SPY PICS: Styling tweaks for BMW 1 Series

There’s a facelift on the way for the BMW 1 Series, as evidenced by these images of the hot M135i xDrive variant snapped by our spy photographers undergoing real-world testing in its native Germany.

It’s hard to ascertain many details about the BMW hatchback’s refreshed design because it’s wrapped in thick and elaborate camouflage, but we can see the headlights, front and rear bumpers and alloy wheel design will all be changed, although it remains to be seen whether the rather smiley look of the current model remains.

This particular vehicle’s identity as the flagship M135i hot hatch is alluded to by its aggressive quad exhaust outlets, integrated roof spoiler, M-branded alloys and the big brake package peeking out from behind them.

Our European sources suggest the new 1 Series will debut before the end of the year and will be followed in 2023 by a facelifted BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe.

There’s been no word yet on whether any changes will be made to the premium small car’s powertrain line-up, which in Australia at least currently comprises only three- and four-cylinder turbo-petrol engines.

A power bump for the M135i could see it rebranded as the M140i (xDrive) as per previous generations when force-fed six-cylinders lurked under the bonnet and drive was sent to the rear wheels.

For reference, the current version’s 2.0-litre turbo develops 225kW/450Nm while the Volkswagen Golf GTI-baiting BMW 128ti chucks out 180kW/380Nm.

Rumour has it that a plug-in hybrid system from the new-generation BMW X1 line-up (at least in Europe) could also make its way across to the hatch portfolio as new mid-range variant, but we won’t hold our breaths on that one.

Related: Updated BMW M135i xDrive gets chassis refresh

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