In-depth reviews

BMW 1 Series review

The BMW 1 Series is an outstanding premium hatchback, offering an enticing combination of performance, efficiency and driver thrills

Overall Auto Express Rating

4.5 out of 5

Price
£28,270 to £44,695
  • Fun to drive
  • Practical
  • High-quality interior
  • Limited engine range (for now)
  • Firm ride in M Sport trim
  • Tight rear headroom
Find your BMW 1 Series
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
From:£11,900 cash
PCP finance available
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Advertisement

The BMW 1 Series may have made the switch to front (and four) wheel drive but this change hasn’t diluted its appeal – the smallest BMW is still great to drive. The 1 Series also has increased space inside and offers a range of efficient yet punchy engines.

Quality has taken a step in the right direction too, while the ergonomics, build and infotainment system in the latest, third-generation 1 Series are simply top-notch. A Volkswagen Golf may be cheaper and more practical – especially when it comes to rear headroom – but the 1 Series is a seriously appealing package that’s very hard to fault.

About the BMW 1 Series

The BMW 1 Series is a premium hatchback that’s not only been a hit for the Bavarian brand, it also firmly established BMW as a player in the compact segment. We’re now into the third generation of the 1 Series, whose closest rivals are the equally upmarket Mercedes A-Class and Audi A3, but it also competes with higher-spec versions of hatchback stalwarts like the VW GolfFord Focus and Mazda 3.

There’s one big difference between the latest generation of 1 Series and its predecessors, though, and it’s one that caused consternation in the ranks of BMW enthusiasts when it was first announced.

BMW has built its reputation on fine handling rear-wheel drive cars, yet this 1 Series made the switch to a front-wheel drive platform that’s shared with the MINI Countryman and Clubman. The UKL2 platform that underpins the 1 Series was also used by the BMW X1 and 2 Series Active Tourer until very recently. As well as the obvious economies of scale, it’s a more space-efficient package, which has enabled BMW to improve the space inside its smallest model.

Predictably, the new 1 Series also shares transversely mounted engines with the MINI range, with a choice of petrol or diesel powerplants. There is no plug-in hybrid 1 Series yet, however, which will be disappointing to company car drivers in search of maximum BiK savings as well as those looking to substantially cut back on their fuel consumption.

The 1 Series range kicks off with the petrol-powered 118i, followed by the more efficient 116d diesel. Both feature a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine, and send all their power to the front wheels though either a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Above those sits the more torquey, and slightly thirstier 120d powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine. There used to be a 118d, but it’s no longer part of the line-up.

Of course, this being BMW, there are some faster versions of the 1 Series. The 128ti is meant to be BMW’s back-to-basics hot hatch, designed to challenge the jack of all trades that is the VW Golf GTI. It’s powered by a 2.0-litre four-pot petrol engine producing 261bhp, which in traditional hot-hatch style is all sent to the front wheels only.

The thoroughly rapid M135i xDrive uses the same motor, this time pumping out 301bhp and paired with BMW’s four-wheel drive system, xDrive. Instead of the Golf GTI, the M135i xDrive has the VW Golf RHonda Civic Type R and Mercedes-AMG A 45 firmly in its crosshairs. We even pitted it against the Porsche Macan T in a recent twin test, and the BMW was able to hold its own. Both the 128ti and M135i xDrive are available exclusively with the eight-speed auto.

All the 1 Series models are strong performers and – given their outputs – the engines are paragons of efficiency too. Even the lowliest diesel manages 0-62mph in just over 10 seconds, while we’ve seen the high-performance M135i return over 32mpg.

There are just three trim levels in the 1 Series range at present; entry-level SE, Sport and the racy M Sport models, while the 128ti and M135i xDrive essentially serve as their own specifications. Prices start from just over £28,000, but that’ll start expanding as soon as you glance at the options list.

Used and nearly new

Having been on sale since 2004, the BMW 1 Series makes for a great used buy if you're seeking a family hatchback that offers superb driving fun. The 1 Series is into its third generation, so you should find plenty of second-hand examples to choose from, each offering typical BMW premium build quality and driving dynamics.

BMW 1 Series history

BMW 1 Series

BMW 1 Series Mk2: 2011-2019

The Mk2 1 Series offers plenty of rear-wheel drive thrills for the keen driver, while those with running costs in mind will be pleased to hear that all models offer efficient engines, with even the quickest versions still able to deliver decent economy. Three- and five-door body styles are available, although the 1 Series doesn't offer the most interior space compared to its close rivals. Read our full Mk2 BMW 1 Series buyer’s guide here…

Used BMW 1 Series Mk1 - front

BMW 1 Series Mk1: 2004-2011

The most modern Mk1 1 Series you can buy will still be over ten years old, so you should be able to source a relatively cheap example. There is a choice of either petrol or diesel power, while the six-cylinder 130i model offers 265bhp. Interior space isn't great, but the cabin still feels typically BMW, with solid build quality and easy to use controls. Read our full Mk1 BMW 1 Series buyer’s guide here…

For an alternative review of the BMW 1 Series, visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk...

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    118i SE 5dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • Price
    £23,885

Most Economical

  • Name
    116d SE 5dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • Price
    £25,405

Fastest

  • Name
    M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £39,695

More on 1 Series

New 2023 BMW 1 Series: sporty M135i hot hatch version spied testing
BMW 1 Series facelift - spyshot 1
News
29 Mar 2023

New 2023 BMW 1 Series: sporty M135i hot hatch version spied testing

BMW is set to bring hybrid power to the facelifted 1 Series alongside updated interior technology
Best cars for £10,000 or less
Best cars for £10,000 or less - header image
Best cars & vans
9 Mar 2023

Best cars for £10,000 or less

£10,000 is a pretty strong budget in the used car market, here are some of the best buys for your money
Porsche Macan T vs BMW M135i: 2023 twin test review
BMW M135i and Porsche Macan T - front tracking
Car group tests
27 Feb 2023

Porsche Macan T vs BMW M135i: 2023 twin test review

Can a performance SUV compete with a four-wheel-drive hot hatch for driving fun? We find out, courtesy of Porsche and BMW
Cupra Leon vs BMW 118i vs Mazda 3: 2023 group test review
Cupra Leon, BMW 118i and Mazda 3 - front static
Car group tests
4 Feb 2023

Cupra Leon vs BMW 118i vs Mazda 3: 2023 group test review

They’re not hot hatches, but these three models from Cupra, BMW and Mazda still have sporty pretensions
Top 10 best hot hatchbacks to buy 2023
Best hot hatchbacks - header image
Best cars & vans
10 Jan 2023

Top 10 best hot hatchbacks to buy 2023

The best hot hatches offer giant-killing performance and a gripping drive, all wrapped in a user-friendly package
New BMW M135i 2022 review
BMW M135i - front tracking
Road tests
30 Nov 2022

New BMW M135i 2022 review

A UK drive in the refreshed M135i further proves BMW’s improvements have worked nicely, but be aware that your configurator choices have a sizeable in…
Used BMW 1 Series (Mk3, 2019-date) review
Used BMW 1 Series Mk3 - front
Used car tests
20 May 2022

Used BMW 1 Series (Mk3, 2019-date) review

A full used buyer’s guide on the BMW 1 Series covering the 1 Series Mk3 that has been on sale since 2019
BMW M135i xDrive updated for 2022 with chassis tweaks
BMW M135i xDrive - front
News
20 Oct 2021

BMW M135i xDrive updated for 2022 with chassis tweaks

BMW says its revisions have made the M135i even sharper to drive – and there’s a new enhanced driving sound for the car’s stereo
Used BMW 1 Series (Mk2, 2011-2019) review
Used BMW 1 Series Mk2 - front static
Used car tests
20 Oct 2021

Used BMW 1 Series (Mk2, 2011-2019) review

The Mk2 BMW 1 Series is not the roomiest small hatchback, but fun handling and efficient running make up for it
BMW 128ti vs Volkswagen Golf GTI
BMW 128ti vs Volkswagen Golf GTI
Car group tests
27 Feb 2021

BMW 128ti vs Volkswagen Golf GTI

The new BMW 128ti goes up against the latest iteration of the car that kicked off the hatch segment - the Volkswagen Golf GTI
New BMW 128ti to take on VW Golf with 261bhp
News
6 Oct 2020

New BMW 128ti to take on VW Golf with 261bhp

The new BMW 128ti revives the brand’s famous ‘ti’ badge after a 15-year hiatus
New BMW 128ti prototype review
Road tests
15 Sep 2020

New BMW 128ti prototype review

The new BMW 128ti has its sight set on the Volkswagen Golf GTI
BMW 118i M Sport: long-term test review
Long-term tests
29 Apr 2020

BMW 118i M Sport: long-term test review

Final report: our BMW 118i hatch offers the upmarket appeal and fun drive that the firm is famous for
New BMW 1 Series 2019 review
BMW 1 Series - front
Road tests
6 Jan 2020

New BMW 1 Series 2019 review

The new BMW 1 Series has switched to front-wheel drive, but it feels more sophisticated than ever from behind the wheel
BMW 1 Series vs Mercedes A-Class vs Volkswagen Golf
Car group tests
26 Oct 2019

BMW 1 Series vs Mercedes A-Class vs Volkswagen Golf

We pitch the new BMW 1 Series against the Mercedes A-Class and Volkswagen Golf
BMW 1 Series (2012-2019) review
BMW 116d EfficientDynamics - cornering
In-depth reviews
3 Oct 2019

BMW 1 Series (2012-2019) review

It's not the roomiest small hatch, but fun handling and efficient running make up for it
New BMW M135i 2019 review
BMW M135i 2019
Road tests
17 Jul 2019

New BMW M135i 2019 review

BMW's M135i 1 Series hot hatch moves to XDrive all-wheel drive in its latest all-new form. What's it like on the road?
New BMW 118d Sport 2019 review
BMW 1 Series 2019 front tracking
Road tests
16 Jul 2019

New BMW 118d Sport 2019 review

BMW's 1 Series family hatch has gone front-wheel drive. What does that mean for its rivalry with the A3 and A-Class?
BMW M won’t prioritise Mercedes A45 S, Audi RS3 rival
New BMW M135i 2019 1 Series tracking
News
18 Jun 2019

BMW M won’t prioritise Mercedes A45 S, Audi RS3 rival

A high-performance BMW 1 Series to rival the Mercedes-AMG A45 S and Audi RS3 looks unlikely according to BMW bosses
New BMW 1 Series revealed: specs, pricing and full details
New BMW 1 Series 2019
News
26 May 2019

New BMW 1 Series revealed: specs, pricing and full details

BMW's new 2019 1 Series targets the VW Golf, going front-wheel drive for the very first time. On sale now priced from £24,430.
BMW M140i - best hot hatchbacks
BMW M140i - rear
Best cars & vans
30 Jul 2018

BMW M140i - best hot hatchbacks

Rear-wheel drive and six cylinders mark out this rapid BMW M140i hot hatch
BMW 1 Series receives mild facelift for 2017
2017 BMW 1 Series upgrades front quarter
News
11 May 2017

BMW 1 Series receives mild facelift for 2017

New BMW 1 Series Shadow special edition cars get minor styling tweaks, but big news is upgraded infotainment and refreshed cabin
Porsche 911 C4S Cabriolet vs BMW M135i drag race
Best cars & vans
8 Dec 2016

Porsche 911 C4S Cabriolet vs BMW M135i drag race

The smallest of BMW's M cars faces off against the iconic Porsche 911