BMW 1 Series - Practicality, comfort and boot space

Only offered in five-seat configuration, the BMW 1 Series is positioned as a family hatchback. 

The current generation moved from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive in 2019, with the hope this would help to improve space inside. However, while occupants in the front will have no problem getting comfortable in the 1 Series thanks to plenty of legroom and headroom (despite a high-riding seat position), things aren’t so rosy in the rear.

Tall adults will feel a little cramped in the back of the 1 Series, both for legroom and headroom. The loss of rear-wheel drive didn’t make too much difference, either, because there’s still an all-wheel-drive version, which means there’s a big hump in the floor for the rear centre passenger to contend with. 

Cabin storage is pretty average for the class, with a small opening in the centre console and door bins designed for small bottles.

Dimensions and size

At 4,361mm, the latest BMW 1 Series is 42mm longer than before. It’s still shorter in length than a Mercedes A-Class, yet longer than an Audi A3. It also sits between its two German competitors in terms of height and wheelbase.   

How practical is the BMW 1 Series?

The 1 Series isn’t the most practical hatchback on sale, with average boot capacity and a rather tight rear passenger space. It’s bright and airy enough inside, although there’s a distinct lack of colour in the standard car. For £215, you can choose ‘Mocha’, ‘Oyster’ and ‘Coral Red’ upholstery leatherette to bring some brightness to the cabin. And while on some cars specifying a panoramic glass sunroof adds a bit of headroom, in the 1 Series rear passengers won’t enjoy this option, given that a crossbar limits headroom further. 

Boot space

Boot space in the 1 Series is pretty good. At 380 litres, it’s 25 litres up on the Mercedes A-Class, the same as the Audi A3 and one litre less than a Volkswagen Golf.

The boot area is a decent size, with a fairly low loading lip, although the boot is deep, so taking heavy items out might be a struggle. A luggage net and a split-folding 40/20/40 rear bench are both £175 options. 

The 380-litre boot figure is only for the non-hybrid M135. Turn to the 120 with its mild-hybrid system, powered by a battery located under the boot floor, and you’ll find capacity is limited to a meagre 300 litres. Lower the rear seats in the M135 and you’ll get 1,200 litres (or 1,135 litres in the 120). 

Towing

It might be a hatchback, but BMW will fit a towbar to the 1 Series for £730. Maximum towing capacity stands at 750kg for the 120 and M135 (with an unbraked trailer).