BMW announces value-packed 1 Series Shadow Edition
BY JUSTIN HILLIARD | 15th Nov 2018
BMW Group Australia has announced that the value-packed Shadow Edition versions of its 118i and 125i small hatches will be highlighted by driveaway pricing and unique equipment when they enter showrooms early next year.
Starting from $39,990 and $49,990 respectively, the 118i and 125i specials cost the same as their full-time counterparts, although the standard variants’ pricing does not include on-road costs.
Specifically, the Shadow Edition adds Jet Black or bi-colour 18-inch alloy wheels with a double-spoke design, LED foglights, a high-gloss-black front kidney grille, black headlight inserts, darkened tail-lights and black-chrome exhaust tailpipes, while the tailgate’s variant badge is deleted.
Inside, wireless smartphone charging is found, while buyers have the choice of two trim options – Aluminium Hexagon with high-gloss black, or high-gloss black with Pearl Chrome.
Already standard on the regular 125i, the 118i Shadow Edition also picks up an M Sport bodykit and steering wheel, high-gloss Shadow Line exterior trim, front sports seats and an Anthracite roofliner.
The 118i Shadow Edition further adds Corner cloth/Anthracite upholstery with grey highlights, while its 125i sibling is instead trimmed with Dakota leather.
Both rear-wheel-drive Shadow Edition variants are motivated by a turbocharged petrol engine, with the 118i’s 1.5-litre three cylinder producing 100kW of power and 220Nm of torque, while the 125i’s 2.0-litre four cylinder develops 165kW and 310Nm.
While the 118i and 125i are mated to an eight-speed torque-convertor automatic transmission as standard, the former can be optioned with a six-speed manual for no extra cost.
According to BMW Group Australia chief executive officer Vikram Pawah, despite its current model’s age, “the BMW 1 Series remains a wonderful driver’s car in its segment”.
“These Shadow Editions provide an eye-catching silhouette, with product substance to back up the distinctive appearance,” he added.
“The team has worked hard to deliver these stylish vehicles at no additional cost to the consumer.”
Meanwhile, BMW Group Australia has also ushered in the optional Style Plus Package for the entire 1 Series range, which features a power-operated sunroof and metallic paintwork. It is priced from $2900 (including GST but excluding LCT).
The Style Plus Package also adds Dakota leather upholstery to the 118i and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system to the 125i.
Sales of the 1 Series have improved this year, with 916 examples sold to the end of October – a considerable 27.9 per cent increase over the 716 deliveries made during the same period in 2017.
As a result, the 1 Series is the third best-selling model in the $40,000-plus small-car segment, trailing the Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1844 units) and Audi A3 (1478) but ahead of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class (320), Volvo V40 (286) and Lexus CT200h (212).
2018 BMW 1 Series Shadow Edition driveaway pricing
| 118i (a) | $39,990 |
| 125i (a) | $49,990 |
*Excludes on-road costs
