Leipzig – The BMW Group Plant Leipzig has commenced production of the fourth-generation BMW 1 Series, marking a significant milestone for the premium compact segment. The first vehicle, a BMW 120 in Alpine White, rolled off the production line destined for a customer in Germany. This new model boasts a combined fuel consumption of 6.0 – 5.3 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 135 – 121 g/km according to WLTP standards.
Enhanced Production Capabilities and Employment Growth
The BMW 1 Series, manufactured exclusively at Plant Leipzig in Saxony, contributes to a daily output of up to 1,300 vehicles when combined with the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, and MINI Countryman. Since the plant’s first production of the three-door BMW 1 Series in 2007, more than 1.3 million units have been produced in various variants. The third-generation model alone saw nearly 443,000 deliveries by the end of June 2024.
READ MORE: Alfa Romeo Junior VELOCE Debuts with New 280-CV All-Electric Motor
Petra Peterhänsel, Plant Director, expressed confidence in the new model’s role in maintaining high production capacity at the plant. Upgrades since 2018 have increased the plant’s annual production capacity to 350,000 units, facilitating the manufacture of four models with three different types of drives across two brands on the same line. Production of the MINI Countryman, which started in November 2023, will rise to 500 units daily, supplementing the 800 BMW vehicles produced each day.
This expansion not only secures existing jobs but also creates new opportunities, with an additional 900 personnel joining vehicle production by the end of 2024, bringing total employment at Plant Leipzig to approximately 7,000 people.
New Design and Technological Advancements
The fourth-generation BMW 1 Series features a dynamic design with a strikingly flat front end, a wide, forward-leaning radiator grille with innovative bars, and standard LED headlights creating a distinctive “four-eyed face.” The rear design includes a pronounced apron with vertical reflectors, two-part rear lights, and a black diffuser-style insert, enhancing its powerful appearance.
Inside, the new BMW 1 Series is now completely leather-free as standard and features a redesigned cockpit with the BMW Curved Display. The optional M Sport Package and M Sport Design equipment provide an even sportier look.
Innovative Contrast Roof Option
For the first time, the BMW 1 Series offers an optional contrast roof in high-gloss black, applied using an overspray-free painting process. This new method is resource-efficient and eliminates the mist of excess paint, a feature previously piloted with the MINI Countryman at Plant Leipzig.
The new BMW 1 Series will be available in two solid colors and seven metallic finishes, along with BMW Individual paintwork and special paints. It is set for market launch on October 5, 2024, with Germany, Europe, the UK, and Italy being the strongest markets.
Environmental Performance
The BMW 120 model offers a combined fuel consumption of 6.0 – 5.3 l/100 km and combined CO2 emissions of 135 – 121 g/km, categorized under CO2 class D. These values, along with other performance specifications, adhere to the WLTP measurement procedures and EU regulations, ensuring accurate and reliable environmental performance data.
For more information, visit the BMW Group Plant Leipzig website.
Subscribe today for the freshest car news delivered to your inbox
