New BMW 1 Series priced

BMW Australia has released pricing and specification details for the new BMW 1 Series hatchback, which is due in showrooms from October.

Boasting a new front-drive architecture, the third-generation 1 Series will be priced from $42,990 plus on-road costs in Australia for the BMW 118i, extending to $63,990 plus ORCsfor the more powerful, all-wheel drive M135i xDrive hot hatch variant.

The news confirms a $4000 increase in entry price over the previous 118i base model ($38,990) and a $4000 spike over the sought-after M140i hot hatch ($59,990).

For comparison, cross-town rival Mercedes-Benz prices its entry A-Class almost identically from $42,900 plus ORCs, while the spicier Mercedes-AMG A 35 chimes in at $67,200 plus ORCs.

The 2020 BMW 1 Series promises greater space and more technology than its predecessor, owed in part to its transverse-engined underpinnings.

Sitting on an almost identical footprint, the new 1 Series is 5mm shorter, 34mm wider and 13mm higher than the model it replaces -- proportions which have liberated more interior space despite a 30kg reduction in weight.

A larger interpretation of BMW’s kidney grille adorns a reworked front-end, complemented by large front air intakes and more muscular appearance. Inside, BMW’s 7.0 infotainment system drives two 10.25-inch screens conveying the car’s infotainment, climate, navigation and other settings.

All in all, there’s an additional 33mm in leg room and 19mm head room in the rear seat, while elbow room has increased 42mm and 13mm in the front and rear respectively. Luggage capacity has also increased 20 litres to 380 litres overall, the boot now accessed via an optional electric tailgate.

The entry model 118i ($42,990) employs a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol three-cylinder engine that produces 103kW and 220Nm, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission  as standard and delivering a claimed 0-100km/h time of 8.5 seconds.

The entry model receives an M Sport steering wheel and sport seats, cloth/Sensatec upholstery and Anthracite headliner as standard. Other features include 18-inch alloy wheels, reversing camera and parking sensors, a one-year Apple CarPlay subscription (an annual fee thereafter), wireless phone charging, ambient lighting, six-speaker sound system and LED headlights and tail-lights.

On the safety front, the 118i boasts a head-up display, autonomous emergency braking, parking assistant, lane change warning, lane departure warning and approach control warning, rear cross traffic warning and rear collision prevention.

Sitting atop the BMW 1 Series line-up for now is the M135ixDrive ($63,990). Its 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol four delivers 225kW and 450Nm, driving all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic. The all-paw grip helps net a claimed 0-100km/h time of 4.8 seconds.

The flagship adds M Sport brakes, M Sport steering, an M rear spoiler, 19-inch alloy wheels, Keyless entry, M Sport seats with electric seat adjustment, adaptive headlights and harman/kardon 16-speaker sound.

Naturally, optional packages abound. For $2900, an Enhancement Package adds metallic paint and a panoramic sunroof, 19-inch wheels (118i) and active cruise control with stop and go function (M135xDrive).

A Comfort Package (118i: $2300; M135i xDrive: $923) brings seat warmers and lumbar support, keyless entry and electric seat adjustment (118i) and steering wheel heating (M135i).

Those wanting to spice up their 118i can also opt for a $2100 M Sport Plus package bringing M Sport seats, M rear spoiler, M seat belts, M sports steering and M Sport brakes.

Both BMW 1 Series variants are backed by a three-year/100,000km warranty and will be offered with servicing packages paid at the time of purchase.

Keep an eye out for our first drive impression on local soil around October.

How much is the 2020 BMW 1 Series?
118i -- $42,990
M135i xDrive -- $63,990
* Prices exclude on-road costs