When BMW launched the 1 Series in 2004, it stood out in the crowd of hatchback models. In classic BMW fashion, the engine was mounted longitudinally and the drive went to the rear wheels
This recipe was kept for the model until 2019, when the third generation of the 1 series was launched based on a base plate from Mini. This meant a conventional arrangement with a transverse engine and four-wheel drive, which provided significantly better interior space.
The BMW 1 Series has received a thorough update – Photo: BMW
Now they have launched the second front-wheel drive generation of the BMW 1 Series, which in the future will also be the basis for the next 2 Series Gran Coupé.
We have test driven the 120 and M135 versions, both of which have petrol engines under the hood, despite the fact that they do not have an “i” as the last character in the model designation.
Updated from scratch
Although the new BMW 1 Series has a new model designation, it is not actually a completely new car, but rather a really thorough update on the same platform as the old 1 Series.
The shapes are recognizable from the old car, but if you look more closely, you’ll see that pretty much all the body panels are new. There are also the new LED lights at the front and rear.
The interior is full of touch buttons – Photo: BMW
In the interior, most of the physical buttons have been removed in favor of touch controls. To fill up the surfaces where the buttons had been, a number of small LED accents have been mounted. As standard, the interior is completely free of leather.
The meter housing now consists of a screen, which sits alongside the screen for the new Android-based iDrive system.
The system is mostly easy to use, but the menus are sometimes confusing and the navigation system is somewhat cumbersome. The lack of physical buttons is also annoying and difficult at times.
Under the skin of the new BMW 1 Series
Under the shell, the chassis has been stiffened and the suspension reworked.
The car will be offered with a number of different petrol engines, as well as a diesel-powered option.
All powertrains are paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission as standard, and no manual option is offered.
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BMW M135 test driven
Unusually, we started the day behind the wheel of the most expensive and fastest version of the model series, in the form of the new BMW M135.
With 300 horsepower, four-wheel drive, and a price tag of over half a million, it plays in the same league as its compatriots the Volkswagen Golf R and the Mercedes-AMG A 35. Unfortunately, the M135 also suffers from the same ailments as these, in that it offers a competent rather than fun driving experience.
The BMW M135 plays in the same league as the Volkswagen Golf R – Photo: BMW
The chassis is well balanced and the steering precise, while the four-wheel drive gets the power down on the hill and the gear changes are quick. The result is a car that can quickly and efficiently clear a curvy road.
At the same time, the car does not offer any real character or playfulness. the engine sound isn’t very exciting and despite 300 horsepower it doesn’t feel excessively fast either.
In normal driving, the car feels like any normal hatchback, which just happens to have a slightly bumpier suspension, sound a bit more and cost a lot.
BMW 120 test driven
We then took a step down the model hierarchy to the new BMW 120, which is equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 170 horsepower.
What became clear quite immediately is that the new 1 series comes into its own better in its milder version, as driving pleasure is not one of the primary purchase arguments.
The BMW 120 convinces more than the big sibling M135 – Photo: BMW
In the BMW 120, you appreciate how easy it is to find a comfortable driving position, that the space in the back seat is good for the class and that the interior feels well put together.
The drivetrain offers fully sufficient performance for everyday driving, the engine noise in the cabin is low and the 7-speed automatic gearbox works smoothly and smoothly.
The road characteristics are also well balanced. The car is nimble in the city and stable on major roads, with a suspension that is a good compromise between comfort and performance.
The new BMW 1 Series is a well-rounded wagon
The new BMW 1 Series is definitely one of the most well-rounded cars in its segment, with fine handling, good build quality and a high technical standard.
However, since the transition to front-wheel drive, the 1-series has lost its distinctive character.
The first generations of the 1 Series were small cars with the genes of a large, rear-wheel drive premium car, while the new 1 Series has the genes of the front-wheel drive hatchback that it is.
The BMW 1 Series has become more mainstream over the years – Photo: BMW
It thus does not offer anything exceptional in terms of feel or driving pleasure relative to the competition. Whether you should choose a BMW 1 Series over a Volkswagen Golf or Mercedes-Benz A-Class is thus more about which design language and technical interface you prefer, rather than more fundamental differences.
That’s not necessarily a problem for the volume version 120, which is likely to find more buyers by being more mainstream.
However, the performance model M135 has suffered, as it does not quite manage to deliver the driving pleasure that one hopes for in a BMW with an M emblem on the tailgate.
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First impressions of the new BMW 1 Series: 4/5
BMW 120 (2024)
Engine: 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder gasoline engine, mild hybrid, 170 horsepower, 280 newton meters
Transmission: 8-speed double clutch box, front wheel drive
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 7.8 seconds
Top speed: 225 km/h
Weight: 1,500 kg
Dimensions (length/width/height): 4361/1800/1459 mm
Price: SEK 380,000
BMW M135 xDrive (2024)
Engine: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder gasoline engine, 300 horsepower, 400 newton meters
Transmission: 7-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 4.9 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h
Weight: 1,625 kg
Dimensions (length/width/height): 4361/1800/1459 mm
Price: SEK 569,000