The eagerly awaited new BMW 1-Series has finally made its debut, bringing with it a significantly refreshed design. Available in four initial variants—118d, 120d, 120, and M135 xDrive—this fourth-generation 1-Series is not entirely new but rather an extensively updated version of the previous model. Despite these updates, the 2025 model year 1-Series will not be offered in North America. Notably, this model marks a strategic shift for BMW as it drops the “i” suffix for gasoline variants, reserving “i” as a prefix exclusively for its electric vehicles.
BMW has maintained a more conservative design approach for the new 1-Series compared to some of its recent, more radical models. The hatchback features soft lines, smaller headlights, and slightly slimmer kidney grilles. The rear end also sees a redesign, adopting new taillights similar in size and shape to those found on the current X2 crossover. The 1-Series has grown slightly in size, now measuring 4,361 mm in length (an increase of 42 mm), 1,800 mm in width, and 1,459 mm in height (25 mm taller than before). These dimensions maintain the car’s compact proportions, highlighted by a long hood and striking lines.
The interior of the new BMW 1-Series will feel familiar to those acquainted with current BMW models. It features a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch infotainment display, both integrated within a single curved panel that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The new design sees a reduction in the number of buttons on the instrument panel and center console, creating a cleaner and more streamlined look.
All 1-Series models come standard with a leather-free interior, featuring a special anthracite Arktur fabric. Optional features include a head-up display, a panoramic glass roof, and a Harman Kardon audio system. Other standard amenities include a wireless smartphone storage area in the center console, dual-zone automatic climate control, and ambient lighting. The rear seats, which can be folded down in a 60:40 or 40:20:40 split, offer 380 liters of cargo capacity with the seats up and 1,200 liters when folded down.
BMW has also enhanced the range of automated driving and parking systems available as standard and optional equipment. Standard features include front collision warning, Lane Departure Warning, Exit Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant. Optional features for the 120 and 120d models include Steering and Lane Control Assist, Automatic Speed Limit Assist, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, and Parking Assistant Professional, which allows for remote parking using a smartphone.
The new BMW 1-Series lineup includes the 118d, 120d, 120, and M135 xDrive, although not all markets will receive every model. The 120d variant features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine, while the petrol 120i is equipped with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine, both incorporating 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. The 120i produces 168 hp and 280 Nm of torque, while the 120d offers 161 hp and 400 Nm of torque, with both models accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 7.8 and 7.9 seconds, respectively.
The entry-level diesel model, the 118d, is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, delivering 148 hp and 360 Nm of torque, enabling it to reach 62 mph in 8.3 seconds. At the top of the range is the M135 xDrive, which, like the 120, has dropped the ‘i’ from its name. This model is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 296 hp in European markets and 312 hp elsewhere, with torque peaking at 400 Nm. The M135 xDrive can accelerate to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h.
All 1-Series models now come standard with a seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission, marking the end of the manual transmission option in the 1-Series after 20 years of production. For buyers of the M135 xDrive, BMW offers various M parts, including the M Sport Package, M Sport Design, and M Technology Package, as well as additional M Performance Parts.
European sales of the new BMW 1-Series are set to commence in October, with pricing details yet to be announced. Unfortunately for American enthusiasts, the new 1-Series will not be available in the U.S. market.