Now eclipsed in sales by its German rivals, the BMW 1 Series wants to return to the throne among premium compacts. For this, it is already preparing its new generation.
The BMW 1 Series may not be at its best. According to the latest data from ANFAC, the German compact now occupies third place in our country in sales so far this year with its traditional rivals. Both the Mercedes A-Class, the leader, and the Audi A3, surpass it quite clearly, while in its range it is the third best-selling BMW car, already surpassed by the X1 and X2 SUVs.
Even so, the importance of the 1 Series in the BMW range is vital and the brand is already working on its renewal. Although this will not arrive until next year, already in 2023, the compact begins to be seen on the Internet through camouflaged photographs that show that the test prototypes are already rolling in the testing phase. The last units to be seen could even point to the return of the sporty M140i variant, with very striking quad exhaust outlets.
BMW 1 SERIES 2023: DESIGN CHANGES
Aesthetically, the new BMW 1 Series will also renew its design, betting on a new front and adopting features already seen in the brand’s latest models, such as the 2 Series Active Tourer. The optics also point to a more rounded style, while at the rear a more pronounced and sporty roof is also sensed, with an oversized spoiler. The silhouette of the new BMW 1 Series also seems to show a slightly lowered and sportier body, with perhaps smaller brakes on its rear wheels.
Inside there are still no official or filtered images on how the BMW 1 Series will evolve, but all the information already indicates that its environment will be significantly updated, being able to host the latest iDrive 8 infotainment system. New software and new connectivity systems and driving assistance will complete the novelties.
A REDUCED RANGE
Mechanically, too much information about the future range of the BMW 1 Series is not yet known. But, as news, in addition to that targeted and possible return of the M140i, there has been a rumor in recent hours that the compact could already have a plug-in hybrid version. The 48V micro-hybrid technology would also be incorporated to a greater extent to obtain more efficient models with their thermal versions.
Finally, and as is already happening with the new X3, X4, or 8 Series, the new BMW 1 Series will bet on the new trend in the brand to reduce its range with the new updates. Thus, it is expected that the number of combinations of engines, transmissions, and finishes will be less than the current one. Very soon we will learn more information about one of the most anticipated cars for next year.
