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2015 BMW 1 Series facelift revealed [w/video]

While we don't get the BMW 1 Series at all in the US anymore, European buyers are getting a refresh of the luxury compact hatchback for the new year. Unlike the German brand's recent work on the 6 Series, the work is actually noticeable and improves things nicely. Up front, BMW keeps the changes subtle. The lower airdam is tweaked with larger air intakes and less chrome than before. The redesign and better sealing around the reshaped, narrower headlights also help optimize airflow and – in our eyes – improve aesthetics. LED running lights are standard now, and full LED units are optional. The more striking changes come at the back, where the 1 Series now wears the Bavarian brand's latest L-shaped taillights. The lights wrap around the sides and cut into the hatch to create a much more visually interesting look. The lower apron gets some small changes as well, and it all works together to create a more cohesive look. The BMW hatchback also gets some engine tweaks to go with its updated style. A new 2.0-liter four-cylinder is offered in 150-, 190- and 224-horsepower tunes. For those who want the best fuel economy, the 116d EfficientDynamics Plus makes 116 hp from a 1.5-liter turbo diesel and features active air flaps and redesigned kidney grille bars for better aero. The top-spec M135i with its 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six gets a six-hp boost to 326 hp, too. Updates to the eight-speed automatic give it longer gearing and predictive shifting based on the vehicle's navigation system data. All of the new models hit the market in Europe later this year, specifically in late March for the UK. Read below for BMW's full list of tweaks and changes and to see it in motion on video. The BMW 1 Series for 2015 16.01.2015 Nearly two million 1 Series models have been sold since the introduction of the first 1 Series generation ten years ago. This latest incarnation builds on the winning formula of these three- and five-door predecessors with new power units from the latest BMW engine family, additional EfficientDynamics technologies fitted as standard, and careful enhancements to the exterior and interior design. The level of standard equipment is now even higher, new options have been added and with new mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive, there are even more ways to increase the functionality and personalisation of the new 1 Series.

Autoblog Podcast #387

Episode #387 of the Autoblog podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Steven Ewing and Michael Zak talk about more General Motors recalls, upgrades and a diesel for the 2015 Ford Focus ST, and the BMW M235i scoring ahead of the Porsche 911 and Chevrolet Corvette Stingray in Consumer Reports testing. We start with what's in the garage and finish up with some of your questions, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Check out the new rundown below with times for topics, and you can follow along down below with our Q&A. Thanks for listening! Autoblog Podcast #387: The video meant to be presented here is no longer available. Sorry for the inconvenience. Topics: GM recalls 8.4M more cars in North America Ford Focus ST upgrades and diesel CR says M235i is better than 911 In the Autoblog Garage: 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel 2014 Honda Accord Coupe V6 6MT Long-Term 2015 Subaru WRX 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid Hosts: Dan Roth, Steven Ewing, Michael Zak Runtime: 01:35:26 Rundown: Intro & Garage - 00:00 GM Recalls - 26:26 2015 Ford Focus ST - 41:56 BMW M235i - 50:24 Q&A - 59:16 Get the podcast: [UStream] Listen live on Mondays at 10 PM Eastern at UStream [iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes [RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator [MP3] Download the MP3 directly Feedback: Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com Review the show in iTunes Government/Legal Podcasts BMW Ford GM Honda Jeep Subaru Safety Diesel Vehicles Performance bmw m235i

Audi leading rival BMW in worldwide luxury sales race

If you thought competition among the German luxury automakers was hot before, it looks like things are just getting started. For the first two months of the year, Audi has sold more cars than BMW worldwide by just 383 cars.
Audi claims to have sold 242,400 vehicles through February, up 9.3 percent from last year, compared to 242,017 units from BMW, up 8.9 percent, in the same period. While the advantage is tiny, its implications could be huge because Bimmer has been the leader in the premium car segment for the last nine consecutive years. Mercedes-Benz lags behind them somewhat at 229,630 vehicles through February. According to Bloomberg, at this time last year Audi had sold 429 fewer cars than BMW.
The growth is all part of Volkswagen Group's goal to become the world's largest automaker. It currently ranks in second when its heavy truck businesses are considered. The German automotive giant also wants to be the world's leading premium carmaker. "Competition in the premium segment is more intense than ever," said Audi CEO Rupert Stadler to Bloomberg.