The popular 1 Series, since its introduction in the early 2000s, has long been the attainable, budget-oriented gateway into the premium BMW family. Now, in its fourth generation, the 1 Series has been completely redesigned, bringing a sportier design, revised chassis, better tech, and more upscale standard equipment across the range for BMW’s entry-level warrior. Among the most noteworthy new upgrades that we’ll be expecting, once customer deliveries begin in October 2024, is the wrath of new engines that will be powering the new BMW 1 Series.
At the top of the 1 Series food chain, the sportiest model you can get is the M135 xDrive, which features a four-cylinder mill good for a healthy 300hp and 400Nm of torque. But, if that’s a tad too much for you, the 1 Series 120 trim will be paired with an inline-three and detuned to a still respectable 170hp and 280Nm of torque. But, unlike its M-spec sibling, the 120’s engine will run in tandem with a 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrain. While it may not be as fast, it does result in far better fuel economy, with the 120 capable of 50+ mpg; impressive for a tiny hot hatch.
Pocket Rocket, With Hybrid Power
Both the M135 xDrive and the 120 will send power through a slick-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Crucially, while the 1 Series might be one of BMW’s cheapest models, you’re not certainly being handed a second-rate product dynamically. Fun to drive is a core part of BMW’s DNA, and they’re not leaving anything on the table here. The all-new 1 Series, either the 120 or the M135 xDrive, now features a more rigid chassis and body structure. Moreover, a lot of work has been done to fine-tune its suspension, shock absorbers, and its steering.
If you are looking for the sharpest tool in the shed that won’t break the bank, the M135 xDrive does offer a bit more spice under the hood. The M Sport trim gives you extra goodies, including the adaptive M Chassis system, as well as a sports steering wheel, lightweight alloy wheels, and optional performance brakes. And, of course, as the ‘xDrive’ nameplate suggests, the new 1 Series M135 will come as standard with all-wheel drive, and combined with a plethora of BMW M-specific performance parts, it’ll sprint from 0 to 62mph in a speedy 4.9 seconds.
Luxury Cruising And A Touch Of Tech
Beneath the redesigned exterior, the new BMW 1 Series brings with it a more refined interior and cabin experience. Leather-free and luxurious, the tiny 1 Series remains as practical and as usable as its predecessors were. And a neat bonus for all those living in the frosty north, the 1 Series now comes as standard with heated seats. In addition, BMW is fitting the new 1 Series with not one, but two vast screens. A tech tour de force, it comprises a 10.25-inch infotainment display, and a 10.7-inch digital gauge cluster, both powered by an updated operating system.
If you opt to include the Tech Plus Package, you’ll even get a heads-up display, and for your phone, a wireless charging pad, in addition to a parking assist system. Speaking of, BMW has expanded its suite of driving aids and automated driving systems, such as an active cruise control system with stop & go, as well as lane control assist, and much more. Best of all, you can get all this performance, luxury, tech, safety, and dynamism in a package that starts from just £29,950, for the 1 Series 120, whereas the M135 xDrive will start from £41,000.
