BMW Releases New 1-Series Early After Photos Leaked

After photos leaked onto the web late last week of the new 2012 BMW 1-Series, BMW has apparently opted to forgo the big launch they’d planned for the Frankfurt Motor Show and has since released all the details and specs of the new car now, to avoid speculation. 

So, what awaits would-be 1-Series buyers? Well, a bigger car, for one. 

Based upon the 3-Series platform, the new 1-Series will grow significantly in every dimension except vertically. A move that will assuredly ostracize some enthusiasts, the growth is a response to the next 3-Series’ also-expanded footprint leaving more room for a bigger 1-Series than previously possible, with most of the expanded capacity coming in the form of a larger cabin and cargo area. Both areas in which the current 1-Series earned much criticism, the new, roomier 1er should assuage many that thought it simply too small to be practical.

And of course, there will be new sheetmetal as well. Although definitely still looking very much like a 1-series, the new model has an even more upright grille flanked by even larger headlights; making what was already a slightly cartoonish car look even more so. Interestingly, while additional variants (read: a coupe) are slated to follow, only the über-practical five-door hatchback layout will be made available from the outset. 

Further evidence of BMW’s move towards practicality will be found underhood, where the absence of the turbocharged inline six will definitely be felt by sporting drivers. Instead, a lineup consisting entirely of four cylinders ranging from 136 to 245 horsepower will be available to North American drivers, with overseas markets benefitting from the additional fitment of three diesel engines.