BMW 1 series handling: XXL screen for futuristic cockpit

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The third restyling for the BMW 1 series abandons the propulsion in favor of the traction.It gains in habitability, but also a double digital screen and a head -up system.Vocal commands and gestural functions are.

Appeared in 2004, the BMW 1 Series managed to make a place in the sun despite the aura of the series 3.As proof, nearly 2,490,803 units found takers, all generations combined.BMW hopes to renew success with this third generation (F40) which risks surprising aficionados of this new model.Indeed, two size changes characterize this series 1 which does not take anything from the previous model.First change, the use of the "UKL" platform found on X1, X2, Active Tourer series, but also on the mini.

The second change, the most important, is the abandonment of the propulsion for traction and the famous 6 -cylinder melodious cylinder.Instead, 3 cylinders 1 engines 1.5L (140 hp for 118i and 116 hp for 116D) and 4 cylinders 2.0l (150 hp for the 118D, 190 hp for the 120D xDrive and 306 hp for the M135i xDrive).Consequence, increased habitability of 33 mm for the legs of the rear passengers, 13 mm for the elbow space, while the volume of the trunk wins 20 liters, going from 360 to 380 liters, not folded bench.

But the dimensions also won 34 mm (1.79 m) in the width and 13 mm (1.43 m) for the height.On the other hand, on the length side, there is a reduction of 10 mm (4.31 m).On the scale, the BMW accuses an empty weight of 1,290 kg (version 118i), or 30 kg less than the previous version.

Aesthetically, the BMW Series 1 detonates by its grille and its huge nostrils, the new trend of the brand launched on the X7 - we like it or not.The more open front headlights and going up on the sides of the wings give it a threatening air.Rear view, this series 1 is "threatening" with its pleated lights and two exhaust outlets.In profile, we find this "shark nose", signature characteristic of the brand although we regret the choice of the short engine hood at the expense of the old, longer.Finally, our BMW is a real ball of nerves, ready to jump.

Cockpit of the future, but not too much

Once installed on board, we find this quality of finish which makes the reputation of the brand.Quite naturally, the part of the dashboard including the main touch screen is fully turned towards the driver.A constant at BMW.

Faced with the driver, a three -pointed steering wheel on which direct access controls, the audio part and the voice assistant on the right, the on -board computer and the driving aids on the left..The idea of course being not to distract the driver while he drives.

Like the BMW range, this series 1 is no exception to digitization, by means of finance.To stay in the wind and surf modernity, it will cost you € 1,250 (standard on the sport and business design versions) to have a digital instrumentation handset with a 5.7 -inch screen (diagonal of 14,47 cm, definition of 640 x 160 pixels).But if it turned out to be too small, there is the live cockpit pro -navigation option (€ 2,450 except on Luxury and M sport versions) which allows you to benefit from a 12.3 -inch handset (diagonal of 31.24 cm)).

If the display possibilities prove to be less "rich" in terms of personalization against the virtual cockpit signed Audi, the live cockpit BMW is just as spectacular to watch.

Depending on the driving mode chosen (Sport, Comfort or Eco Pro), the display color differs.The various information appears segmented in 3 activity zones: on the left, instant speed, in the middle, navigation in simplified mode, and on the right the tachometer.

If BMW's intention is to preserve the ease of use and accessibility to information, the fact remains that the whole is sometimes indigestible: the information tends to overlap making the readability complicated.The solution: the Head High System (Head Display in English) in color, billed € 910 (included in the navigation pack), where the essentials are displayed just, namely instant speed, limit speed, road indications tohelping guidelines and driving aids.

The wheel, XXL screen control tower

Depending on the option - paid - chosen (live cockpit navigation plus or live cockpit pro navigation), the size of the touch screen positioned on the dashboard varies: 8.8 inch (diagonal of 22.35 cm, definition of 1280 x 480 pixels) or 10.3 inches (diagonal of 26.12 cm, definition of 1,920 x 720 mpixels).This screen is controlled from the wheel located at the gearbox.It allows the driver to control a set of vehicle -related features (navigation, radio, music, internet, carplay, calendar, emails, agenda, vehicle settings, etc.).

More and more car manufacturers make their main screen a replica of a smartphone screen.BMW is no exception to the rule since it is possible to display up to ten different screens with your favorite icons for each.With the "Live Cockpit Navigation Pro", we benefit from version 7.0 of the owner bone against the 6.0 for "live cockpit more".Result, more features such as gestural technology (option at 310 €) allowing certain commands to be carried out by hand movements.Spread your index finger in one direction towards the screen and the audio volume increases;Conversely, you can lower it.Do you have a telephone call?A simple hand sweeping allows you to refuse the call.

IPA at your service, what can I do for you?

Today, each manufacturer must have their own personal or intelligent assistant personal assistant (IPA).It is triggered by a sentence or a keyword.In the case of series 1, just pronounce "Hey BMW" or any other word - only BMW offers personalization.Behind this technology, we find Cerence (nuance communications), the specialist in the on -board vocal assistant.

More than a simple performer knowing how to activate the radio, adjusting heating or air conditioning, the intelligent personal assistant is able to learn the habits of his driver.Thus, he will know your favorite radio, your favorite journey with the possibility of offering alternatives in the event of a problem on the road and the phone numbers most often called.Still stronger, this personal assistant turns into "Madame or Monsieur well-being" by triggering the Caring Car Vitalize or Relax programs.In addition to relaxing music, the driver benefits from an adequate temperature and a room light.

Connecteddrive, faithful to the position

We find the home connected service, ConnectedDrive.For uninitiated, this is a package of services available via mobile applications.Thanks to him, the owner of the car remains connected via an ESIM card-the car also serves as Wi-Fi hotspot.On the menu, Deezer for music, real -time traffic information or Microsoft Office 365 are only a few examples of the possibilities offered.

Finally, let's not forget Carplay, available in Wi-Fi version.In this regard, BMW recently rear back to the subscription of € 110/year.Only integration remains paying, at 300 €.Since we talk about smartphone, the 1 series allows you to recharge it by induction (€ 460).Otherwise still no Android Auto, for now.

Another use of the smartphone, the Key digital function (€ 510 or included in the comfort pack).This mobile application, available only on Android, transforms your smartphone via NFC technology into a virtual key.So you can unlock or lock your BMW, and even start it - once on board.

Free driving aids, but above all paid

Like the entire range, the 1 series has a panoply of driving aids, all disconnectable.If, basic, the endowment - free - includes the line crossing alert with a return to the direction, the active alert of pedestrian collision and a "low -speed anti -collision system", to get more, you have to go outthe wallet.

Pour bénéficier du régulateur de vitesse intelligent (ACC+) plus la fonction Stop&Go, il en coûtera 760 €.Also understood: the risk -collision risk warning with emergency braking, the Speed Limit Assist (adaptation to speed limitation changes) and the emergency preferial system (Ibrake).For 760 € more, you can benefit from the blind spot (BLIS), the risk and rear collision risk warning as well as the rear transversal trafficking.As for the Park Assist with reversing camera and autoreverse function, it is billed € 960.

Expensive, but effective and stunning, this driving aid allows you to reversed the last 50 meters at the maximum speed of 36 km/h.Even gymkhanas swallowed like Christmas chocolates.Only imperative, have an eye on the screen and the foot near the brake.Now, narrow parking outings will no longer be synonymous with crumpled wings or damaged rims.

Balance sheet

We will not emit judgment on the transition from propulsion to traction, we leave that to specialists of the genre - although nothing will equal the 6 cylinder.On the other hand, BMW has done strongly in terms of connectivity, infotainment and driving aid.A real smartphone on four wheels without falling into the complexity of employment.On the other hand, the price of these technologies is rather salty with regard to the price of the car, from € 27,150 excluding option (116d 116 hp BVM6).

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