With imagery of the brand new 1-Series hatchback making the internet rounds since Friday, it was only a matter of time before BMW came out with an official release and a full set of photos. The Bavarian firm’s entry-level model sports has grown in size and sports fresher –albeit, somewhat more controversial- looks, while also introducing a new generation of 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engines with up to 170HP.
For its debut, BMW chose to show the five-door hatchback model, but the range will eventually grow to include a three-door hatchback followed by the coupe, cabriolet and if the grapevine holds true, a longer and more spacious Gran Turismo version in the likes of the 3-Series GT we recently showed you in these spy shots.

The second iteration of the 1-Series codenamed F20 is built on the same platform architecture as the upcoming F30 3-Serie. The five-door hatch is 85 mm (3.3-in.) longer than its predecessor, at 4,324 mm (170.2-in.), while the wheelbase has widened by 30 mm to 2,690 mm (105.9-in). Furthermore, its overall width has increased by 17 mm to 1,765 mm (69.5-in) due to an increase in track of 51 mm at the front and 72 mm at the rear, whereas its height remains unchanged at 1,421 mm (55.9-in.). BMW says the rear passengers have 21mm more legroom, and the luggage compartment has expanded by 30 liters to 360 liters (12.7 cubic feet).

Crafted under the watch of BMW’s Chief designer Adrian van Hooydonk, the styling of the new 1er is an evolution of the outgoing model with sharper and more prominent creases and a dramatic front-end design with abnormally large headlamps stretching all the way to the wheel arches.

It’s a similar story inside as the styling is more evolutionary than revolutionary. Aside from the larger center console with fresh switchgear and the new steering wheel design, BMW claims it boasts higher-grade materials and more attention to detail. As an option, the company offers its latest iDrive system that includes a retractable screen on top of the dashboard.

The big news lies under the hood as BMW finally introduced its long awaited, smaller displacement, turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine. The 1.6-liter unit with TwinPower Turbo and direct injection technology will be available at first in two states of tune delivering 136-horses and 220Nm (162.3 lb-ft) in the 116i and 170-horses and 250Nm (184.4 lb-ft) in the 118i.

For diesel fans, the junior rear-wheel drive BMW offers a redesigned 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivering 116HP in the 116d, 143HP in the 118d and 184HP in the 120d. BMW said it will also launch a 116d EfficientDynamics Edition, with a 116HP 1.6 litre diesel engine and additional fuel-saving technologies that will keep CO2 emissions over the EU testing cycle down to just 99 g/km.

Further down the line, the Bavarian automaker’s freshly launched 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with around 240-horses will most likely make it in the 128i replacing the current 130i that comes with a 3.0-liter straight six pushing out 258HP. BMW has not yet said if it will offer a straight-six engine on the new 1-Series.

A six-speed manual gearbox is standard on all models with BMW’s new 8-speed automatic transmission being offered as an option replacing the current six-speed auto.

Model versions:

BMW 118i: Four-cylinder in-line petrol engine with
BMW TwinPower Turbo technology package, consisting of twin-scroll turbocharger, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC and Double-VANOS variable valve control,

Capacity: 1, 598 cc, output: 125 kW/170 hp at 4,800 rpm,
Maximum torque: 250 Nm at 1,500 – 4,500 rpm,
Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h (62mph): 7.4 seconds,
Maximum speed: 225 km/h – 140mph
Combined-cycle fuel consumption*: 5.8 – 5.9 litres/100 kilometres,
CO2 emissions*: 134 – 137 g/km, emissions standard: EU5.

BMW 116i: Four-cylinder in-line petrol engine with
BMW TwinPower Turbo technology package, consisting of twin-scroll turbocharger, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC and Double-VANOS variable valve control,

Capacity: 1,598 cc, output: 100 kW/136 hp at 4, 400 rpm,
Maximum torque: 220 Nm at 1,350 – 4, 300 rpm,
Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h (62mph): 8.5 seconds,
Maximum speed: 210 km/h -130mph,
Combined-cycle fuel consumption*: 5.5 – 5.7 litres/100 kilometres,
CO2 emissions*: 129 – 132 g/km, emissions standard: EU5.

BMW 120d: Four-cylinder in-line diesel engine with
BMW TwinPower Turbo technology package, consisting of variable-geometry turbocharger, common-rail magnetic-valve direct injection
(max. injection pressure: 1,800 bar),

Capacity: 1,955 cc, output: 135 kW/184 hp at 4, 000 rpm,
Maximum torque: 380 Nm at 1,750 – 2, 750 rpm,
Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h (62mph): 7.2 seconds,
Maximum speed: 228 km/h – 142mph,
Combined-cycle fuel consumption*: 4.5 – 4.6 litres/100 kilometres,
CO2 emissions*: 119 – 122 g/km, emissions standard: EU5.

BMW 118d: Four-cylinder in-line diesel engine with
BMW TwinPower Turbo technology package, consisting of variable-geometry turbocharger, common-rail, magnetic-valve direct injection (max. injection pressure: 1,600 bar),

Capacity: 1,955 cc, output: 105 kW/143 hp at 4,000 rpm,
Max. torque: 320 Nm at 1,750 – 2, 500 rpm,
Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h (62mph): 8.9 seconds,
Maximum speed: 212 km/h – 132mph
Combined-cycle fuel consumption*: 4.4 – 4.5 litres/100 kilometres,
CO2 emissions*: 115 – 118 g/km, emissions standard: EU5.

BMW 116d: Four-cylinder in-line diesel engine with
BMW TwinPower Turbo technology package, consisting of variable-geometry turbocharger with common-rail, magnetic-valve direct injection (max. injection pressure: 1,600 bar),
Capacity: 1,955 cc, output: 85 kW/116 hp at 4,000 rpm,

Maximum torque: 260 Nm at 1,750 – 2,500 rpm,
Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h (62mph): 10.3 seconds,
Maximum speed: 200 km/h – 124mph
Combined-cycle fuel consumption*: 4.3 – 4.5 litres/100 kilometres,
CO2 emissions*: 114 – 117 g/km, emissions standard: EU5.
* EU test figures, variations due to differences in the tyres fitted

BMW has put the top on its all-new 2012 6-Series with the presentation of the Coupe model ahead of its world premiere at the Shanghai Auto Show in China in April. The new 6-Series Coupe comes shortly after the convertible model that received its public debut at this year’s Detroit Motor Show in January.

Based on last year’s ‘BMW Concept 6 Series Coupe’, the styling of the Bavarian firm’s premium GT is the work of BMW design boss Adrian van Hooydonk, who replaced Chris Bangle in 2009. The new 6er feature s a far less controversial but somewhat more bland styling that its predecessor with a pronounced front end sporting a busy set of headlamps and auxiliary lights and a relatively low roofline.

At 4,894mm long, 1894mm wide and 1,369mm tall, the 2+2 coupe is 75mm longer, 39mm wider and 5mm lower than its predecessor. It also rides on a 75mm longer wheelbase at 2,855mm, which promises to improve space for the rear passengers. Boot capacity stands at 460 liter or 16.24 cu.ft.

The interior design is the same as on the soft-top model, with the more driver-orientated cockpit and the large display on the center console standing out.

At launch, the new 6-Series Coupe will be offered with a choice of two powerplants, a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six for the 640i and a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 for the 650i. Both the 650i Coupe and 640i Coupe transfer their power to the rear wheels via a standard eight-speed Sports automatic gearbox with steering wheel shift paddles. However, in the U.S., BMW will also offer a 6-speed manual gearbox for the 650i Coupe.

The 640i’s straight-six produces 320 hp at 5,800 rpm and 450Nm (332 lb-ft) of peak torque between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm, allowing the coupe to complete the sprint from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.4 seconds, and reach an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle stands at 7.7lt / 100km (equal to 30.6 mpg US), while CO2 emissions come in at 179 g/km.

In EU-spec, the 650i’s V8 engine kicks out 407 hp from its 4.4-litre displacement between 5,500 and 6,400 rpm and a peak torque of 600Nm (443 lb-ft) between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm, for 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of 4.9 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). It returns a combined fuel economy of 10.4 lt/100km (equal to 23.1 mpg US) in the EU test cycle, together with CO2 emissions of 243g/km.

In U.S.-spec, the 650i’s V8 delivers 400 hp between 5,500 and 6,400 rpm, and makes peak torque of 450 lb-ft between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm for a 0-60mph (96km/h) acceleration time of 4.8 seconds with either the 6-speed manual or the 8-speed automatic transmission.

The 640i and 650i Coupes will go on sale in Europe this fall while the 650i Coupe arrives in US showrooms this fall as well.

Not to be outdone by the likes of the Mercedes-Benz CLS, Porsche Panamera, Aston Martin Rapide or Audi A7, BMW will reportedly be building a production version of the Gran Coupe concept that debuted at this year’s Beijing Motor Show. It may be a late arrival to the growing segment of swoopy luxury sedans, but BMW will indeed poise the Gran Coupe to offer just as much in the way of technology and refinement as the lot of its competitors.

Based on the next-generation 6 Series, the Gran Coupe is set to launch sometime in 2012 and will share its powertrains with what we’re seeing in the 5, 6, and 7 Series BMWs, including a possible hybrid variant. Naturally, the production Gran Coupe will slot between the 5 and 7 Series in terms of size and price, and if the overall design doesn’t change too much, it’ll certainly be an attractive addition to the BMW lineup.

Seventy years ago, BMW’s racing division celebrated its greatest racing triumph so far in the world of motor sports by winning first, third, fifth and sixth places at the 1940 Mille Miglia with its classic 328.

To honor this anniversary, BMW Group’s Italian arm has created a special edition version of the firm’s hardtop roadster called the Z4 sDrive35is Mille Miglia, of which only 99 examples will be sold in Italy.

Based on the standard Z4 sDrive35is that’s powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six with 340HP, the Mille Miglia edition comes equipped with an M Sports aerodynamics package and 19-inch alloy wheels in a dark chrome shade, while the body is finished in a matte silver color called ‘Polaris’.

Other exterior highlights include the ‘Mille Miglia’ badges and the matte black kidney grilles.

Inside, the most noticeable feature of the Z4 sDrive35is Mille Miglia are the sports seats covered in Alcantara and leather with contrasting red stitching. The car also gets an M Sport steering wheel, unique floor mats, ‘Mille Miglia’ badges and special decorative trim.

This is officially the release of the 5-Series Touring (see our previous post here) and the car’s exactly what you think it is in every way: a station wagon version of BMW’s 5-Series, and a damn sight prettier than the postmodern 5GT.

That means that just about anything available on the 2011 5-Series saloon (Variable Damper Control, 8-Speed Sport automatic gearbox, EfficientDynaics technology) will also be offered on the wagon.

The four engines at launch will be the 520d (184HP 2.0L diesel), 530d (245HP 3.0L diesel), 523i (204HP 3.0L petrol), and 535i (306HP 3.0L turbo petrol). Being a touring model, it’s obviously meant to be a more utilitarian take on the 5-Series.

Taking this into consideration, everything needed to get the kids to the vet or the dog to school is available: split-folding rear seat (40/20/40), luggage cover attached to the rear hatch, unique opening rear hatch window, load-leveling suspension, and roof rails (available in matte aluminum, matte black, or gloss black).

The Touring 5-er’s storage space has grown by 60 liters to 560 liters (19.8 cu ft) with the seats up, or 1,670 liters (59 cu ft) with the seats folded down. Also, BMW seems to have fixed the issue of the rear seats’ lean-in to the cargo area.

If necessary, the seats can be fixed in a more-upright position, adding 30 liters (1.06 cu ft) of space in the rear, while keeping the rear seats functional and straightening your kids’ spines. They call it “Extended Storage”; I call it a free trip to the chiropractor.

Like other upcoming BMW models, EfficientDynamics plays a key role in the car’s…efficiency.

That means Start/Stop tech, a gear shift indicator for those people who can drive with two feet, and, “completing the panoply [Noun: a magnificent or impressive array] of BMW’s…EfficientDynamics package are Brake Energy Regeneration, Active Aerodynamics, Low rolling resistance tires, Electric Power Steering and lightweight engineering throughout the vehicle.”

With the newest generation, BMW debuts a few 5-Series Touring firsts: “The BMW 520d Touring is the first 5 Series to come with Auto Start-Stop, reducing the engine idle period when coming to a short stop”. The Touring can also be fitted with “four-wheel Integral Active Steering”, which helps cut the turning radius.

If you live in Europe, BMW’s latest executive tourer goes on sale in September