Meet The All-New 2020 BMW 1 Series

Inside, overall space has increased, thanks largely to the switch to an FWD setup. Rear passenger headroom, elbowroom, and kneeroom have all increased and cargo space is significantly boosted. It now allows for a total of 13.4 cubic feet, up from 12.7. Loading and unloading from the trunk will also be easier thanks to the area now being 2.63 inches wider. Another cool option is an electric tailgate, the first time it's been offered on the 1 Series. The new dashboard design is distinctly BMW, featuring a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen that incorporates the infotainment system with gesture control support. A 10.25-inch screen with an equal size fully digital instrument cluster is optional on higher spec trims.

Under the hood will be a choice of gasoline and diesel engines, but the one we're most interested in is the range-topping turbocharged 2.0-liter with 302 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, making it BMW's most powerful four-cylinder ever. This is the same engine found in the X2 M35i. In this case, power is sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The M135i xDrive is going to be one hell of a hot hatch.

Starting in November, BMW will offer it with an M Performance package that'll drop its 4.8-second 0-62 mph time by a tenth of a second. Top speed, however, is electronically limited to 155 mph. The base trim 118i will be powered by a 1.5-liter three-cylinder with 138 hp and 162 lb-ft. Power will be directed to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or seven-speed slushbox. The 116d is powered by a 1.5-liter diesel making 114 hp and 200 lb-ft while the 118d has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 147 hp and 258 lb-ft. The most powerful oil burner is the 120d xDrive where that same diesel four offers 188 hp and 295 lb-ft of twist.

Of course, don't expect any of those diesels to arrive in America with the 2 Series Gran Coupe, but the turbo four banger is very likely. The 2020 1 Series will be on display next month in Munich alongside the debut of another new BMW, the 8 Series Gran Coupe. We'll be seeing the 1 Series in the flesh in September at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. Official pricing will be announced later and sales will begin before the end of the year.