2017 BMW 1-Series and 2-Series first drive review

There's a more bit more of everything in BMW's latest 1-Series and 2-Series lineups. Not that you'd know by looking at it though.

Not content with installing more powerful four and six-cylinder engines, BMW has boosted its small car range with more M performance models and extra infotainment technology – but no styling changes.

Depending on the variant, prices have either remained unchanged, decreased, or increased slightly. A few examples: the entry-grade BMW 118i hatchback starts at $36,900 (unchanged), the entry-level 220i Coupe carries a sticker of $51,300 ($2,000 more than the equivalent superseded model)  and the new range-topping model, the M240i Convertible, is listed at $83,900 (that's $2,300 less the car it replaces).

The big news is under the bonnet. While the track focused BMW M2 retains the M-tuned 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a front-mounted intercooler, other six-cylinder models swap to a new powerplant –  with the same capacity and configuration – that is code-numbered B58.

Now with a water-to-air intercooler housed in the inlet manifold, as well as a smaller turbocharger mounted closer to the cylinder head (for a shorter intake length), a stronger block and enhanced  cylinder linings, the new engine sees power increased by 10kW to 250kW at 5,500rpm and peak torque jumps by 50Nm to 500Nm between 1,520rpm – 4,500rpm.

The new turbocharged six-cylinder engine is fitted to the BMW M140i hatchback ($64,900), M240i Coupe ($74,900) and M240i Convertible ($83,900).

Drive is still to the rear wheels via BMW's eight-speed sports automatic transmission with paddle-shifters (a conventional six-speed manual transmission is available to order). And all M Performance models come with the four-mode driver-select Driving Experience Control which includes 'Sport' and 'Sport' plus settings – plus of course the 'M' styling extras (alloy wheels, aero kit, sports steering wheels and the rest).

According to BMW, the new turbo six-cylinder is slightly more fuel-efficient that the engine it replaces – 7.0l/100kms for the M240i Coupe, 7.4l/100kms for the M240i Convertible and 7.1l/100kms for the M140i Hatchback.

Interior improvements for the BMW M240i Coupe and Convertible include a new 12-speaker harmon/kardon audio system and heated, electrically-adjustable seats for the Coupe (the latter already standard in the Convertible).

A change too for the four-cylinder BMW 2-Series lineup with the previous 228i Coupe and Convertible replaced by the 230i which runs a new turbocharged 2.0-litre powerplant – code-numbered B48 – delivering 185kW/350Nm (5kW up on the 228i). Fuel consumption is down though, to 5.9l/100kms for the 230i Coupe and 6.2l/100kms for the Convertible.

Both open-top and hardtop versions of the BMW 230i feature the M Sport package as standard, which includes 18-inch alloy wheels, M Sport suspension and brakes, aerodynamics enhancements and a rear spoiler for the Coupe. And the 'Luxury Line' Package (the 12-speaker harmon/kardon audio and electronic lumbar support for the front seats) is a no-cost option.

The M240, 230i and also the M140i Hatchback also score BMW's latest iD5 iDrive system – as seen in the new 7 Series – with its app-based content, new controller, new buttons and using the premium 'Professional' navigation system.

Entry-level BMW 220i models ($51,300 for the Coupe and $58,300 for the Convertible) are powered by a 135kW/270Nm version of the new B48 turbocharged 2.0-litre engine. While output is identical to the previous N20 engine, fuel consumption is down to 5.8l/100kms for the Coupe and 6.1l/100kms for the Convertible.

That new B48 turbocharged 2.0-litre engine is also fitted to both the updated 120i Hatchback which is priced at $41,900 and also the $48,900 125i (a 165kW/310Nm version), which also adds 10-mm lowered M Sport suspension, variable sport steering, M Sport brakes and new LED front fog lights.

Entry-level BMW 1 Series models – the 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol 118i ($36,900) and four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo-diesel 118d ($40,300) - are unchanged.

We put a variety of the updated BMW 2-Series and 1-Series models through their paces on some flooded roads in northern Victoria and also the Winton race circuit.

The standout was the new M240i Coupe which offers scintillating performance and impressive ride and handling without the harsh edginess of the track-focused M2.

On the specification front, the M240i appears to be lacking some substantial kit in comparison to the M2 – the seven-speed M-DCT transmission, Active M differential, M-tuned chassis and M compound brakes for starters – but we didn't feel short-changed on either the road or the race track.

Perhaps alert to this impression, BMW was quick to point-out the M240i Coupe is an "adaptable and comfortable performance coupe" while the M2 "remains a track focused pure M car".

A brief run in a BMW 120i highlighted the new 2.0-litre engine as being refined and powerful and both ride and handling were just as you expect from BMW.

And while our stint in the 230i Convertible coincided with the worst bit of torrential rain on the day – leave that roof closed thanks very much - the cut-up, flood-damaged roads did not induce any harshness into the soft-top coupe and both chassis and body seemed nicely taut when we pressed-on hard through some twisty sections.

All in all, the incremental upgrades across the range amplifies what was already great about the 1-Series and 2-Series models, while making them more efficient, better value and, in some cases, even cheaper than before. What's not to like about that?

2017 BMW 118i pricing and specifications

Price: From $36,900 plus on-road costs

Engine: 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol

Power: 100kW at 4400rpm

Torque: 220Nm at 1250-4300rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive

Fuel Use: 4.8l/100kms

2017 BMW 118d pricing and specifications

Price: $40,300 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel

Power: 110kW at 4000rpm

Torque: 320Nm at 1500-3000rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive

Fuel Use: 3.8l/100kms

2017 BMW 120i pricing and specifications

Price: $41,900 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol

Power: 135kW at 5000rpm

Torque: 270Nm at 1350-4600rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive

Fuel Use: 5.8l/100kms

2017 BMW 125i pricing and specifications

Price: $48,900 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol

Power: 165kW at 5200-6500rpm

Torque: 310Nm at 1400-5000rpm

Fuel Use: 5.9l/100kms

2017 BMW M140i pricing and specifications

Price: $64,900 plus on-road costs

Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged petrol

Power: 250kW at 5500rpm

Torque: 500Nm at 1520-4500rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive

Fuel Use: 7.1l/100kms

2017 BMW 220i Coupe pricing and specifications

Price: $51,300 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol

Power: 135kW at 5000rpm

Torque: 270Nm at 1350-4600rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive

Fuel Use: 5.8l/100kms

2017 BMW 230i Coupe pricing and specifications

Price: $61,900 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol

Power: 185kW at 5200rpm

Torque: 350Nm at 1450-4800rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive

Fuel Use: 5.9l/100kms

2017 BMW M240i Coupe pricing and specifications

Price: $74,900 plus on-road costs

Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged petrol

Power: 2450kW at 5500rpm

Torque: 500Nm at 1520-4500rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive

Fuel Use: 7.1l/100kms

2017 BMW 220i Convertible pricing and specifications

Price: $58,300 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol

Power: 135kW at 5000rpm

Torque: 270Nm at 1350-4600rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive

Fuel Use: 6.1l/100kms

2017 BMW 230i Convertible pricing and specifications

Price: $71,900 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol

Power: 185kW at 5200rpm

Torque: 350Nm at 1450-4800rpm

Fuel Use: 6.2l/100kms

2017 BMW M240i Convertible pricing and specifications

Price: $83,900 plus on-road costs

Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged petrol

Power: 250kW at 5500rpm

Torque: 500Nm at 1520-4500rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive

Fuel Use: 7.4l/100kms