2020 BMW 1 Series: First impression

Dynamic and innovative, two words that best describe the all-new 2020 BMW 1 Series. This third-generation five-door family hatchback offers new dynamic features, from exterior fixtures to interior amenities, making the 2020 BMW 1 Series the entry-level hatch to match. These German thoroughbreds often grace the streets of high-end subdivisions and the richest cities inside and outside of the Metro, giving them the impression of being a sporty and performance-oriented hatchback. True enough, however, you’d be surprised to know that the 2020 BMW 1 Series is more than your average hatchback. It offers up to 380 liters of boot space allowing it to haul more cargo and provide a family-friendly feel amidst its sporty façade. It's also laden with new and advanced (and optional) car tech that makes the 2020 BMW 1 Series a forward-looking four-seater hatch.

Also Read: 2020 BMW X1 & 1 Series have arrived in the Philippines

Here’s our first impression on the 2020 BMW 1 Series family hatchback.

2020 BMW 1 Series Exterior

Here’s what the 2020 BMW 1 Series looks like at a glance.

Height	1,434 mm
Length	4,319 mm
Width	2,081 mm
Ground Clearance	153 mm
Wheelbase	2,670 mm

It’s undeniably larger than its predecessor giving the 2020 BMW 1 Series a more dominant road presence. Not that it needs one, but its larger dimensions make it stand out both when sitting in a parking lot or when moving at its own pace. To put it simply, the 2020 BMW 1 Series is one to turn out heads with its all-new kidney grilles that seem to pop out of its relatively shorter hood that’s more sloped than its predecessor. Complementing the new front fascia are side bumper intakes and fog lamps that emphasizes its new and aggressive look. This new and predator-like styling extends to the rear of the 2020 BMW 1 Series with comparably thinner and more angular tail lamps and sharper lines.

2020 BMW 1 Series Interior

Stepping inside the cabin, the 2020 BMW 1 Series specs offers spacious interior as a consequence of its larger breadth. It can accommodate four adult passengers quite comfortably with more than enough head and legroom to move around especially when stuck in the unforgiving traffic of the Metro. We can only surmise six-foot passengers feeling cramped at the back seat but for us Pinoys, it’s just about the right size. It’s also packed with advanced on-board amenities like a digital instrument panel at the back of the steering wheel as well as a slew of controls within the driver’s reach. Sitting atop the center console is a somewhat sleek and slim screen that can be controlled via touch and gestures that gives the 2020 BMW 1 Series a clean and futuristic cabin feel.

2020 BMW 1 Series Engine

In terms of what it has to offer under the hood, the 2020 BMW 1 Series slightly deviates from the usual engine layout the German car manufacturer was known for. The current-gen 1 Series is outfitted with a front-wheel drive engine that offers a chock-full of benefits including the improved cabin space. The 2020 BMW 1 Series is currently offered in two turbocharged gasoline engines that can be mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch Steptronic transmission or an eight-speed Steptronic transmission. On one hand, you have a 1.5L turbocharged engine that puts down 138 horses and 220 Newton meters of torque while on the other, you have a 2.0L turbocharged engine that’s capable of putting down 305 buff horses and 450 Newton meters of torque.

2020 BMW 1 Series Safety

Like its engine packages, the standard safety loadout of the 2020 BMW 1 Series does not disappoint however, neither does it break any records. You’ll find a full suite of active safety features like the autonomous emergency braking (AEB) that helps prevent collisions as well as rear cross-traffic alerts and rear collision prevention as well as parking assist. Then there’s also the lane change warning and the lane departure warning with lane keeping assist to help you keep your course whilst driving in the Metro. These safety features merited the 2020 BMW 1 Series a full five-star rating from the ANCAP.

2020 BMW 1 Series Pricing

Here’s how much the prices stack up for the 2020 BMW 1 Series variants.

2020 BMW 1 Series 118i Sport	2,690,000
2020 BMW 1 Series M135i xDrive	4,590,000

Verdict

The 2020 BMW 1 Series is a solid option for those looking for a sporty and family-friendly hatchback that’s a cut above the competition.