2017 BMW 1 Series & 2 Series First Drive REVIEW – More Power, More M Models…This Is Sounding Great
ANY TIME BMW ANNOUNCES A NEW MODEL RANGE WITH MORE POWER AND EXTRA M PERFORMANCE MODELS…WELL WE’RE OFF TO A FLYING START. AND THIS IS PRECISELY THE STORY ON THE UPDATED 1 SERIES HATCHBACK AND 2 SERIES COUPE AND CONVERTIBLE.
The freshened BMW small cars arrive locally in the shadow of an international announcement of the all-new BMW 1 Series sedan, which has some chance for Australian sales.
“The (1 Series Sedan) car has been announced for China but if that car came along one day we’d be interested because there is growth in that premium small sedan segment,” revealed BMW Australia marketing boss Shaun Ticehurst.
In the meantime, strong sales for the 1 Series, 2 Series and all the X models are the key drivers behind BMW Australia’s 17 per-cent sales growth for the first nine months of 2016.
Vehicle Style: Small Premium Hatchback, Sports Coupe, Sports Convertible
Price: 118i $36,900; 118d $40,300; 120i $41,900; 125i $48,900; M140i $64,900; 220i Coupe $61,300; 220i Convertible $58,300; 230i Coupe $61,900; 230i Convertible $71,900; M240i Coupe $74,900; M240i Convertible $83,900 (all plus on-road charges).
Engine/trans: 110kW/320Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel; 100kw/220Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol; 135kW/270Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol; 165kW/310Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol; 185kW/350Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol; 250kW/500Nm 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo petrol | eight-speed automatic (six-speed manual available to order for M Performance models)
Fuel Economy Claimed: 118d 3.8l/100kms; 118i 4.8l/100kms; 120i 5.8l/100kms; 125i 5.9l/100kms; M140i 7.1l/100kms; 220i Coupe 5.8l/100kms; 230i Coupe 5.9l/100kms; M240i Coupe 5.9l/100kms; M240i Coupe 7.1l/100kms; 220i Convertible 6.1l/100kms; 230i Convertible 6.2l/100kms; M240i Convertible 7.4l/100kms | Tested: M240i Coupe (6-sp manual) 12.8l/100kms; 230i Convertible 9.0l/100kms; 120i 7.7l/100kms
OVERVIEW
Yes, this is actually a model update which required no input from either the BMW design department nor the styling department but pay close attention here because this update for the 1 Series and 2 Series lineups is wrapped in substantial details so a broad, sweeping overview won’t cut it.
Leading-out the updated 1 Series hatchback lineup is the new range-topping M140i which scores a new turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine – code-numbered B58 - with 250kW/500Nm. There’s also extra internal goodies and an upgraded infotainment system.
The mid-grade 120i and 125i both pick up new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines – code-numbered B48 – with 135kW/270Nm (120i) and 165kW/310Nm (125i).