The 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 specific customers – in this instance from China. 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.
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 harmonization 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.
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.
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 4456 millimeters, a width of 1803 millimeters and a height of 1446 millimeters. Short overhangs, a long engine compartment lid, a passenger cell that is set back and a long wheelbase of 2 670 millimeters 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 emphasizing the dynamic orientation of the car’s silhouette.
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-optimized aluminum 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-liter 4-cylinder engine of the BMW 125i Sedan. It mobilizes a peak output of 170 kW/231 hp and a maximum torque of 350 Newton meters 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 liters per 100 kilometers and a combined CO2 figure of 152 grams per kilometer.
Another 2.0-liter 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 meters of 1250 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 liters per 100 kilometers, while the figure for combined CO2 emissions is 148 grams per kilometer.
The engine range is rounded off with a 3-cylinder power unit for the BMW 118i Sedan. From a capacity of 1.5 liters it generates a peak output of 100 kW/136 hp, while its maximum torque of 220 Newton meters 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 liters per 100 kilometers and a combined CO2 figure of 132 grams per kilometer.
