BMW 1 Series review
The latest BMW 1 Series is a well-built and fine handling family hatchback, although practicality isn’t the best
Is the BMW 1 Series a good car?
The BMW 1 Series remains a solid entry in the premium hatchback segment thanks to its dynamic driving experience, well-built cabin and strong efficiency. While the 120 mild-hybrid and the BMW M135 hot hatch are equipped with impressive powertrains, we’d like a bit more choice when it comes to the 1 Series’ engine line-up.
Rear passenger space isn’t class-leading, and neither is the boot capacity in mild-hybrid form. The exterior design is a departure from the norm for BMW and might not appeal to traditional customers, though keen pricing against premium rivals from Audi and Mercedes is a plus point.
| Key specs | |
| Fuel type | Petrol/mild-hybrid |
| Body style | Hatchback |
| Powertrain | 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder + MHEV, front-wheel drive 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, four-wheel drive |
| Safety | Not yet tested by Euro NCAP |
| Warranty | Three-year, unlimited mileage |
BMW 1 Series: model range, specs and rivals
BMW has sold over three million 1 Series models since it launched over 20 years ago, but rather than gradually evolving the car during that time, the firm has reworked the drivetrain and the looks, plus made some pretty significant changes with the naming strategy in recent years. In 2024, the design of the 1 Series was heavily revised, with a new grille arriving alongside a completely different front bumper and thinner headlight clusters. The rear lights have also been redesigned, and there’s a reprofiled bumper at the back, too.
BMW dropped the ‘i’ designation from the 120, 123 xDrive, and M135, and this strategy is set to roll out to other models in the range because the company does not want customers to confuse its all-electric i-badged cars with petrol-powered models. The 1 Series range of trim levels follows a familiar structure to most other BMWs, and features the entry-level Sport, mid-range M Sport and range-topping M model, known as the M135.
Used - available now
2021 BMW
1 Series
20,693 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L
Cash £21,000
2020 BMW
1 Series
12,316 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L
Cash £19,444
2017 BMW
1 Series
20,396 milesManualDiesel1.5L
Cash £12,416
2019 BMW
1 Series
46,328 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L
Cash £14,883The regular 120 model comes with a turbocharged three-cylinder 1.5-litre and a new mild-hybrid system, which, when combined, produce 168bhp and 280Nm of torque in 120 form. The four-wheel drive 123 xDrive uses a larger 2.0-litre engine (also featuring mild-hybrid), and produces 215bhp and 360Nm of torque. As part of the update, the 1 Series ditched the six-speed manual gearbox, and gets a seven-speed Steptronic automatic transmission as standard.
The M135 is referred to as the ‘M model’ and is the sportiest iteration of the 1 Series, and rivals hot hatches such as the Audi S3, Mercedes-AMG A 35 and Volkswagen Golf R. As with those cars, the M135 gets a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine sending power to all four wheels. Power is pretty similar too, at 296bhp, for a 0-62mph time of 4.9 seconds.
The updated 1 Series comes with a dual-screen display and a completely reshaped dashboard layout. There’s also no rotary controller in the centre console for iDrive anymore.
As standard, the base Sport model receives 17-inch wheels, heated seats, electrically folding door mirrors, automatic climate control, and BMW’s Live Cockpit Plus, which includes BMW Maps and cloud-based navigation. The dual-screen infotainment system comes with integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto built in.
M Sport adds a body kit consisting of sportier looking bumpers front and rear, redesigned side skirts, 18-inch wheels, sport seats trimmed in Alcantara, an M Sport steering wheel, and BMW M colour stitching on the dash.
Engines, performance & drive
The loss of rear-wheel drive gives the 1 Series a new dimension in terms of how it feels to drive. It’s not as lairy as it once was, but the controlled nature of the four-wheel-drive system, in the M135 in particular, is enjoyable. The standard 120 remains the family hatchback to beat in terms of driving fun. Read more about the BMW 1 Series' engines, performance and drive...
MPG, emissions & running costs
The BMW betters most of its close rivals for efficiency, with the entry-level 120 managing 52.3mpg. Emissions levels are fairly decent for this sector, although there’s no plug-in hybrid for ultra-low company car tax, and the loss of the 118d and 120d diesels is a real shame for anyone who covers lots of miles. Read more about the BMW 1 Series' MPG, emissions and running costs...
Interior, design & technology
The build quality inside the BMW 1 Series is among the best you’ll find in any family hatchback on sale. We’re not overly convinced by the usability of the new touchscreen-orientated dash, though, and the latest operating system isn’t the quickest around. Read more about the BMW 1 Series' interior, design and technology...
Boot space, comfort & practicality
It’s bigger than ever, yet the 1 Series still feels a little cramped in places. Tall adults won’t be too happy in the rear on long journeys, and the fact that the battery in the mild-hybrid version reduces boot space compared with the M135 version by 80 litres to a mere 300 litres is pretty poor. Brilliant seats for the front occupants claw back some marks. Read more about the BMW 1 Series' boot space, comfort and practicality...
Reliability & safety
The latest 1 Series is yet to go under Euro NCAP testing, although we don’t expect any horror stories. The body is the same as on the old car, which scored five stars, and there’s plenty of safety technology on board. Owners’ experiences suggest the 1 Series should be pretty reliable, too. Read more about the BMW 1 Series' reliability and safety...
How much does the BMW 1 Series cost?
Around £32,000 gets you into the most basic 1 Series Sport, with the M Sport starting at around £34,000. Those wanting a four-wheel drive version will need to spend around £37,000, while the sportiest M135 starts at around £44,000.
Our network of trusted dealers is currently offering discounts on the recommended retail price of a new BMW 1 Series via our Find a Car service. Alternatively, you can lease an BMW 1 Series or buy a used BMW 1 Series, all on Auto Express.
BMW 1 Series alternatives
Given BMW’s position as a premium car maker, the 1 Series goes up against the likes of the Mercedes A-Class and Audi A3, although lower-trim versions overlap with well equipped, less upmarket hatches such as the Volkswagen Golf, Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla and SEAT Leon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Three years or 60,000 miles.
