ROME – With the fourth generation BMW revisits the entry level of its range. With a targeted series of interventions, the designers of the Munich company have added new life to the premium compact model which will arrive in dealerships next October (prices still being defined).
In addition to the revisiting of design details such as the front and the headlights, the dimensions also grow slightly with an increase in length of 42 millimeters (4,361 millimetres) and height of 25 millimeters (1,459 millimetres), while width and wheelbase remain unchanged.
For those who want a sportier look, the M Sport and M Sport Design packages are available, with large air intakes in the front apron, pronounced side skirts and a three-dimensional diffuser element in the rear apron.
In the name of sustainability, natural leather has been banned from the passenger compartment, replaced by ecological materials such as Econeer and Veganza (Veganza/Alcantara for the M Sport package, standard on the M135 xDrive). We then find the evolution of the Curved Display with 10.2″5 and 10.7″ screens for instrumentation and infotainment, while the latest version of BMW iDrive with QuickSelect, based on Operating System 9, allows greater interaction and reduction of physical controls. By adding the Innovation package you get the Live Cockpit Professional with Head-Up Display and Augmented View on the Control Display, as well as the Parking Assistant Plus.
The top of the range is represented by the M135 xDrive version powered by the generous 300 HP four-cylinder, with adaptive M chassis, sports steering and intelligent all-wheel drive, capable of sprinting from zero to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds for a maximum speed of 250 km/h (self-limited).
In addition to the 118d being powered by a 150 hp four-cylinder diesel unit, the 120’s 170 hp three-cylinder petrol engine and the 120d’s 163 hp four-cylinder diesel engine are combined with 48-volt mild hybrid technology and the 7-speed Steptronic gearbox with double clutch as standard.
The standard equipment also includes the Driving Assistant with forward collision warning, Lane Departure Warning, Exit Warning and Traffic Sign Recognition, as well as the Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant.
As options, the steering assistance and lane control system, the automatic speed limit assistance system and route guidance when using the Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function can be added.
