The new F70 generation BMW 1 Series looks a bit…Korean

Looking to purchase your first BMW but want to get their most affordable model as a first-try? That’s the job of the BMW 1 Series, the German luxury automaker’s entry-level model which just received a new generation.

Codenamed the F70, the all-new 1 Series is exclusively available as a hatchback and built on a front-wheel drive platform just like the previous F40 generation. Of note, it is more of a major facelift rather than a completely new model.

Anyhoo, the new 1 Series looks very much different from the previous model, starting with its size which has grown by 42 mm to 4,361 mm in length, and 25 mm in width to 1,459 mm. Its height and wheelbase remain the same at 1,800 mm and 2,670 mm, respectively. 

Oh, and another thing to note is that BMW has decided to drop the “i” in the names of the gasoline-powered variants, while keeping the “d” for oil-burning variants. Why? Probably in favor of the German automaker’s fully-electric models which have their names starting in “i.”

On the design-aspect, it is a bit more on the controversial side. While the new front fascia still wears the signature BMW Kidney grille which is larger and wider, people of the internet were quick to spot that combined with the new headlight design, it kinda resembles a Kia Cee’d and its tiger-nose grille.

But anyway, the rest of the exterior is very BMW with its overall lines and body shape.

The interior is typical modern BMW with its somewhat hidden airconditioning vents similar to what you’ll see in the latest versions of the BMW 3 Series and 5 Series. Of course, there’s a large curved panel housing a 10.25-inch driver’s display and a 10.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, using the German automaker’s latest version of iDrive and BMW Operating System 9.

Depending on the variant, you can get Econeer fabric or Veganza vegan leather upholstery on the seats, or the combination of the latter and some Alcantara trim. 

Under the hood of the F70 BMW 1 Series are new powertrain options. There’s a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system for the 120. That makes 170 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque. Another option is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel making 150 horsepower and 360 Nm on the 118d, or 163 horsepower and 400 Nm on the mild-hybrid 120d.

Finally, the range-topper M135 gets a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine making 300 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque, paired with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system. 

All these powertrain options are mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch Steptronic transmission.

On the more technical aspect, BMW has also given the F70 1 Series a more rigid body structure and chassis connection. Advanced chassis technology includes optimized kinematics, highly preloaded anti-roll bar mounts and new shock absorber technology. The caster of the front wheels has also been increased by 20% for better stability and steering.

We don’t know yet when and if BMW Philippines will offer the new 1 Series in our market. The outgoing generation was already discontinued probably due to low sales as hatchbacks have lost popularity in favor of crossovers. Nevertheless, it’s not a bad idea to hope.