2025 BMW 1 Series Launches with Fresh Design and Advanced Features

The 2025 BMW 1 Series arrives with a refreshed design, offering models like the 118d, 120d, 120i, and M135 xDrive. It features a modern interior with digital displays and advanced safety tech.

The new BMW 1 Series has officially arrived, featuring a refreshed design and initial models including the 118d, 120d, 120i, and M135 xDrive. Although BMW refers to this as the fourth generation, it’s essentially a heavily updated version of the outgoing model, retaining the same underpinnings. As with the previous model, the 2025 BMW 1 Series will not be available in North America.

Design and Exterior

BMW has taken a more subtle approach with the new 1 Series hatchback, which contrasts with some of their more controversial recent designs. The car features soft lines, smaller headlights, and slimmer kidney grilles compared to the outgoing model. The rear end adopts newly styled taillights similar to the current X2 crossover. Overall, the new 1 Series is slightly larger, measuring 4,361 mm in length (42 mm longer than the previous model), 1,800 mm in width, and 1,459 mm in height (25 mm taller). 

Interior and Features

Inside, the new 1 Series is equipped with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch infotainment display within a single curved panel, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interior is leather-free, featuring anthracite Arktur fabric, and optional features include a head-up display, panoramic glass roof, and Harman Kardon audio system. Practical elements include a wireless smartphone storage area, dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting, and folding rear seats that increase cargo capacity from 13.4 cubic feet to 42.3 cubic feet. 

Powertrains and Performance

The new 1 Series offers a variety of powertrains:

— 118d. 2.0-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder, 148 hp, 265 lb-ft torque, 0-62 mph in 8.3 seconds.

— 120d. 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel, 161 hp, 295 lb-ft torque, 0-62 mph in 7.9 seconds.

— 120i. 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol, 168 hp, 206 lb-ft torque, 0-62 mph in 7.8 seconds. Both 120i and 120d incorporate 48-volt mild-hybrid technology.

— M135 xDrive. 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, 296 hp (European markets), 312 hp (elsewhere), 295 lb-ft torque, 0-62 mph in 4.9 seconds, top speed of 155 mph.

All models now come standard with a seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission, marking the first time in its 20-year history that the 1 Series does not offer a manual transmission. 

Technology and Safety

BMW has expanded the range of automated driving and parking systems, including standard features like front collision warning, Lane Departure Warning, Exit Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant. Optional features include Steering and Lane Control Assist, Automatic Speed Limit Assist, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, and Parking Assistant Professional.

Availability

European sales of the new BMW 1 Series will start in October, but pricing details have not yet been announced. Unfortunately for fans in North America, the new 1 Series will not be available in the U.S.

This new generation continues BMW’s tradition of combining performance, efficiency, and advanced technology in a stylish compact package.