The 2017 BMW 1 Series LCI update has arrived in Australia, with the flagship M140i receiving a very attractive price cut. The update is likely to be the last before the all-new model arrives.
Initially revealed in May this year, the 1 Series LCI update brings in a range of cosmetic tweaks, including fresh headlights and taillights, a revised front bumper bar with new intakes that match other current BMW models, and some new trimming options.
For Australia there are five main models, spanning from the 118i and 118d, the 120i, 125i, to the top M140i. For the latter model in particular, and those fitted with the Sport Line or M Sport trim, BMW has included black grille surrounds, black chrome exhaust tips, and dark alloy wheels to give the 1 Series a cool and sinister road presence.
Inside, the LCI update introduces an 8.8-inch multimedia interface option, which is standard on the 125i and M140i. It coincides with the launch of iDrive 6, which is standard across the range. The latest interface program includes tile-style app layout with customisable elements, along with touch capability on the optional 8.8-inch unit.
No changes are made to the powertrains, which means the base 118i gets a 100kW 1.5-litre three-cylinder producing a 0-100km/h time of 8.7 seconds, to the 118d’s 2.0-litre turbo-diesel developing 110kW/320Nm and a 0-100km/h time of 8.1 seconds, up to the 120i and its 2.0L turbo producing 135kW and a 0-100km/h of 7.1 seconds.
At the pointy end of the range, the 125i uses a 165kW/310Nm version of the 120i’s engine, capable of dusting off 0-100km/h in 6.1 seconds. The performance-oriented M140i uses a 3.0-litre turbo inline six – the only inline six in the class – with 250kW/500Nm, polishing off 0-100km/h in just 4.6 seconds.
BMW is set to debut the all-new 1 Series some time next year. It’s expected to drop the current rear-wheel drive layout and instead adopt a front-drive-based setup that comes with the newer UKL1 platform – also seen on the latest X1 SUV. At this stage the 1 Series is the only rear-drive model in the class.
The new model is due in local showrooms from September, with key standard features and starting prices as follows. Perhaps the biggest news in this department is a price cut for the M140i from $64,722 to just $59,990 (all excluding on-road costs):
2017 LCI BMW 118i – $39,990
2017 LCI BMW 118d – $43,990
2017 LCI BMW 120i – $45,990
2017 LCI BMW 125i – $49,990
2017 LCI BMW M140i – $59,990
BMW 118i and 118d
- Sport Line
- 16-inch light-alloy wheels
- LED Headlights
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Navigation System Business with iDrive6 functionality
- Automatic climate control
- DAB+ radio capability
- Rear view camera
- Speed Limit Info
- Sports steering wheel
- Sports seats for driver and front passenger, finished in cloth upholstery
- Rain-sensing wipers
- BMW ConnectedDrive suite with ConnectedDrive services, remote services, emergency e-call and Real-Time Traffic Information
- Driving Assistant
BMW 120i (in addition to 118i)
- Urban Line
- 17-inch light-alloy wheels
- LED fog lights
- Front and rear Park Distance Control
- Interior lights package
- Dakota leather upholstery
- Extended automatic climate control
- Interior mirror with anti-dazzle function
BMW 125i (in addition to 120i)
- M Sport Package with M Sport suspension
- 18-inch light-alloy wheels
- Exterior mirrors with anti-dazzle function
- M Sport brakes
- BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line exterior finish
- Navigation System Professional with 8.8-inch touch screen
- Cloth/Alcantara upholstery
- M leather steering wheel
- Eight-speed sports automatic transmission
- BMW Individual Anthracite roofliner
BMW M140i (in addition to 125i)
- 18-inch light-alloy wheels in Jet Black
- Adaptive M Suspension
- Adaptive LED headlights with BMW Selective Beam
- Comfort Access System
- Dakota leather upholstery
- Electric seat adjustment with memory function
- harman/kardon loudspeaker system
