- BMW unveiled a new 1 Series
- Refreshed compact car launches new naming strategy at BMW
- Gasoline BMWs will no longer have the lowercase “i” in their model names
BMW has introduced a new naming strategy aimed at simplifying the designation of its models based on the number of electric vehicles the range continues to grow.
The new strategy, which begins with the updated version of the 1 Series sedan revealed on Wednesday, removes the lowercase “i” from individual model designations for gasoline models. So, the updated version of grades 120i and M135i are now called 120 and M135 respectively.
The i was originally introduced in the late 1960s on the BMW 2000 tii, to signify fuel injection. Now the letter is reserved for BMW electric vehicles. The updated 1 Series does not have an electric version, but under the new strategy a model designation like the i5 eDrive40 electric version of the 5 Series will simply become an i540.
Diesel versions continue to feature a lowercase ‘d’ in their model designation, for example a 120d in the case of the updated Series 1. Plug-in hybrids will likely continue to use a lowercase ‘e’, although the updated Series 1 does not currently have plug-in hybrid grade.
BMW 1 Series (M135) hatchback 2025
The updated Series 1 arrives 20 years after the launch of the original hatch. It features new styling, interior and exterior, as well as an improved range of 3 and 4 cylinder engines. All engines are mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and come with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. A manual transmission is no longer available.
The most powerful option is a 2.0-liter turbo-4 found in the M135. It develops 296 hp and is coupled as standard with an all-wheel drive system. This quality also comes with aerodynamic and chassis improvements and, according to BMW, it accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds.
Inside, the designers opted for a layout similar to that found in the related 2 Series Active Tourer sold overseas. There are new digital screens measuring 10.3 inches for the gauge cluster and 10.7 inches for the infotainment system, as well as a revised center console with new controls, including the small button instead of the shift lever. more vertical speeds.
BMW 1 Series (M135) hatchback 2025
BMW has also added the latest version of its iDrive interface, version 9.0. The latest version is powered by Google’s Android operating system (older systems used Linux) and is much simpler to use thanks to direct access to popular functions rather than having to go through a submenu. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also supported.
Although BMW has no plans to introduce its updated version of the 1 Series in the United States, many of the vehicle’s changes, including the new naming strategy, are expected to appear on an updated version of the associated 2 Series Gran Coupé. for model year 2025.