As a lifelong BMW fanatic, I’ve all the time admired the mix of sportiness and class that the model brings to the desk. Nonetheless, relating to the brand new BMW 1 Collection and its efficiency variant, the M135, I felt there was room for a little bit additional aptitude. That’s after I determined, armed with Photoshop and Procreate, to provide these fashions a contemporary, up to date design that goals to construct upon the unique styling.
Upfront Modifications
The primary change we made was to take away the visible weight created by the vast horizontal consumption and make it sportier. By slicing away the higher edge right into a V-shape, we introduced again the “smile” the 1 Collection used to have with out sacrificing its sporty appears. Moreover, to distinguish it from the M model, we added a crease to enhance the move between the decrease consumption and the kidney grille, because the earlier one felt too delicate.
Kidney Grille
We additionally revamped the kidney grille’s body. Many followers famous its lack of character in comparison with different hatchbacks within the competitors. We made the reduce between the kidneys a lot deeper to cut back the visible weight from the plastic piece masking the radar sensor. Drawing inspiration from the unique E87 1 Collection, we prolonged the outer edges of the kidneys upwards to provide it a friendlier look.
Headlights
We addressed the headlights by reshaping the LEDs to create a contemporary iteration of the angel eyes, because the vertical DRLs left an excessive amount of empty area contained in the headlights and didn’t match fashions exterior of the Neue Klasse household. Moreover, we tweaked the sting of the headlights to make them look cleaner and fewer menacing.
Rear Three-Quarter View
Within the rear three-quarter view, we tailored the decrease window body to be utterly horizontal and made the Hoffmeister kink extra outlined. We retained the trim piece with the mannequin quantity as a result of it appears fairly cool and hope BMW provides it to different fashions for consistency.
Tail Lights
The brand new tail gentle design impressed by the latest X2 had no reference to the 1 Collection’ character line. To deal with this, we curved the sting upwards, eliminated the “controversial” decrease notch, and tweaked the LED graphics to resemble extra of an L-shape. This manner, we mixed the brand new twin LED design language with the normal L-shape design characteristic seen in earlier generations.
Decrease Bumper Space
We made some modifications to the decrease bumper space. It appeared as if BMW needed to make the non-M trims look worse on goal, evidenced by the dearth of seen exhaust pipes apart from the M135. We added openings for 2 exhaust pipes on one aspect of the bumper —like on the outdated 120i fashions— and tweaked the diffuser design for a sportier look.
M135 Redesign
For the M135 redesign, we aimed to create a higher distinction with the M-sport appears provided on the remainder of the 1 Collection configurations. We drew inspiration from the BMW design group’s official idea sketches. The primary change we made was to the aspect intakes, giving them sharper edges and a extra vertical orientation. We then added creases parallel to the kidney’s edge to visually add extra dynamism, much like these on the brand new 5 Collection.
Kidneys and Decrease Consumption
We carried out a correct transplant on the kidneys, making a a lot bigger opening. We left a part of the consumption in physique shade to cut back the visible weight of the bigger kidneys and added extra aerodynamic performance with further horizontal slats. To emphasise the bolder kidney design, we cut up the intersection the place the radar sensor was positioned and painted it in physique shade. Lastly, we tweaked the decrease consumption to raised combine with the remainder of the weather within the entrance fascia and added some triangular vent items to make it look extra excessive.
On condition that there are not any plans for a extra highly effective model of the brand new 1 Collection, we’re desperate to see if BMW designers will spice issues up with the M135’s sedan sibling, the M235 xDrive Gran Coupe. Right here can be a video exhibiting the redesign course of:
