revised 1 Series (due in showrooms in September), will include an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard across the range, with 125i and M135i models featuring a sport auto with launch control as standard.

In addition, the base 116i will gain upgraded ‘sensatec’ upholstery and rear parking sensors, while 118i, 118d and 125i variants add the same new seat trim and Business navigation with high-res 6.5-inch screen, iDrive controller and extended smartphone connectivity including voice control and Bluetooth audio streaming.

The 125i will also score 18-inch double-spoke alloys and Sport line trim, including sports front seats, a leather-clad sports steering wheel and exclusive High-Gloss red-accented black interior and exterior trims.

The M135i gains the most extra kit, including front/rear parking sensors and Professional navigation, including integrated touch controller function and internet functionality.

A revised 1 Series options list packages the most popular extras into packages, starting with the 116i-only Convenience Package comprising rain-sensing wipers, anti-dazzle interior mirror and extended smartphone connectivity.

The Advanced Parking Package combines automatic parking with front parking sensors and a reversing camera, while the Visibility Package combines bi-xenon headlights with headlight washers, high-beam assistance, adaptive headlights (excluding 116i) and anti-dazzle exterior mirrors.

The Premium Sound Package includes a Harman/Kardon sound system with DAB digital radio, while the Professional Multimedia Package brings together professional navigation, internet functionality, an upgraded instrument cluster, Harman/Kardon sound system and DAB radio.

Finally, the Comfort Package offers the comfort access system, electric front seats with memory, heating and powered lumbar support, while stand-alone options like metallic paint, sunroof, leather upholstery and though-loading system remain available.

“This revision has resulted in over $5000 of added value for the dynamic 1 Series hatch, in some cases much more, which means the entry point into the BMW brand has never been better value,” said BMW Group Australia Managing Director Phil Horton.

BMW 1 Series hatch pricing (plus on-road costs):

116i -- $35,600 (was $37,300)
118i -- $42,500 (was $43,200)
118d -- $42,500 (was $43,900)
125i -- $47,500 (was $46,100)
M1351 -- $64,900 (was $68,400)

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