Just about any petrolhead will know that a new M5 is coming in 2024 – including the long-awaited return of the much-loved but all-too-brief Touring version.
But you may need to learn that the 1 Series and 2 Series Gran Coupe are also getting upgrades next year.
That is just part of what promises to be a very hectic year for the German automotive giant, with a new X2 and X3, a facelift for the M3 and M3 Touring, a fresh 4 and 5 Series, plus the i5 Touring, in addition to updates for the i4.
And, as if that wasn’t enough, BMW will also be launching its Neue Klasse – a clean-sheet design of five new all-electric models, the first of which is set to be unveiled in 2024 before going into production the following year.
But it’s the bottom end of the BMW range that we’re interested in, as the 1 Series and 2 Series Gran Coupe get updates to keep them looking fresh and competing with the smaller models in Audi and Mercedes’ ranges.
The 1 Series isn't expected to showcase wholesale changes, but a re-profiled front end, including a revised shaped grille and thinner headlights, is set to feature.
However, the elongated kidney grilles of other BMW models, which have divided opinion, are anticipated to be absent.
In a world of increasing electrification, the super-duper M-powered versions can be in danger of falling by the wayside. Still, BMW is likely making the M135i louder by doubling the number of exhaust tailpipes on the back from two to four.
A camouflaged 1 Series with a quad-exhaust system was hurtling around the Nürburgring recently – creating rumours that this could indicate a return of the M140i, discontinued in 2019.
However, the 2 Series Gran Coupe has also been spotted in similar circumstances, sporting four tailpipes, so it's more likely that BMW is simply adding the quad-exhausts to its higher-end models in the 1 and 2 Series range.
Aside from the M135i, the 1 Series will likely retain its current line-up of petrol engines, with its 1.5-litre 118i and 2.0-litre 128ti.
However, the future of its diesels needs to be clarified, as BMW has recently dropped some of them from its range, retaining only the entry-level diesel engines.
Currently, the 1.5-litre 116d and 2.0-litre 120d are offered.
The 1 Series is front-wheel drive only, except for the all-wheel drive M135i, and this will remain the case.
Inside the cabin, few changes are expected. Still, overhauling the infotainment system will likely align it with the new display featured in the most recent 2 Series Coupe. That will mean a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen.
Disappointingly, though, it's likely to herald the removal of the infotainment system's rotary dial, which is only included in BMW's larger models. Still, improvements in voice control technology should, to some degree, get around it.
We have yet to determine if current trim levels will be maintained, but at the moment, the entry-level SE model comes with 16-inch alloys, LED headlights and fog lights, a sports steering wheel, DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Sport model has a more athletic appearance, with 17-inch alloys, sports seats, Sensatec upholstery on the dashboard, and dual-zone climate control.
M Sport dials up the exterior aggression significantly, adding gearshift paddles, 18-inch alloys and heated front seats, power-folding door mirrors, an upgraded sound system, and a sportier steering wheel.
Meanwhile, the four-door 2 Series Gran Coupe will also be overhauled.
Like the 1 Series, some minor revisions to the front end are probable, including re-shaped headlights, but the alterations are likely to include something other than the elongated kidney grilles.
The rear lights are expected to receive minor modifications, and the car is set to use an upgraded version of BMW's UKL2 platform.
In the cabin, the same infotainment system that’s likely to be fitted to the 1 Series is expected.
One thing that the 2 Series Coupe and Gran Coupe lack are hybrid options, and the Gran Coupe is likely to inherit some mild-hybrid assistance added to its existing engines.
A plug-in hybrid is theoretically possible, as the X1 shares much of the car's underpinnings and offers such a powertrain. It is unlikely BMW will introduce a PHEV as part of a mid-life facelift, but stranger things have happened.
As a sportier model, the 2 Series Gran Coupe is now only available in M Sport trim (unless you opt for the all-powerful M235i, which is a trim level in its own right). It used to be available in the lower Sport grade, so it remains to be seen if that gets reintroduced.
Equipment levels are usually on a par with the 1 Series.
If you don't go for the M235i, you'll likely have a choice of the existing petrol engines, the 1.5-litre 218i and 2.0-litre 220i.
There is also a 2.0-litre 220d diesel, but if you're after a current 2 Series Gran Coupe, BMW appears to have withdrawn it from sale.
It is not expected to be discontinued altogether. Still, as we mentioned earlier, it'll be interesting to see what BMW decides to do, given its reduced diesel offering in recent months.
No pricing details have been announced for the 1 Series or 2 Series Gran Coupe yet.
Currently, for the entry-level models, you'll need £28,290 to buy the 1 Series 118i SE and £32,675 to purchase a 2 Series Gran Coupe M Sport 218i (although you could previously acquire one in Sport trim for just a little under £31,000).
The newer versions are expected to attract a slight premium on top of the current asking price.
Both models are expected to be unveiled soon ahead of their arrival in dealerships during 2024.
