BMW 1 Series hatchback - Interior & comfort
A new focus on technology puts its interior in contention with the class leaders
The BMW 1 Series has taken a big step forward here, with a sporting and premium interior design that's likely to go down a storm with its target audience. As is the BMW norm, the fascia is heavily angled towards the driver, but technology has taken a big step up in the never ending battle with Audi and Mercedes.
BMW 1 Series dashboard
Directly ahead of the driver sits a set of conventional dials in lower trims, or a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel in higher spec versions. A central infotainment display of the same size is mounted by its side and tilted towards their field of view, designed for touch operation. Material quality is of the highest order and there are plenty of neat touches like backlit strips of trim. A band of physical buttons can be used to adjust the climate control without using the touchscreen, sitting above two cupholders.
Equipment
Trim levels include SE, Sport and M Sport, with the most affordable coming with 16-inch alloy wheels, an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, cruise control, LED headlights and all-round parking sensors. Sport adds 17-inch wheels, contrast stitching, sports seats and a new body styling kit.
M Sport is likely to be as popular as ever, with 18-inch wheels, Dakota leather upholstery, heated front seats, sport suspension and a new look inside and out.
The 128ti gets several minor styling tweaks to mark it out from the M Sport models. A sportier bodykit with wider side skirts is fitted, along with a new front splitter, a carbon fibre rear diffuser, and red contrasting accents and matching ‘ti’ badges. A choice of 18 and 19-inch alloy wheels can also be specced. Inside, an Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel features, along with sports seats and stainless steel pedals. It also gets unique graphics for the digital dial cluster and infotainment system, plus the option of a 9.2-inch head-up-display.
Options
BMW offers several option packs to group together kit, including a Comfort Pack with cargo nets and boot convenience items, exterior lighting when you get in and out, folding door mirrors and heated seats. An extension of this enables smartphone unlocking, a remote tailgate and heated steering wheel. A Tech Pack adds wireless charging, head-up display, park assist and Icon Adaptive LED headlights.
