BMW 1-Series Facelift Launched

BMW, in silence, has launched the 2016 1-Series facelift in India priced at Rs. 29.9 lakhs (ex-showroom, Thane). The automaker’s entry-level model in the country, the new 1-Series facelift comes with a host of upgrades to the exteriors and interiors that infuse some freshness into this luxury hatchback. BMW India is offering the new 1-Series only in the 118d Sportline diesel variant at present while the petrol derivative could arrive in the future. The 2016 BMW 1-Series facelift has received a major exterior revision that brings it up-to-date with other models from the company’s stable.

The luxury hatchback gets a revised front bumper, wider kidney grille, redesigned headlights with Bi-Xenon and adaptive LED lights (optional) along with new gloss black elements. The side profile looks more proportional now compared to the outgoing model while the rear features a revised bumper with twin exhausts and new wraparound LED tail lights that distinguish it better from another German hatchback that costs one third of its price.

The new BMW 1-Series facelift has also grown taller and wider than the outgoing model opening a tad bit more interior room. Inside the cabin, the model gets new upholstery, chrome surrounds and gloss black inserts, as well as new controls for the radio and climate control. The German auto giant is offering the single zone climate control as standard on the 1-Series whereas the dual-zone version is available as optional. The iDrive unit remains the same with a 6.5-inch free-standing display but gets software upgrades.

Under the hood, power on the 2016 BMW 1-Series facelift comes from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine producing 150 HP at 4000 RPM and 320 Nm of torque between 1500-3000 RPM, paired to an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. While the outgoing 1-Series was regarded as bland for its looks, the updated model counters the same with the much needed upgrades on the hatchback. That said, the 1-Series is the only car in the segment to come with a RWD layout making it the most fun-to-drive premium hatch around.