BMW’s newest 1 Series model made also its world debut at the #NextGen event in Munich. The third generation 1 Series is displayed as a BMW 118d with M Sport Package and painted in Storm Bay. The light gray emphasizes the distinctive design language of the M Sport Pack and lets the new compact BMW appear very self-confident. The 90-millimeter tailpipes installed on all models on the left and right underscore the sporting ambitions of the BMW 1 Series F40.

While the new 118i is powered by a three-cylinder engine, the tried-and-tested 2.0-liter four-cylinder B47 diesel engine works in the 118d with 150 hp and 350 Nm of torque. Depending on the gearbox, a 6-speed manual switch and an 8-speed automatic transmission are available. The standard sprint from a standstill succeeds in 8.5 or 8.4 seconds. The maximum speed varies, baed on the transmission, from 218 to 216 km/h.

At the market launch in September 2019, the BMW 118d is available exclusively with a front-wheel drive, later followed by a 118d xDrive with all-wheel drive. The 190 hp 120d xDrive is, however, the only 1 Series F40 with a diesel engine, which also drives the rear wheels. Even the base diesel 116d with 116-horsepower three-cylinder is available only as a front-wheel drive.

The other model that debuted at the Welt is the top of the line M135i xDrive. Using also the front-wheel drive architecture, the new hot hatch is sending power to all four wheels, from a 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbo engine. This engine is the BMW Group’s most powerful four-cylinder engine, extracting 225 kW (306 hp) between 5,000 and 6,250 rpm and has a peak torque of 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) 1,750 rpm and stays there up to 4,500 rpm. The flagship model races to 100 km/h (62 mph) from rest in just 4.8 seconds (4.7 seconds with M Performance package), while top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).

Standard specification for the sporty BMW M135i xDrive includes a newly developed mechanical Torsen limited-slip differential. The differential is integrated into the standard-fit eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission on the BMW M135i xDrive and also features a Launch Control mode that already puts the full peak torque of 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) on tap in first and second gear.

To enjoy the new 1 Series through more photos, click the gallery below: