F70-gen BMW 1-Series Debuts with A 312 HP-Rated M Variant

The all-new, F70-gen BMW 1-Series hatchback breaks cover with a 312 HP-rated M135 variant.

Following its initial teaser, BMW has finally peeled the wraps off the new F70-gen BMW 1-Series hatchback. This new hatchback will arrive in several diesel and petrol-powered variants laced with mild hybrid (MHEV) electrification, as well as a top-spec M-badged model known as the M135 xDrive.

Yes, you read that right. BMW has finally ditched the “i” suffix from its petrol-powered models, with the marque now reserving the “i” exclusively for their battery EV (BEV) products such as the i5, iX, and so on.

F70-gen BMW M135 xDrive

Back to the new 1-Series, this fourth-gen hatchback is more of an extensive upgrade or facelift than a new-generation model, as it underpins the same BMW UKL2 platform used on the previous model. However, we do say that the design changes present here might be enough to warrant its next-gen moniker, with the car sporting a new front face featuring sleeker LED headlights with signature kidney grilles between them.

Meanwhile, its rear-end features some design cues taken from the new X2 crossover, including the newly-styled LED taillights and the sporty rear bumper accents on the top-spec M135 model.

Thanks to these extensive design changes, the new 1-Series is 42 MM longer than its predecessor at 4,361 MM, while standing 1,800 MM wide and 1,459 MM tall. Despite its slight bulk-out, the new 1-Series still retains the sporty five-door hatchback body style with similar proportions, just like its predecessor.

More changes take place as we get inside the new 1-Series’ cabin, with the hatchback finally matching its newer siblings in terms of cabin amenities and tech equipment. For starters, the new 1-Series finally comes with the new BMW OS 8.5 suite for both its 10.7-inch centre screen and the smaller 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Similarly, the 1-Series also loses some physical buttons from its central console and front dash for a cleaner, more minimalist cabin look.

Other cabin amenities present here include the leather-free synthetic upholstery laced with a special anthracite Arktur fabric, a wireless charging pad, and a multi-colour ambient lighting system. On top of that, customers can also opt for a head-up display (HUD), a panoramic glass roof, as well as a Harman Kardon premium audio system.

F70-gen BMW 120 M Sport

As we mentioned earlier, the new 1-Series comes in several ICE-based MHEV powertrain options, as well as a top-spec M135 xDrive version. Starting with the baseline 120 model, this petrol-powered variant gets the 1.5-litre 3-cyl turbocharged mill used on the 2 Series Gran Coupe, which is now laced with a 48-volt MHEV system to deliver 168 HP and 280 NM, allowing a decent century sprint time of 7.8 seconds.

Unfortunately for enthusiasts, all variants of the new 1-Series are now exclusively offered with a 7-speed DCT gearbox, with the previous 6-speed funbox option now having been dropped indefinitely.

Meanwhile, the souped-up BMW M135 xDrive hot-hatch is still driven by the same 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbocharged engine as the previous model, which has been slightly tweaked to deliver 312 HP and 400 NM. Still mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox and BMW’s proprietary xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD) system, the M135 hot-hatch can sprint from 0-100 KM/H in just 4.9 seconds, en route to its V-Max of 250 KM/H.

The all-new, F70-gen BMW 1-Series is poised to hit the European market later in October this year, followed by the rest of the globe afterwards. Although no pricing details were announced, we can expect Bimmer’s new hatchback to be slightly costlier than its predecessor, given the rather extensive changes it boasts.