BMW 1 Series review

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.

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 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

2020 BMW

1 Series

36,306 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £14,900

View 1 Series

2024 BMW

1 Series

31,237 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £17,797

View 1 Series

2021 BMW

1 Series

36,200 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £20,297

View 1 Series

2021 BMW

1 Series

48,000 milesManualDiesel1.5L

Cash £13,197

View 1 Series

The regular models come with a turbocharged three-cylinder 1.5-litre and a new mild-hybrid system, which, when combined, produce 168bhp and 280Nm of torque. The 120 manages to complete the 0-62mph sprint in 7.8 seconds. As part of the update, the 1 Series ditched the six-speed manual gearbox, and now 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, a new steering wheel 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 air-conditioning, and BMW’s Live Cockpit Plus, including 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. 

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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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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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. Meanwhile, 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.