You might think that the fourth generation of the 1 Series is actually little more than a deep restyling of the previous model. But, manteining the same base and structure, wheelbase and width, BMW wanted to infuse its compact with an even more marked sportiness, carefully renewing its design and content. The character of the new F70 (BMW’s internal codename) is well expressed in the sloping and muscular bonnet and in the lower front which accentuate the length of the front volume and emphasize its presence on the road. The double kidney grille now has the two elements almost fused together to form a single grille with oblique meshes which can be had with Iconic Glow LED lighting on request. The daytime running lights in the headlights instead have a new graphic with vertical elements.
The lines that cross the doors from bottom to top remain on the side, but now a number 1 is imprinted in the element that connects the rear window with the third pillar, with the typical “Hofmeister elbow” profile. At the rear, the design of the external lights changes, while the very inclined rear window surmounted by a long spoiler is confirmed. The two-tone livery, with contrasting roof, is made available for the first time on a BMW.
The interior adopts the new layout introduced with the X1 and X2: the 10.25” and 10.7” instrument and infotainment panels are no longer integrated into the dashboard but enclosed in a large Curved Display that emerges from it. The definitive choice of automatic transmissions with switch selectors gives space and cleanliness to the central tunnel, also deprived of the iDrive knob, replaced by touch functionality of central display. The other big news is the absence of leather upholstery in the standard trims, including the sporty ones with perforated surfaces, which are made of Econeer, a material based on recycled plastic, and Veganza fabric.
