BMW 1 Series special edition is brand's cheapest car in Australia

BMW has revealed Sport Collection versions of its 1 Series and 2 Series Gran Coupe special edition family, with the 118i Sport becoming the brand’s cheapest model.

The 118i Sport is priced at $54,900 drive-away, undercutting the existing 118i which retails for $54,800 excluding on-road costs – equivalent to around $60,000 drive-away.

The related 220i Gran Coupe Sport is priced at $64,900 drive-away. The standard 220i costs $65,200 before on-roads.

They lose the standard M Sport suspension tune found in regular 118i and 220i models, but get extended M high-gloss Shadowline exterior trim, as well as heated front seats and a panoramic sunroof.

The 220i Sport also gains Sensatec leatherette upholstery.

These features are in addition to standard fare on the 118i and 220i, which includes:

• LED headlights
• LED fog lights
• M Sport package
• 18-inch M light alloy wheels
• Dual-zone climate control
• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
• 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Satellite navigation
• Real-time traffic information
• DAB+ digital radio
• Wireless phone charger
• Head-up display
• Power-adjustable front sports seats
• Six-colour ambient lighting
• Driver’s puddle light
• Keyless entry and start

They feature the Driving Assistant and Parking Assistant suites of technology, which comprises:

• Autonomous emergency braking
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Traffic sign recognition
• Reversing camera
• Front and rear parking sensors

Both models also get standard metallic paint, with the following finishes offered:

• Black Sapphire
• Melbourne Red
• M Misano Blue
• Snapper Rocks Blue
• Skyscraper Grey

The 118i Sport uses a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine producing 103kW of power and 220Nm of torque, mated with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmision.

The 220i Gran Coupe Sport uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 141kW and 280Nm, mated with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto.

Both models are front-wheel drive.

These aren’t the first Sport Collection models offered in Australia, with BMW launching the 330i Sport and X3 xDrive30i Sport in 2023.

The 330i Sport was unique among these special edition models in that it lost various safety features like front cross-traffic alert and lane-keep assist, and shed several thousand dollars from its price.

Like the others, however, it gained some niceties like a sunroof and heated front seats.

MORE: Everything BMW 1 SeriesMORE: Everything BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe