BMW's smallest sedan arrives in North America with three- and four-cylinder gasoline engines.

Remember when BMW said the 1 Series Sedan would only be offered in China? Scratch that. The front-wheel-drive sedan riding on the same UKL platform as the 2 Series minivans and the Minis is being launched in Mexico where it joins the RWD 1 Serieshatchback offered in both three- and five-door flavors. Available exclusively as a Sport Line version, the FWD sedan starts off at 489,900 MXN ($24,561) and that makes it roughly $2,256 more affordable than the base 3 Series Sedan.

The entry-level 1 Series Sedan known locally as the 118iA Sedan Sport Line is motivated by a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine developing 136 horsepower and 162 pound-feet (220 Newton-meters) of torque. The three-cylinder mill is hooked up to a six-speed automatic gearbox to enable a sprint to 62 mph (100 kph) in 9.4 seconds and an electronically governed top speed of 132 mph (212 kph).

If that seems a little bit slow, you’ll then have to step up to the 120iA Sedan Sport Line with its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and a starting price of 569,900 MXN ($28,571). The four-cylinder unit is good for 192 hp and 207 lb-ft (280 Nm) channeled to the front axle through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. It needs seven and a half seconds to complete the sprint and tops out at 146 mph (235 kph), also electronically capped.

Upgrading to the four-cylinder model will also have a positive impact on equipment as the 120iA Sedan Sport Line has some extra features over the 118i model. Additional goodies include LED headlights, panoramic roof, and a practical 40:20:40-split folding rear bench that will come in handy whenever carrying more voluminous cargo.

The fact that it’s being launched in Mexico doesn’t necessarily mean the 1 Series Sedan will be available in additional countries. That being said, it goes to show BMW has had a change of heart and is now open to the idea of selling its smallest sedan in more markets.

BMW has been graciously stretching out the death of the rear-wheel drive BMW 1 Series for years now, thankfully, but it’s nearing the end. The BMW 1 Series Finale Edition is anticipated to be the last rear-wheel drive, six-cylinder version of the model ever, and it’s only for the Australian market.

Since it’s not in America, the Finale Edition has the benefit of being the hatchback bodystyle, too, which I have to admit I’ve always liked slightly more than the old coupe and Chinese sedan, so I’m extremely jealous.

The Finale Edition will be sold for $3,000 Australian dollars over the sticker price of a normal M140i, which translates to roughly $2,119 U.S. dollars at current exchange rates, for a total price of $62,990 Aussie, or roughly $44,500 U.S.

This special edition of the M140i will only be available with the 8-speed automatic (how hard could it have been to give the manual one last shot in this car, BMW?), and gets the choice of three 18-inch alloy wheel designs, a black kidney grille, darkened head and taillights, and black chrome exhaust tips.

Otherwise the car is basically spec’d out with the other package options already available, including blue brake calipers, adaptive M suspension, leather interior, LED headlights, upgraded audio, and a sunroof.

The powertrain is also the standard but outgoing rear-wheel drive layout with a 335 horsepower turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder with 368 lb-ft of torque, and a limited top speed of 155 mph.

The 1 Series is suspected to return as a front-wheel drive model in the next couple of years, and a front-wheel drive sedan is already marketed as the 1 Series in China. The new car in the Western market is expected to at least have the option of xDrive all-wheel drive, according to Motor1, so maybe it won’t be all bad.

BMW is preparing a front-wheel-drive hot hatch in the form of the new 128ti, based on the automaker's latest 1-Series hatchback.Prototypes are now in the final stages and a launch in Europe is slated for November. The latest 1-Series hatch isn't sold in the United States, so don't expect to see the 128ti here.

BMW's ti badge dates back to the 1800 Ti of 1963. Short for “Turismo Internazionale,” it signified a practical car that was also sporty. It was later revived for the unloved 318ti of the 1990s. With only two doors and a wimpy 138-horsepower engine, the car was neither practical nor sporty.

Thankfully, the new 128ti is closer in ethos to the 1800 Ti than the 318ti. It comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 good for 261 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic and spins the front wheels only, which is rare for a performance-focused BMW. It also means the new 128ti is an alternative to front-wheel-drive hot hatches like the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Honda Civic Type R, as well as the Hyundai i30 N and Ford Focus ST sold overseas.

Beyond the drivetrain, the suspension has also been made stiffer (via higher spring rates and reduced damping), and the locking ratio of the front differential reduced compared to the M135i.

And by losing the all-wheel-drive system of the M135i, the 128ti weighs 176 pounds less, or about 3,350 in total.

Performance numbers include 0-62 mph acceleration in 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph.

The latest BMW 1-Series hatch shares its front-wheel-drive platform with the 2-Series Gran Coupe we do receive. However, the 2-Series Gran Coupe is offered exclusively with all-wheel drive here, meaning a version with a similar mechanical setup to the 128ti is likely off the cards.

BMW has honed the track-inspired characteristics of its four-cylinder high-performance model for the premium compact segment. Detail upgrades to its chassis components endow the BMW M135i xDrive with noticeably enhanced performance qualities. And the retuned drive soundtrack in the cabin makes the driving experience even more emotionally engaging.

The standout power of the 225 kW/306 hp four-cylinder unit with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology under the bonnet of the BMW M135i xDrive is harnessed more effectively than ever to produce the captivating dynamics and driving experience for which BMW is renowned. Detailed set-up modifications for the bespoke chassis technology result in even better mounting, ensuring precisely controllable driving characteristics even when pushing hard on the track. The optimised traction enables drivers to explore the car's performance limits with confidence, especially when cornering at extremely high speeds.

Sharper cornering dynamics thanks to optimised camber values, new mounts, and precision tuning of spring and damping systems

The camber values for the front wheels of the BMW M135i xDrive have been increased to optimise absorption of lateral forces when powering through corners. A new hydromount has additionally been used to attach the front suspension wishbones, while the mounts for the trailing and control arms at the rear axle have also been redesigned. At the same time, the spring and damping systems have undergone recalibration. The result is a significant improvement in roll behaviour in corners, which has a further beneficial effect on steering feel when the car's sporting abilities are put to the test.

This latest raft of modifications reinforces the commitment of the BMW M135i xDrive to delivering BMW's hallmark driving pleasure. Its chassis technology combines with the engine's extremely sporty performance characteristics and BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive to create a flawlessly composed overall package for a richly engaging drive. The compact BMW M model comes as standard with near-actuator wheel slip limitation integrated into the engine control unit. The resultant shortening of the signal paths allows traction to be controlled up to ten times faster than with conventional systems when pulling away, on slippery surfaces and during dynamic cornering. The BMW M135i xDrive additionally benefits from a mechanical limited-slip differential at the front axle. Built into the car's standard eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, it enhances traction and directional stability along with agility and cornering dynamics. With locking factors of 36 per cent when accelerating and 26 per cent on the overrun, the differential is capable of transferring extra torque to the front wheel with better grip as and when required. The customary Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) functions are complemented in the BMW M135i xDrive by Performance Control, which optimises the car's steering behaviour with judicious applications of the brakes.

Specially tuned M Sport steering and exceptionally powerful M Sport brakes can also be found on the standard equipment list for the BMW M135i xDrive. The compact sports car leaves the factory on 18-inch M light-alloy wheels as standard, with the option of 19-inch light-alloy items available in a variety of designs.

Dramatic acoustic experience in the cabin

The twin-tailpipe exhaust system facilitates power delivery from the engine with its reduced backpressure, while also producing a characterful acoustic accompaniment. The distinctive, emotion-stirring sound is also transmitted into the interior, where it is carefully amplified through the audio system's speakers.

The revised soundtrack conveys the signature four-cylinder engine note of a BMW M model to those on board more authentically than ever. The instant response to every movement of the accelerator is translated into corresponding acoustic signals. From the powerful building of torque under acceleration through to the drop-off in load on the overrun, the power unit's operating state is clearly discernible at all times. Starting the engine prompts a sound composition specially created for this model, adding another facet to the rich acoustic experience inside the car.

New paint finishes for a high-impact look

A new selection of particularly striking paint finishes has been introduced to accompany the performance enhancements and underscore the individual character of the BMW M135i xDrive. BMW Individual paint finishes and special customer requests can also now be incorporated into the manufacturing process at BMW Group Plant Leipzig, where the compact model is built. The special colours require additional servicing and technical support work, with an increased number of manual processes. To cater for this, an existing paint shop was modified and the number of employees working there increased by ten.

The BMW Individual paint finishes bring even greater visual impact to the high-performance model's modern design language and bespoke styling features. New additions to the range of exterior colours for the BMW M135i xDrive include the M paint shade Sao Paulo Yellow non-metallic, as well as the Frozen Orange metallic and Frozen Pure Grey finishes.

BMW M135i xDrive to delivering BMW's hallmark driving pleasure.

The pioneer of driving pleasure in the premium compact segment is entering its fourth model generation. With a dynamic design presence, a completely revised drive portfolio and extensively improved chassis technology, the new BMW 1-Series has sharpened its profile as the sportiest vehicle in the competitive environment. Highly efficient engines with 48-volt mild hybrid technology and a production process designed to conserve resources and recycle materials optimise sustainability throughout the entire product life cycle. Its progressive character is also reflected in the redesigned interior, an extended range of automated driving and parking systems, the new BMW iDrive with QuickSelect and innovative digital services based on BMW Operating System 9.

The premiere of the new BMW 1-Series marks the start of a new chapter in the brand's 20-year success story in the compact segment. The new model generation will also be produced at the BMW Group plant in Leipzig. Its market launch is scheduled for October 2024. The most important sales region is the German domestic market. In addition to other European countries, Japan is one of the top five markets for the new BMW 1-Series.

Exterior design: Dynamic front end and hallmark BMW proportions

The sporty aura of the BMW 1-Series is underlined in the latest model generation by typical BMW proportions: a long bonnet, a passenger cell set well back, a dynamically flowing roofline and a powerful rear end. The dimensions of the five-door model have changed only slightly compared to its predecessor. The exterior length of the new BMW 1-Series has increased by 42 millimetres to 4,361 millimetres, while the wheelbase is 2,670 millimetres. The vehicle width is 1,800 millimetres, while the height has increased by 25 millimetres to 1,459 millimetres.

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.

The side view of the new BMW 1-Series is characterised by the dynamic wedge shape and the flat window graphics that taper towards the rear. The standard BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line includes a graphic element with the number 1 in the Hofmeister kink counter-swing on the C-pillar. A long roof spoiler and side air deflectors emphasise the stretched silhouette. Vertical reflectors and a black diffuser-style insert add to the powerful appearance of the rear apron. The striking, two-part rear lights extend will into the side sections.

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.

BMW M automobile with individual performance character

The optional M Sport Package and the M Sport Design optional equipment available at market launch in Europe make the new BMW 1-Series even more dynamic. Its M specific design features include large air intakes on the front apron, pronounced side skirts and a three-dimensional diffuser element in the rear apron.

At the top of the model range is the BMW M135 xDrive with significantly enhanced performance characteristics. The BMW M model is powered by a 221 kW/300 hp four-cylinder engine, features an Adaptive M Chassis with sport steering and intelligent all-wheel drive as standard and accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.9 seconds. On the outside, the M radiator grille with horizontal bars, M exterior mirror caps and four exhaust tailpipes make it instantly recognisable as a top-of-the-range model. An M Technology Package with specific suspension components, stiffness and lightweight measures, an M Compound brake system and 19-inch forged light-alloy wheels is available exclusively for the BMW M135 xDrive. An M Sport Package Pro and model-specific BMW M Performance Parts are also available for all variants of the new BMW 1-Series.

Sporty premium ambience, leather-free interior

The newly designed interior of the new BMW 1-Series, which is completely leather-free as standard, offers a modern premium ambience with sporty accents and generous space for up to five occupants. Newly designed seats offer a high level of comfort for long journeys. Sport seats in the Econeer version with covers and upholstery made from recycled polyester and M sport seats are optionally available. Perforated seat surfaces are also available in the Veganza version with leather-like properties. The Veganza/Alcantara equipment is part of the M Sport Package and standard equipment in the BMW M135 xDrive.

Heated seats and a wide range of electric adjustments, including memory on the driver's side, are available as options for all seat versions. Lumbar support can be added to the sport seats and the M sport seats. An optional massage function is also available for the sport seats. A driver and front passenger interaction airbag is now fitted as standard to further enhance occupant protection. By folding down the rear seat backrests, the storage space under the tailgate can be increased from 380 litres to 1,200 litres (BMW 120, BMW 120d: 300 - 1,135 litres).

High-quality surfaces and trim, the redesigned gear selector and the BMW Curved Display underline the progressive, premium ambience of the interior. The fully digital display system comprises a 10.25-inch Information Display and a 10.7-inch Control Display. The number of buttons and controls in the cockpit has been significantly reduced thanks to the consistent use of digital technology. The air conditioning in the new BMW 1-Series is also controlled digitally. As an alternative to the standard sport steering wheel, a similarly redesigned M leather steering wheel is also available. It is part of the M Sport Package and has shift paddles for manual gear changes.

New generation of engines, 7-speed Steptronic transmission with dual clutch as standard

Like the BMW M135 xDrive engine, all of the other engines available for the new BMW 1-Series are part of the latest generation of modular engines from the BMW Group. The three-cylinder petrol engine of the new BMW 120 and the four-cylinder diesel engine of the new BMW 120d are combined with 48-volt mild hybrid technology, which enhances both their efficiency and their spontaneous power delivery. All of the drive units transmit their power to a 7-speed Steptronic transmission with dual clutch as standard.

With a maximum power output of 125 kW/170 hp, the drive system of the new BMW 120 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.8 seconds. The new BMW 120d generates a power output of 120 kW/163 hp and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.9 seconds. The BMW 118d, also powered by a four-cylinder diesel engine delivers 110 kW/150 hp and an acceleration of 8.3 seconds.

Improved body rigidity and further development of the chassis

The agility, steering precision and cornering dynamics of the new BMW 1-Series benefit from the increased rigidity of the body structure and the chassis connection. Advanced chassis technology includes optimised kinematics, highly preloaded anti-roll bar mounts and new shock absorber technology. The caster of the front wheels has been increased by 20 per cent, ensuring particularly stable directional stability and optimised steering feedback.

In addition to the directly controlled wheel slip limitation, the new BMW 1-Series also features an integrated braking system and 17-inch light-alloy wheels (BMW M135 xDrive: 18-inch) as standard. The optional M Sport Package includes the Adaptive M Chassis, which lowers the vehicle by up to 8 millimetres, sport steering and 18-inch light-alloy wheels. Up to 19-inch light-alloy wheels and an M sport brake system are also available as optional equipment.

State-of-the-art systems for automated driving and parking

The new BMW 1-Series offers a significantly extended range of automated driving and parking systems as standard or optional equipment. Standard features include the Driving Assistant with front collision warning, Lane Departure Warning, Exit Warning and Traffic Sign Recognition, as well as the Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant.

Highlights of the optional range include Steering and Lane Control Assist, Automatic Speed Limit Assist and route guidance when using Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function. Parking Assistant Professional is also available for the new BMW 120 and the new BMW 120d, allowing parking and manoeuvring to be controlled by smartphone.

Expanded standard equipment, targeted individualisation

In addition to the high-quality assistance systems, the significantly expanded range of standard equipment of the new BMW 1-Series also includes automatic air conditioning, alarm system, electrically folding exterior mirrors and the BMW Live Cockpit Plus including the BMW Maps cloud-based navigation system. New optional equipment packages allow targeted individualisation.

The Innovation Package includes BMW Live Cockpit Professional with BMW Head-Up Display and Augmented View on the Control Display as well as Parking Assistant Plus. The Premium Package includes the telephone option with wireless charging, Comfort Access, logo projection from the exterior mirrors, automatic dimming interior mirror and adaptive LED headlights. The range of optional equipment also includes 2-zone automatic air conditioning, a panoramic glass roof and a Harman Kardon sound system.

The new BMW Operating System 9, BMW iDrive with QuickSelect and BMW Digital Premium

The new BMW 1-Series features the latest version of BMW iDrive with QuickSelect for intuitive and convenient operation of the vehicle's functions. The new home screen shows function icons vertically arranged on the same level. "QuickSelect" allows direct access to functions without having to switch to a submenu. The new BMW iDrive is consistently designed for touch operation and voice control. It is based on the BMW Operating System 9, which also provides the basis for a highly individual selection of additional digital services. Remote software upgrades allow new and improved vehicle functions to be integrated into the vehicle over-the-air. With BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades, customers can also test selected functions free of charge for a period of one month and then book them for a specific period. The new BMW Digital Premium offer can also be booked for the new BMW 1-Series in the BMW ConnectedDrive Store.

BMW Digital Premium makes it possible to use country-specific apps, such as music and video streaming, news or gaming, in the vehicle as part of a subscription. The offer also includes data usage for all digital services and the apps contained in the BMW ConnectedDrive Store. BMW Digital Premium also extends the functions of the BMW Maps navigation system and the selection of My Modes and the lighting for the welcome and goodbye animation. In selected countries, BMW Digital Premium also enables digital payment of parking fees and fuel bills from the vehicle.

Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ is available as standard in the new BMW 1-Series. BMW ID and My BMW App offer a convenient way to personalise the user experience in the new BMW 1-Series. The BMW Digital Key Plus with ultra-wideband wireless technology for compatible smartphones with iOS or Android operating systems and the Apple Watch can also be optionally set up via the My BMW App.