Special editions and range updates for BMW 1 and 3-series
Cosmetic tweaks and some shadowy special editions upgrade the 1-series and 3-series ranges for 2017
BMW has expanded its 3-series and 1-series ranges with a series of new special editions, aiming to better cater for the needs and wants of customers. The revisions are intended to further differentiate BMW's various models, with assorted touches marking the new cars out from one another.
The 1-series receives an array of largely cosmetic updates, but some are also aimed at improving ergonomics within the cabin. BMW appears to be taking a cloak and dagger approach to the new cars, naming the models Sport line Shadow, Edition M Sport Shadow and 140i Edition Shadow.
All editions benefits from an all-new black kidney grille, black inserts in the LED headlights and darkened LED rear lights. To further increase the presence of the car, two new exterior colours are available in the form of Sunset Orange and Seaside Blue which can be specced with a choice of five 17 or 18-inch alloy wheels.
More changes are afoot in the cabin with an all-new instrument panel designed to enhance driver focus. The latest BMW iDrive is fitted as standard alongside new aspects such as Wi-Fi hotspot and the addition of Apple Car Play. Mechanically the 1-series remains broadly the same, so buyers can still choose from a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines ranging from an entry-level 1.5-litre 3cyl petrol to the 335bhp M140i.
> BMW Group plans 40 new or updated models by the end of 2018
The 3-series receives similar treatment and all new editions are available in both saloon and estate guises. The Edition Sport Line Shadow gains the BMW sport steering wheel (which will now be standard on all 3-series’) and special contrast stitching.
All-new trims include Dark Aluminum Carbon and Pearl Gloss Chrome accents. The Edition Line Purity is distinguished by its satin finish aluminium side windows, air duct inserts, kidney grille surrounds, tailpipes and rear bumper. 17-inch wheels come as standard but a new 19-inch rim is available in combination with a lower profile tyre.
The most exciting of the new special editions is the Edition M Sport Shadow. Aspects from the latest M3 are carried across in form of 19-inch M sport wheels, M sport suspension and M sport aerodynamics package. A new Sport+ driving mode is available to better exploit and demonstrate the advantages of new M sport additions.
Various aspects of these latest special editions will be available across the 3-series range, which is when these special editions go on sale. Pricing information has not been released.
