Sachin Tendulkar launches the BMW 1 Series

German luxury car maker BMW today launched the much-awaited 1 Series in India, at a starting price of Rs 20.9 lakh.

The entry-level luxury hatch, which BMW has labeled the Dynamic 1, was unveiled by cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and race driver Armaan Ebrahim (left). With them is Philipp von Sahr (right), president, BMW Group India.

The 1 Series will be offered in both petrol and diesel options. The diesel variant (118d) will be powered by the 2.0-litre TwinPower turbocharged engine, which produces a maximum power of 143 bhp and peak torque of 320 Nm. It has an ARAI certified fuel efficiency of 20.58 kmpl.

The diesel variant will be available in three trims - Base, Sport Line and Sport Plus, which would cost Rs. 22.9 lakh, Rs. 25.9 lakh and Rs. 29.9 lakh, respectively.

The petrol variant -- the BMW 116i -- is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine that has a maximum power of 136 bhp and a peak torque of 220 Nm. It has a fuel efficiency of 16.28 kmpl.

The petrol variant will be available in only one trim, which will cost Rs. 20.9 lakh.

The 3 Series is globally available in both 3-door and 5-door options, but only the latter was launched in India.

The 1 Series will come to India via the completely knocked down (CKD) route and will be assembled in Chennai.