BMW 1 Series lets you use your phone as a key

BMW this week unveiled its all-new 1 Series.     

Riding on a transverse front-wheel-drive architecture, the new 1 Series will likely rankle the cankles of the BMW elitists who believe everything should be rear-drive.     

But looking at the whole of what's offered, the new 1er looks to be a proper Bimmer with the latest tech and some decent looks.    

On the tech front, the new 1 Series picks up the latest iteration of BMW's iDrive infotainment system.     

Both screens can be optioned as large as 10.25 inches, and a 9.2-inch head-up display is available, too.     

Check the right options boxes, and the 1 Series will be able to navigate parallel and perpendicular parking itself.     

Near-field communication allows the driver's phone to act as a key.     

Gesture control is available, too, as is an intelligent assistant that responds when you say, "Hey, BMW."   

Automatic braking and lane-departure warning are standard in Europe, while adaptive cruise control is optional.    

Keep scrolling or clicking to check out even more pictures of the new 1 Series.