LAUNCH | 2025 BMW 1 Series & 2 Series Gran Coupé land in SA

The original BMW 1 Series was first launched locally in 2004. This entry point into the brand was regarded as something of an oddity. With dinky looks and a snug interior as a consequence of its rear-wheel drive layout, it was less practical than front-wheel drive rivals such as the Audi A3.

But in typical BMW fashion, the 1 Series was the driving enthusiasts’ choice, particularly when ordered in derivatives such as the potent, six-cylinder 130i.

When the follow-up generation came in 2011, it retained the rear-wheel drive layout, while the design became even more polarising. Some likened the front-end to a beaver’s face, while the rear appeared to imitate the Volkswagen Polo of the era.

Luckily, a facelift remedied the earlier stylistic misgivings, with a more cohesive and substantial redesign. The third-generation 1 Series changed the recipe completely, adopting a front-wheel drive platform.

It traded dynamic prowess for a more practical interior package, with greater cabin space and a more capacious boot.

The rationale behind the shift was that the 1 Series demographic had evolved, placing less priority on the engagement afforded by rear-wheel driving characteristics.

Based on the same platform as this breed of the 1 Series, BMW developed the 2 Series Gran Coupé, offering a more glamorous aesthetic.

This week, the Bavarian marque introduced the fourth-generation 1 Series to SA, which wears the internal designation of F70, as well as the second iteration of the 2 Series Gran Coupé, coded F74.

The new 1 Series is a significant model for BMW. It is the entry-point to the range after all, and the manufacturer says it still accounts for significant volumes — despite the rise of more versatile (and pricier) options such as the X1. More than three-million units have been sold since 2004.

Visually, the latest 1 Series is a sleeker, more aerodynamic evolution of the original. It has that traditionally long BMW bonnet and a pert backside.

Note the “iconic glow” illuminated kidney grilles, slit-eyed LED headlamps and diffuser-like rear lower inserts with concealed exhaust tips. The new selection of aluminium alloy wheels is made from recycled materials.

It is clear that BMW still envisages the 1 Series as ideal for a youthful, expressive set, judging from the striking colour options on offer, including a shade bordering on shocking pink.

Stylistically, the 2 Series Gran Coupé is identical from the front to the C-pillar, where it swaps the hatched rump for a fastback-like tail. It is also set apart by frameless windows.

Inside, the new compact models adhere to textbook BMW prescriptions: a compact, chunky three-spoke steering wheel, driver-angled central fascia and simple, easy-to-navigate cockpit layout.

The BMW Operating System 9 infotainment set-up runs Android-based software, with a curved display screen. Large icons and straightforward, user-friendly menus.

Optional assistance features include a semi-autonomous parking assistant that can be operated remotely via a smartphone on the My BMW app.

Prospective customers may also observe an omission on the tailgate of the new models.

No longer is there a small “i” to suffix the numeric title — by now, you should know that fuel injection is a given. The small “i” will instead apply exclusively to the electric models. The 1 Series and its booted sibling are the first new BMW models to adopt this refreshed nomenclature.

The grade walk for the models is simple: Base, Pure Design and M Sport.

There are two turbocharged-petrol engine derivatives: a 1.5l three-cylinder or 2.0l four-cylinder.

We started our day with the M135 (2.0l), with its appropriately sporty exterior outfit and racy cabin theme.

It starts up with a bass-rich engine note and, under hard acceleration, produces a decent timbre.

The all-wheel drive M135 (233kW/400Nm) is rapid, with a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.9 seconds. It offers confidence-inspiring punch for overtaking on the N3 freeway, as we learnt.

Climbing into the 118 (1.5l) presented an expected contrast — but the motor is not what you would call underpowered, relative to similar entry-level peers.

The 115kW/230Nm unit offers a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 8.5 seconds; perfectly adequate for safe freeway merging.

It enabled leisurely cruising through the Free State, on our launch drive route.

Both models use seven-speed, dual-clutch automatics, which is a change from the previously deployed eight-speed torque-converter.

Pricing ranges between R713,395 to R982,768 for the 1 Series. The 2 Series Gran Coupé kicks off at R733,559 and tops out at R1,043,100.