The new 1 Series has a fresh look, a revised interior and includes two mild-hybrid models
Through Brad Anderson
June 4, 2024 at 7:45 PM
- The new 1 Series has been thoroughly revised and is slightly larger than the model it replaces.
- Flagship M135 xDrive delivers 296 hp in European markets and 312 hp abroad.
- BMW is phasing out ‘i’, allowing its combustion engine models.
The new BMW 1-Series has finally arrived. It brings with it a thoroughly updated design and will initially be launched in 118d, 120d, 120 and M135 xDrive guises. BMW calls it the fourth-generation 1 Series, but it’s not completely new; it’s an extensively updated version of the outgoing model, while retaining the same underpinnings. As with the outgoing model, the 2025MY 1 Series will not be offered in North America.
The 1 Series marks a shift for BMW as it is the first new model to ditch the “i” suffix for petrol variants. This change reflects the Bavarian automaker’s strategy to use “i” exclusively as a prefix for electric vehicle names.
More: BMW drops ‘i’ on petrol cars and saves it only for electric cars
While BMW has stirred up controversy in recent years by releasing new vehicles with radical, over-the-top designs, the new 1 Series hatchback is relatively understated and, dare we say it, subtle. It’s dominated by soft lines and has a pair of small headlights and kidney grilles, slightly slimmer than the outgoing model. The rear is also very different and features newly styled taillights, which are no different in size and shape to those of the current X2 crossover.
The new 1 Series is slightly larger than its predecessor. It measures 4,361 mm (171.6 in) long, or 42 mm (1.69 in) longer than the previous model. The compact hatch is 1,800 mm (70.8 in) wide and 1,459 mm (57.4 in) high, making it 25 mm (0.98 in) larger than before. Overall it retains similar proportions, with a long hood and a handful of striking lines.
Thoroughly revised cabin
The interior will be familiar to anyone who has driven a current BMW model. It comes equipped with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch infotainment display, both housed in a single curved panel and with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. BMW has also eliminated many buttons from the instrument panel and center console, opting for a neater and less cluttered appearance.
BMW 1 series
All new 1-Series models come standard with a leather-free interior and a special anthracite Arktur fabric. A head-up display, panoramic glass roof and Harman Kardon audio system are optional. There’s also a wireless smartphone storage compartment in the center console, dual-zone automatic climate control and ambient lighting. The rear seats can be folded in a 60:40 or 40:20:40 ratio, giving a loading capacity of 380 liters (13.4 cubic feet) with the seats up and 1,200 liters (42.3 cubic feet) when they are folded down.
Powertrains
The full 1 Series range now consists of the 118d, 120d, 120 and M135, although not all markets will receive all four models. The 120d has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine, while the petrol 120i is equipped with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder. Both are equipped with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. The petrol-powered 120i produces 168 PS and 280 Nm of torque, while the 120d offers 161 PS and 400 Nm of torque. The 120 and 120d models accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.8 and 7.9 seconds respectively.
Read: BMW 1-Series may get a fully electric successor
The 118d is the basis of the diesel range. It also has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel, although this is limited to 148 PS and 360 Nm of torque, allowing it to reach 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds.
BMW M135i xDrive
The top of the 1 Series range remains the M135 xDrive, which, like the 120, has now dropped the ‘i’ from its name. It is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine with 296 hp in European markets and 312 hp elsewhere. Torque is 400 Nm (295 lb-ft), and the hot hatch sprints to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h.
All 1 Series models now come standard with a seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission. Unfortunately, this means that for the first time in the twenty-year production history of the 1-Series, a manual transmission is no longer available.
Buyers of the M135 xDrive can order it with various M parts, including the M Sport package, M Sport Design and M Technology package. Various M Performance Parts are also offered.
BMW M135i xDrive
BMW has expanded the range of automated driving and parking systems as standard and offered as an option. Key standard features include forward collision warning, Lane Departure Warning, Exit Warning and Traffic Sign Recognition, and Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant. Buyers on the 120 and 120d can choose from steering and lane assistance, automatic speed limit assistant, active cruise control with Stop & Go and Parking Assistant Professional, which means the cars can be parked remotely using a smartphone.
European sales of the new 1 Series will start in October, although pricing details have not yet been announced. As is often the case with compelling hatchbacks, the new 1 Series won’t be sold in the US
BMW 1 series