Munich/Beijing. Today’s market launch of the BMW 1
Series sedan extends the range of the German premium brand to include
a model tailored specifically to meet the needs of Chinese customers.
The BMW 1 Series Sedan with its hallmark sporty flair and
market-specific overall concept is a highly emotional new entry to the
compact premium vehicle segment that is seeing such high potential in
China. The new model is offered exclusively for the Chinese automotive
market by the BMW Group and BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd.
Speaking at the model’s launch event in Shanghai, Dr Ian Robertson,
BMW AG Management Board member responsible for Sales and Marketing BMW
commented, “We sold over half a million cars in China last year and
this, our biggest market, continues to offer great potential. Our
customers in China have been asking for a smaller model to meet their
specific needs and we’ve worked hard with our colleagues here to make
sure this car not only meets but exceeds those desires.”
The BMW 1 Series Sedan was developed at BMW headquarters in Munich
with the support of Chinese engineers. The vehicle concept, and
equipment are geared towards the specific requirements of modern
target groups in China as well as the road and traffic conditions
there. During development for volume production, the new model
underwent intense testing and harmonisation both globally like on the
Nürburgring as well as in the wide-ranging climatic and road
conditions to be found in China so as to ensure a level of everyday
suitability and driving pleasure that is oriented towards the real
environment in which it will be used.
The BMW 1 Series Sedan is manufactured as part of the joint venture
between the BMW Group and BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. at the Tiexi
plant opened in 2012 which forms part of the Shenyang production site
in the north east of China. Other models of the brand designed
specifically for the Chinese automotive market are also produced in
Shenyang. Vehicle production in Shenyang is subject to the same
rigorous quality standards that apply throughout the entire worldwide
BMW Group production network.
Compact sedan with the sporty flair characteristic of BMW.
The vehicle concept of the BMW 1 Series Sedan is precisely tailored
to the preferences of Chinese customers. With its notchback body in
characteristic three-box design, the new model reflects the style
preferred by such customers in numerous vehicle categories. A special
program of BMW products has been assembled in response to the
popularity of sedans in China. BMW 3 Series and BMW 5 Series Sedans
are also available in a long version developed exclusively for the
Chinese market and manufactured at the Shenyang production site.
As a supplement to the 5-door hatchback BMW 1 Series models produced
in Germany, the brand now adds a sedan to its range in the premium
compact segment that was conceived especially for China and solely
produced there. The BMW 1 Series Sedan represents the brand’s hallmark
combination of sporty flair and elegance while also offering best in
segment ride comfort, luxurious equipment and progressive connectivity
technology that is exceptional for the compact segment. With these
qualities, it is a particularly attractive model for young target
groups seeking access to the world of BMW premium automobiles.
Hallmark design with distinctive lines.
The sporty elegance of the BMW 1 Series Sedan, unique in the premium
compact segment, is reflected in both the proportions and the lines of
its body. An unmistakable appearance is especially created by applying
the characteristic design features of BMW sedans to the new model’s
compact exterior dimensions with a length of 4 456 millimetres, a
width of 1 803 millimetres and a height of 1 446 millimetres. Short
overhangs, a long engine compartment lid, a passenger cell that is set
back and a long wheelbase of 2 670 millimetres give the BMW 1 Series
Sedan an elongated, sporty look. The distinctive body line rises
constantly from the front wheel arch via the door openers to the rear
lights, additionally emphasising the dynamic orientation of the car’s silhouette.
The contours of the doors are also harmoniously integrated in the
proportions of the compact model. The rear openings reach far back
into the tail section, allowing comfortable entry and exit for rear
passengers. What is more, the side view of the 4-door model exhibits
the striking surface design that is typical of the BMW 1 Series. The
intense modelling of the surface areas creates an attractive interplay
of light and shade, conveying a vibrant sense of athletic flair.
The hallmark brand features of the front section include the wide
radiator grille, large air inlets and twin circular headlights with
state-of-the-art LED technology. The rear of the BMW 1 Series Sedan
sports a model-specific design dominated by horizontal lines which
underscore the vehicle’s width and supreme road holding. The rear
lights protruding far into the side section to form a characteristic L
shape likewise emphasise the car’s powerful appearance.
Driver-oriented cockpit, generous space and premium ambience.
The interior of the BMW 1 Series Sedan offers the perfect basis for
intense driving pleasure and enjoyable travel. The cockpit is
driver-oriented in design as is typical of BMW automobiles. Both the
seating position and the arrangement of the display and control
elements enhances concentration on the road. The iDrive operating
system featuring a large on-board computer in flatscreen design and
the controller in the centre console is a standard feature of the BMW
1 Series Sedan. The horizontal lines of the instrument cluster
continue on into the door trim panels, thereby creating an impression
of smooth harmony, while also contributing to the generous sense of space.
Precisely finished surfaces and high-quality materials are key to the
premium interior ambience of the compact 4-door model. Rear comfort is
optimised not just by means of generous leg space and headroom but
also with a model-specific version of the rear seat. The contours of
the rear backrests and the upholstery of the seat surfaces ensure
passengers enjoy a high level of comfort even over lengthier distances.
New engine generation: revving power and efficiency in BMW
style.
The modern and sporty character of the BMW 1 Series Sedan is
reflected in the engine portfolio available at the model’s market
launch. There is a choice of three power units of the BMW Group’s
latest generation. Their weight-optimised aluminium construction and
the current version of BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology ensure
exceptional revving power and torque in addition to exemplary
efficiency. The technology package consists of turbocharging, petrol
direction injection with centrally positioned injectors, and variable
valve control in the form of VALVETRONIC as patented by the BMW Group,
and variable camshaft control on the intake and exhaust side (double VANOS).
This combination results in particularly sporty performance
characteristics in the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine of the
BMW 125i Sedan. It mobilises a peak output of 170 kW/231 hp and a
maximum torque of 350 Newton metres that goes on stream at 1 250 rpm.
Fitted as standard with an 8-speed Steptronic transmission, the
BMW 125i Sedan sprints from standing to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds,
achieving a cut-off top speed of 250 km/h. These performance figures
are combined with an average fuel consumption of 6.4 litres per 100
kilometres and a combined CO2 figure of 152 grams per kilometre.
Another 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine is fitted in the BMW 120i Sedan.
With a peak output of 141 kW/192 hp and a maximum torque of 280 Newton
metres of 1 250 rpm, it also ensures sporty performance figures. In
combination with the 8-speed Steptronic transmission – likewise a
standard feature – it accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds
and reaches a top speed of 235 km/h. The combined fuel consumption of
the BMW 120i Sedan is 6.2 litres per 100 kilometres, while the figure
for combined CO2 emissions is 148 grams per kilometre.
The engine range is rounded off with a 3-cylinder power unit for the
BMW 118i Sedan. From a capacity of 1.5 litres it generates a peak
output of 100 kW/136 hp, while its maximum torque of 220 Newton metres
is available at 1 250 rpm. Fitted with a 6-speed Steptronic
transmission, the BMW 118i Sedan takes 9.4 seconds to accelerate from
zero to 100 km/h and its top speed is 212 km/h. The efficiency of the
engine is reflected in a combined fuel consumption of 5.5 litres per
100 kilometres and a combined CO2 figure of 132 grams per kilometre.
Model-specific suspension set-up, seamless safety.
The driving properties of the new BMW 1 Series Sedan are
characterised by athletic flair, ride comfort and safety. A perfect
basis is provided for this by means of power transmission to the front
wheels, an almost equally balanced axle load distribution and the
weight-optimised design of the body and suspension. The suspension
set-up is not just geared towards the sporty character of the model
but also meets high demands in terms of comfort. The suspension and
damping are designed to ensure occupants experience as relaxed a ride
as possible on all road surfaces. Optimised acoustic comfort is taken
care of by such features as a fully panelled underbody and tyres with
reduced rolling resistance.
Powerful disc brakes and an electromechanical power steering
including Servotronic speed-related support help achieve a precisely
controllable driving response. Dynamic Stability Control DSC offers a
broad range of functions that contribute to secure handling at all
times. Light alloy wheels in a size of 17 inches for the BMW 118iSedan
(16 inches for BMW 118i Lifestyle) and 18 inches for the two other
model variants come as standard.
The torsionally stiff body structure of the BMW 1 Series Sedan
benefits both agility and occupant protection. The safety concept also
includes precisely defined load paths and generous deformation zones
which serve to divert and absorb impact forces in the event of a
collision. The interior provides a comprehensive range of safety
features including not just front and side airbags but also side
head/curtain airbags and three-point automatic safety belts on all
seats. All model variants come off the production line as standard
fitted with tyres featuring emergency running properties.
Driving experience switch as standard, selective customisation
with Sport Line and Luxury Line.
The standard driving experience switch in the centre console enables
a vehicle-set-up which is either markedly sporty, comfort-oriented or
efficiency optimised in character – entirely according to preference.
The modes COMFORT, SPORT and ECO PRO are available at the press of a
button. In addition, the standard features of the BMW 1 Series Sedan
also include automatic air conditioning with optimised acoustic
properties. This forms part of a model-specific heating and
ventilation system which is also adapted to the specific climatic
conditions in China, offering not just high performance but also a
highly effective air filtering function. In addition to numerous other
comfort functions, the program of optional items includes a broad
range of exterior paint finishes, light alloy wheels, interior
colours, seat surfaces and interior trim finishers which allow
customers to individualise the design of the BMW 1 Series Sedan to
suit their personal preference. The Sport Line and Luxury Line models
are available as an alternative to the basic version. Their design
features for the exterior and interior allow selective customisation
that lends particular emphasis either to the BMW 1 Series Sedan’s
agile sporty flair or its exclusive appearance.
Unique connectivity: Driver assistance, services, apps.
The optional driver assistance systems provide an additional bonus in
terms of comfort and safety. The range of systems includes the Driving
Assistant including collision warning with city brake function and the
Parking Assistant.
Intelligent connectivity gives the BMW 1 Series Sedan a range of
online-based functions that is unique even beyond the compact segment.
Apps allow seamless integration of numerous infotainment, navigation
and communication services in the vehicle’s operating system. What is
more, BMW Connected gives the driver a personal mobility assistant
which provides wide-ranging support in arriving at a destination
conveniently and stress-free. The flexible platform Open Mobility
Cloud allows various customer end devices such as smartphones, tablets
and smart watches to be connected to the vehicle. This means that
personal schedule entries can be used to plan a trip before getting
into the car, for example. Based on real-time traffic data, BWM
Connected not only calculates the ideal route but also the perfect
departure time, providing the driver with a notification on their end
device in good time.