The dream of owning a BMW within reach of a fortunate few becomes reality with the arrival of the fourth-generation Series 1. The most accessible model from the Bavarian brand in the country sells for US$55,900, a number that, although it sounds outrageous for the Argentine pocket, represents the entry into the premium world on wheels.
Produced at the German plant in Leipzig, the new Series 1 landed in February 2025 in three versions: 118 Advantage, 118 Sportline (the one we tested), and the sporty M135 xDrive. The silhouette maintains BMW’s classic proportions: a long wedge-shaped hood, flat windows, and a muscular rear that commands presence. But this generation brings new features: it grew 42 mm in length (now 4.361 m) and 25 mm in height (1.459 m), while width and wheelbase remain unchanged. The trunk still holds 380 liters, expandable to 1,200.
The front is pure aggression: wide air intakes, LED headlights with vertical elements, and the redesigned double-kidney grille with vertical and diagonal bars. One detail that catches the eye is the number 1 embossed on the Hofmeister kink of the C-pillar. The 18-inch alloy wheels complete the look.
Inside, the quality of materials and finishes lives up to the brand. The front seats are spacious; the rear seats are just enough for two adults. Visibility is good despite the not-so-generous glass surfaces. The leather-wrapped sport steering wheel and the new selector give it a modern touch. The technological profile is provided by two curved screens: a 10.25-inch one for the instrument cluster and a central 10.7-inch one with touch and voice control, compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and equipped with the BMW 9 operating system and ConnectedDrive services.
Standard equipment includes an electric panoramic sunroof, head-up display, rearview camera, parking sensors, perforated eco-leather upholstery, power-adjustable sport seats, wireless charger, dual-zone climate control with rear vents and voice control, and graphite aluminum trim. In terms of safety, six airbags, Isofix anchors, ABS with EBD, stability and traction control, frontal collision warning, and an ADAS package with adaptive lights, emergency braking, and tire pressure indicator.
Under the hood, the turbocharged three-cylinder 1.5-liter gasoline engine has been tweaked to deliver 156 hp (previously 140) and 23.45 kgm of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that sends power to the front axle. The response is linear and progressive, with torque available from low revs ensuring immediate reactions. The transmission is lightning-fast and precise.
Without being a pure sports car, the Series 1 is fun to drive, especially in Sport mode with the paddles. It weighs just 1,390 kg, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds, and recovers from 80 to 120 km/h in 5.3 seconds. Top speed is limited to 260 km/h. Combined fuel consumption is 6.3 liters per 100 km. The ride is remarkable: the calibrated suspensions mitigate the harshness of low-profile tires and handle the potholes of Argentine streets. On the highway, it feels agile, light, and docile in traffic, firm and stable at high speed.
The suggested price of US$55,900 makes it the cheapest BMW in the local market. A luxury that, for many, remains unattainable, but marks the entry point of exclusivity on wheels.
56 lucas verdes por un BMW Serie 1? Me parece un choreo a mano armada. Con eso te comprás un terreno y te armás un rancho en el conurbano, no un autito que parece un Fiat Mobi tuneado. Los chetos enchufados se la creen, pero después lloran por el sueldo mínimo. Yo me quedo con mi Falcon, más fierro y menos careta.
56 lucas verdes un BMW? para mí esto es una cachetada a los laburantes. mientras los oligarcas se dan la gran vida con sus autazos alemanes, nosotros no llegamos ni a fin de mes. me parece obsceno, che. viva la lucha de clases, carajo. firmado: el che de palermo.