BMW has unveiled today the first two models in the second generation 1-Series: the Sport and Urban Line, two versions that will provide added scope for personalization using exclusive interior and exterior design features and equipment. For the new generation all the 1-Series models will be offered with new BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and also it will be the first car in the world in its segment with optional eight-speed automatic transmission.

For the new generation the 1-Series comes with increased dimensions: 85 millimeters longer, wheelbase 30 millimeters longer, front track 51 millimeters wider and rear track 72 millimeters wider that will all help the model to offer a better rear legroom. Also, new in the line-up is a 1.6-liter petrol engine with a total of 136 HP, while a 116 HP BMW 116d EfficientDynamics Edition will be launched in the near future.

Updated 06/06/2011: After revealing the first details on the new generation 1-Series this week-end, BMW has also brought a first commercial video for the new model. Enjoy.

Hit the jump to read more about the new generation BMW 1-Series.

Updated 11/04/2011: BMW has unveiled today a new video in which they explain how the new 1-Sereis is being built at its Leipzig plant. We hope you will enjoy the video!

2012 BMW 1-Series Sport and Urban Line

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 BMW 1-Series Sport and Urban Line
  • Engine/Motor: four-cylinder
  • Horsepower: 170@4800
  • Torque: 184@1500-4500
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

The exterior

The second generation 1-Series features a fresh and youthful design language that has been stylishly updated, with precision-moulded body surfaces and a modern, functional interior both underlining its premium status.

Like with all the other new BMW models, the new 1-Series is dominated by a large BMW kidney-shaped radiator grille, boldly shaped headlight units and three-section air intake. The new double-round headlights will be offered in combination with the optional bi-xenon headlights, that will create a strongly focused look, powerfully enhanced by the direction indicators set into the inner light rings of the headlights and an LED accent light.

Looked from the side, the new 1-Series is defined by a slightly sloping roof line, sporty, angled rear windscreen and flat side windows give the car a coupe-like feel. At the rear you will notice wide-opening, slightly concave tailgate and rear lights set well apart in order to create a strong horizontal emphasis that is heightened by their deep surrounds.

As an option customers will also be able to opt for xenon headlights, additional brake light set into the roof spoiler and a rear apron.

The Sport Line model will be distinguished by 16-inch star-spoke light-alloy wheels, black exhaust pipe end trim, and door sill finishers with "BMW Sport" lettering. The Urban Line model will get 16-inch V-spoke alloy wheels or optional 17-inch high-gloss white wheels with an angled surface, and white rear bumper trim.

The interior

The interior will add dynamic and forward-leaning lines and surfaces, combined with high-quality and precision-finished materials. Customers will have the possibility to opt for a an optional navigation system and the BMW Professional radio that includes a controller on the center console, favorites buttons and a freestanding flat screen monitor.

The BMW Sport Line package includes: sports seats with specific coverings, leather sports steering wheel with contrasting red stitching, a red keyclasp, adjustable armrests, high-gloss black interior trim and matt coral accent strips.

The Urban Line package will be distinguished by: specific cloth/leather seats, a leather sports steering wheel, adjustable armrests and contemporary acrylic glass interior trim.

Engine line-up

The engine line-up will include a choice of two latest-generation four-cylinder petrol engines and three radically redesigned four-cylinder diesel units.

The new engine in the line-up is the 1.6-liter petrol engine that will be used in the BMW 116i and BMW 118i models in combination with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. In the 118i model it delivers a total of 170 HP at 4,800 rpm, and a maximum torque of 184 lbs-ft between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm. It will sprint the car from 0 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, while top speed is 140 mph.

The 116i model delivers a total of 136 HP at 4,400 rpm and a maximum torque of 162 lbs-ft between 1,350 and 4, 300 rpm. It will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds, while top speed is 130 mph.

The diesel models will include: the 120d model with an output of 184 HP at 4,000 rpm and a peak torque of 280 lbs-ft between 1,750 and 2,750 rpm; the 118d with an output of 143 HP at 4,000 rpm, and maximum torque of 236 lbs-ft between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm and the 116d with an output of 116 HP at 4,000 rpm, and maximum torque of 191 lbs-ft between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm.

All the engine will be offered with a standard six-speed manual, but as an option BMW is also offering an eight-speed automatic transmission that is offering fast, smooth gear changes and excellent fuel efficiency.

For everyone's perusal, we made a table of all the different trims and their corresponding specs:

Model

Engine

Output

Peak Torque

Acceleration (0-62 mph)

Top Speed

116i

1.6-liter four-cylinder in-line petrol engine

136 horsepower at 4,400 rpm

162 lb/ft of torque at 1,350 – 4,300 rpm

8.5 seconds

130 mph

118i

1.6-liter four-cylinder in-line petrol engine

170 horsepower at 4,800 rpm

184 lb/ft of torque at 1,500 - 4,500 rpm

7.4 seconds

140 mph

116d

2.0-liter four-cylinder in-line diesel engine

116 horsepower at 4,000 rpm

192 lb/ft of torque at 1,750 – 2,500 rpm

10.3 seconds

124 mph

118d

2.0-liter four-cylinder in-line diesel engine

143 horsepower at 4,000 rpm

236 lb/ft of torque at 1,750 - 2,500 rpm

8.9 seconds

132 mph

120d

2.0-liter four-cylinder in-line diesel engine

184 horsepower at 4,000 rpm

280 lb/ft of torque at 1,750 - 2,500 rpm

7.2 seconds

142 mph


Prices

The new generation BMW 1-Series will make its world debut this fall at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Prices will be announced closer to its market launch.

The competition

With the new improvements the new BMW 1-Series will finally become a model that will put into trouble competitors like Audi A3 or the Mini Countryman. We are temp to say that BMW has finally made the 1-Series to look a little more better than the A3, but this is just a matter of taste and preferences. The Audi model is offered with five gasoline and four diesel with power ranging from 105 HP in the entry level 1.2 TFSI version to 265 HP in the 2.0 TFSI version, so again the A3 has the advantage of offering a more powerful model.

The Countryman will get 1.6-liter four-cylinder engines, with the S model getting a turbocharged that will increase the output from 122 to 184 HP. As for the exterior design, the Countryman is the best looking one. Its lines are much more aggressive that in the 1-Series, while the front is very pleasant to look at. We really have a problem with the 1-Series front appearance - in fact a trend that has been used for all the latest BMW models, and we do not like it.