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2020 BMW 1 Series Specs Revealed for 118i and 120d

Last week, we talked a little bit about the all-new 1 Series. As BMW is switching to a FWD platform, it's eager to get as much attention as possible. After all, Audi and Mercedes are tough rivals.
2020 BMW 1 Series Specs Revealed for 118i and 120d 1 photo
Photo: BMW
A short test drive even was organized, and it's there that Auto Express got hold of some specs for a couple of models, the 118i and 120d. Why not more? Because that's probably all you're going to get at launch.

We want to reference Mercedes for a quick second here. When it revealed the A-Class about a year ago, it gave the car a base 1.5 diesel, the 1.3 turbo with 163 HP and a 2-liter turbo for the A 250.

BMW's 1 Series will get a 118i at launch. Traditionally, that's been a bad engine, but they seem to be focusing more now. This model features a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged to the tune of 140 HP (138bhp).

This unit should have 220 Nm of torque and be able to reach 100 km/h in less than 9 seconds. The standard gearbox is said to be a 7-speed DCT, though we imagine a manual version will also be offered.

Another powertrain we have specs for is the 120d, though the numbers are hardly surprising. Using a 2-liter diesel engine, this model makes 190, so it's perfectly matched against the Mercedes A 220 d. This model will have an 8-speed gearbox and xDrive as an option.

Finally, there's the flagship car, which BMW officially sketched out. The M135i will try to soften the blow of not getting 6-cylinder engines by offering a more powerful 2-liter turbo. It's the same unit found in the X2 M35i, making 306 HP (302bhp) and 450 Nm of torque.

Eventually, an iPerformance plug-in hybrid is planned. It's expected to feature the same setup as the MINI Countryman Cooper S E, meaning a 1.5-liter turbo that's helped by an e-motor to produce 224 HP. Don't make the mistake of thinking the 1 Series rides on the same platform, as its FAAR architecture is better suited to green applications.

This tech is also responsible for a modest weight reduction of 20 kilos (25kg for xDrive models) and better packaging. As we've already mentioned, legroom and cargo space will be positively impacted.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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