The first fourth-generation BMW 1 Series has rolled off the company’s production line in Leipzig. Just debuted in June this year, the F70 1 Series is exclusively manufactured in the said plant with a production capacity of 500 cars per day. Also currently produced at the Leipzig plant are the 2 Series Gran Coupe, 2 Series Active Tourer, and MINI Countryman.
Up until the debut of the F70 BMW 1 Series, BMW had successfully delivered 443,000 units of the third-generation F50 1 Series. It is quite obvious that the 1 Series is the brand’s mass-seller. BMW Group Plant Leipzig head, Petra Peterhansel stated, “The new BMW 1 Series will remain a key factor in maintaining high capacity utilization here at plant Leipzig.”
BMW Group Plant Leipzig has undergone systematic upgrades since 2018. It can now produce up to 350,000 units a year, which is 100,000 more than previously. It currently manufactures the four models mentioned earlier with three different types of drivetrains by two different brands, all on the same production line. Since November 2023, the plant output has been boosted by the all-new MINI Countryman.
Speaking of the MINI Countryman, its latest all-new iteration is the first Countryman to be manufactured in Germany. It shares the same underpinnings as the BMW X1 and iX1.
The new BMW 1 Series gets a significant refresh for 2024, focusing on enhanced sportiness and a more sustainable approach.
For the exterior the F70 1 Series is the new striking and aggressive front end, sitting significantly lower than the previous model. The wide kidney grille features a unique vertical and diagonal bar design for the non M-model, flanked by standard LED headlights. The rear gets a refresh as well, with vertical reflectors, two-part taillights, and a black diffuser-style insert for a sporty touch.
In terms of paint options, the F70 1 Series comes with the two solid colors and seven metallic finishes to choose from. BMW Individual paintwork will also be offered along with a wide range of BMW Individual Special Paints. An industry-first is the optional contrast roof in high-gloss black, painted using a new resource-saving overspray-free method that minimizes environmental impact.
The base model of the new BMW 1 Series, the 120, gets its power from a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder TwinPower turbo engine. This engine gets an extra boost with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. All versions of the F70 1 Series come with a 7-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission (DCT). This combo delivers 170 hp and 280 Nm of torque. The top-of-the-line BMW M135 xDrive packs a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder TwinPower turbo engine churning out 300 hp and 400 Nm meters of torque. This powertrain sends all that power to all four wheels.
Both the BMW 118d and 120d are powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder TwinPower turbodiesel engine. The 120d does get 48V mild hybrid assistance. Power output is rated at 163 hp and 360 Nm with the former, while the latter makes slightly more at 163 hp and 400 Nm.
RELATED: All-new F70 BMW 1 Series debuts – drops manual option, “i” badge from petrol variants
Moving inside, the new 1 Series takes a sustainable approach with a completely leather-free standard interior. The redesigned cockpit features the BMW Curved Display. The optional M Sport Package is available to enhance the interior aesthetics.
The new BMW 1 Series is due for market launch in October 5, 2024. According to BMW, the strongest markets for the 1 Series are Germany and Europe, and the UK and Italy especially.
