• A new generation of BMW 1 Series has been revealed by the Bavarian car maker.
• It says this new iteration features its sportiest look to date.
• The top of the range model is the M135 xDrive, which does 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds.

There is now a fourth generation of BMW 1 Series, as the German car maker has revealed a new iteration of its hatchback.

The new BMW 1 Series is said to be the sportiest one yet from the company, and is earmarked for release in selected regions including its native Germany in October this year. The manufacturer also makes mention of Japan as a region where the BMW 1 Series has proved popular, and is expected to launch in this year too.

Sadly no shout out for South Africa, which is a pity given the country’s love of hot hatches, but hopefully we are not too far behind the October release window.

So what is new of the BMW 1 Series for 2024?

As mentioned the company has been a bit more aggressive with its styling and a broader stance has been introduced here.

“With a strikingly flat front end that sits significantly lower to the road than its predecessor, the new BMW 1 Series signals its sporty character more than ever. The wide, forward-leaning BMW radiator grille features an innovative structure of vertical and diagonal bars. The standard LED headlights feature striking vertical elements for the daytime running light and the turn indicators. Adaptive LED headlights with glare-free matrix high beam, cornering light function and blue accents are optionally available,” it notes in a press release.

“The body paintwork of the new BMW 1 Series is available in two solid paintwork finishes and seven metallic finishes. Four BMW Individual paint finishes and a wide range of BMW Individual special paint finishes are also available. The new BMW 1 Series is the first model in the brand’s range to be available with an optional contrasting roof paint finish. The high-gloss black finish adds to the sporty appearance of the car,” it adds for those already contemplating colour options.

As for the top of the range offering in the new iteration, the BMW M135 xDrive pictured in the gallery above, the car maker says it features a 221kW four-cylinder engine under the bonnet.

Added to this is an Adaptive M Chassis with sport steering and all-wheel drive as standard to help it accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds. This is similar to what the previous generation could muster for those wanting to compare the two.

Along with the M135 xDrive, BMW also has a 118d, 120d, and 120 model as part of the refreshed lineup, each serving up 0-100km/h times of 8.3 seconds, 7.9 seconds, and 7.8 seconds respectively, so they aren’t slow by any means.

The engines across the range are part of a modular system that the BMW Group has been introducing of late, and here are combined with a “48-volt mild hybrid technology”, as the company terms it. This is done to enhance both efficiency and power delivery, according to BMW, with all of the drive units transmitting their power to a 7-speed Steptronic transmission with dual clutch as standard.

At the time of writing, local pricing and availability are yet to be shared by BMW South Africa, but those details are expected in the coming weeks and months.