BMW 1 Series and 3 Series Updated Internationally

BMW has announced updates across its portfolio for most international markets, with the updates rolling out from July 2017. Cars included in this update include the 1 Series hatchback and 3 Series sedan and touring.

While it is normal for manufacturers to introduce small updates for their cars on a yearly basis, it is a special year for those who love the 1 Series hatchback. This may be one of the final major updates the hatchback receives before it is replaced by an all-new model which will be - don't get angry - a Front-Wheel-Drive car. Yes, the current model is a rear-wheel-drive car, but the fun-to-drive characteristic is to be dumped in favour of better efficiency, lower emissions and better interior space.

Let's take a brief look at all the changes BMW has made to the lineup - 

1 Series

Popular in Germany, Great Britain and China, the 2017 BMW 1 Series hatchback (in both 3-door and 5-door form) gets a host of changes for the standard variants and also receive some special edition variants.

The standard variants now get additional paint options - Sunset Orange and Seaside Blue. Five new alloy wheel designs are also available in 17-inch and 18-inch setups. The dashboard has been redesigned to increase the sense of space inside, while the luxurious interiors have been enhanced with the addition of new materials all around. 

The iDrive system has been updated with BMW's ConnectedDrive Services that add real-time traffic information to the navigation system, parking information (in cities that support the feature) and remote car access via BMW's app are now available as standard. Optional features include an 8.8-inch touchscreen, touch-sensitive iDrive Controller, Apple CarPlay, wireless charging and an in-car WiFi hotspot facility.

Three new special edition models have also been added to the lineup. The Edition Sport Line Shadow, Edition M Sport Shadow and M140i Edition Shadow get exterior visual upgrades. As the 'Shadow' name suggests, the visual upgrades give the 1 Series a sinister/sporty look. Visual details include black kidney grille, black inserts in the headlamp cluster and darkened tail-lamps.

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Engine options have not changed. The petrol range consists of three-, four- and six-cylinder engines while the diesel range consists of three- and four-cylinder engines. While power is primarily sent to the rear wheels, customers in select markets can also opt for AWD models of the 1 Series.

In India, the BMW 1 Series is available in only one variant - the 118d - which is priced at Rs 31 lakh, ex-showroom. The 1 Series has not been able to compete against fiercer competition from Mercedes-Benz, in the form of the A-Class and the B-Class. BMW is expected to focus on bringing in the all-new model to India after it has been revealed internationally, rather than bring any of the above mentioned updates to the market.

3 Series

The BMW 3 Series sedan and touring (estate/station wagon) are being upgraded for the 2018 model year. The updates to the standard car include LED headlamps, LED fog lamps and new 17-, 18- and 19-inch alloy wheel designs on the outside. A new paint option - Sunset Orange - has also been added to the pallet. Inside, the 3 Series features a new dashboard with contrast stitching. The display for the infotainment system is now touch-sensitive and features a new infographic design. Optional TFT DIS in the instrument cluster is also available, with dedicated displays for different driving modes.

Three new special edition variants of both the models will be available to order beginning July 2017. The 3 Series Edition Sport Line Shadow gets black inserts in the headlamps, taillights, kidney grille, and front lower intakes. Other highlights include all-black 18-inch alloy wheels and black chrome exhaust tip. Inside, it gets a new sports steering wheel, sports seats and Dark Aluminium Carbon trim with Pearl Gloss Chrome accents.

The Edition Luxury Line Purity adds satin finished aluminium trim in the windows, lower air intakes, kidney grille, bumper cover and exhaust pipes along with 17- or 19-inch alloy wheels in the same finish. A new 'Cognac' leather trim is available on the inside along with wood highlights and gloss chrome accents. The Edition M Sport Shadow gets a dark look inside out along with a plethora of optional M Sport equipment.

The BMW 3 Series sedan is priced between Rs 36.90 lakh and Rs 48.67 lakh, ex-showroom, while the GT (based on the 3-Series) is priced between Rs 46.61 lakh to Rs 51.22 lakh, ex-showroom. BMW could offer any of the above mentioned 'Edition' variants in India - that would certainly increase the appeal of the car. The 3 Series sedan was given a facelift in January 2016, while the GT was updated in October 2016.