BMW 1 Series review

From £25,360

The new 1 Series is more practical than before, with a larger cabin and increased luggage capacity. Interior quality has also gone up a notch.

  • BMW 1 Series
  • For: Roomier than before, interior quality, good to drive
  • Against: Tight rear space, divisive styling, expensive options
  • Verdict: The shift to front-wheel drive has done little to dent its appeal

The third-generation BMW 1 Series represents a radical departure from models of old.

Gone are the famed rear-wheel-drive dynamics – ditched in favour of front- and four-wheel-drive.

As a result, the new 1 Series is more practical than before, with a larger cabin and increased luggage capacity. Interior quality has also gone up a notch, with the 1 Series aping the 3 Series in this department.

The styling is likely to be divisive, though – see a 1 Series on the road and you might think it’s a 2 Series Active Tourer.

Prices start from just over £25,000, and for now at least, there are four trim levels: SE, Sport, M Sport and M135i.

There are two petrol and three diesel engines to choose from, with a six-speed manual gearbox fitted as standard.

The cabin is a tad sombre, but there’s an impressive array of equipment, especially on the higher trim levels. It’s just a shame that space is so limited in the rear.

KEY INFO

  • Launched: 2019
  • Facelifted: TBC
  • Due for replacement: TBC
Specs
Model: BMW 1 Series
Prices from: £25,360
Engines: 1.5T, 2.0T, 1.5d, 2.0d
Fuel type:
Gearboxes: 6-speed manual, 7/8-speed auto
Bodystyles:
Trims: SE, Sport, M Sport, M135i
Euro NCAP:
(2019)
Power: 116-306 hp
0-62mph: 4.8-10.3 seconds
Fuel economy: 35.8-62.8 mpg
CO2: 119-177 g/km
Dimensions (l/w/h): 4,319/1,799/1,434
Boot capacity: 360 litres
Warranty: 3yrs/unlimited miles

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