More than a minor nip and tuck, the update brings a thoroughly revised front fascia with larger air intakes, a new kidney grille and sharper headlights that give the 1 a more aggressive look. Out back, the current 1′s squared-shaped tail lamps have been tossed out and replaced by two-piece L-shaped LED units. New paint colors and additional alloy wheel designs round out the 1′s exterior makeover.
The interior is carried over largely unchanged save for an updated center console. However, the smallest member of the BMW lineup benefits from new standard equipment such as rain-sensing wipers, a 6.5-inch screen that pops up from the top of the dashboard and automatic A/C.
The 1 gains several new engines including a 116-horsepower 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbodiesel unit that returns up to 69 mpg in a mixed European cycle when linked to a six-speed manual transmission. At the other end of the spectrum, the 3.0-liter straight-six that equips the range-topping M135i is now rated at 326 horsepower, a modest 6-pony increase. Teamed with all-wheel drive, the six-cylinder sends the M135i from zero to 62 mph in 4.7 seconds.
The updated BMW 1 Series will go on sale across Europe in the coming months. Pricing information will be published at a later date.
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