The next-generation BMW 1 Series will reportedly debut this year, and leaked specifications reveal it will grow in size.
BimmerPost forum user ynguldyn – who claims to compile leaks from sources within BMW – has published specifications of the new-generation hatchback, while also noting an electric i1 will enter production in March 2028.
The wheelbase of the new 1 Series will reportedly remain unchanged at 2670mm, suggesting this ‘new’ model could feature a heavily revised version of the current car’s UKL2 platform.
It’s referred to as an F70, suggesting, though, that this is more than a mere mid-life update of the current F40.
The F70 1 Series will reportedly measure 4361mm long, 1800mm wide (without mirrors) and 1459mm tall. This means the F70 is ever so slightly larger in all dimensions than the current F40.
It will reportedly debut in 118d, 120d, 118, 120 and M135 xDrive guises – with the ‘i’ dropped from the end of petrol model names.
In November, the 1 Series range will reportedly grow to include 116 and 123 xDrive models, which will use the same powertrains as the X1 sDrive16i and X1 xDrive23i.
The X1 sDrive16i uses a 1.5-litre turbo three-cylinder petrol engine with 91kW of power and 230Nm of torque, while the X1 xDrive23i has a 2.0-litre turbo four with a 48V mild-hybrid system and outputs of 160kW and 360Nm. Neither X1 variants are sold here.
Kerb weights will reportedly range from 1425kg for the 120 to 1550kg for the M135. The volume of the boot is said to be 380 litres, which can expand to 1200 litres with the rear seats folded down.
As reported previously, the F70 1 Series is set to enter production in July this year, followed by the related F74 2 Series Gran Coupe in November.
The production run of both vehicles is reportedly set to end in October 2033, with the i1 reportedly set to exit production in February 2036.
The 1 Series has previously been spied testing in 116 and M135 guises.
The new hatchback’s design is evolutionary, with a similar profile. It features more rounded headlights than those of the current model.
Current M135i xDrive 
Expect to see fewer buttons inside and the BMW Curved Display, incorporating an infotainment system running iDrive 9.
The current 1 Series is available locally in three variants.
The 118i uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine making 103kW and 220Nm, the 128ti uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 180kW and 380Nm and the all-wheel drive M135i xDrive uses a 2.0-litre turbo four with 225kW and 450Nm depending on the grade chosen.
BMW sold 1755 examples of the 1 Series last year, which saw it outsold significantly by the rival Audi A3 (3319 sales) and Mercedes-Benz A-Class (2392 sales).
MORE: Everything BMW 1 Series
MORE: BMW 128ti review
