The 2025 BMW 1 Series arrived with changes that surprised us during testing. At €54,545 the price buys more than a cosmetic update: a fully redesigned interior with the curved display and no traditional iDrive controller shows a bold direction from Munich. Technology and dynamic behaviour revealed a different side of the most accessible BMW. After several days at the wheel, here is the full picture.
First impressions: revised exterior design
The 2025 1 Series combines elegance and sportiness. Our M Sport test car gained subtle but effective updates for a more mature look.
A quieter grille and redesigned LED headlamps
The front grille is more discreet than on recent BMWs — less controversial, more elegant. Standard LED headlamps were reshaped with a distinctive light signature.
Optional adaptive LED headlamps switch high beam to avoid dazzling others in lit areas and tight bends — a practical high-beam assistant manages transitions automatically.
Proportions and new 19-inch wheels
At 4,361 mm long, 2,072 mm wide and 1,459 mm tall, proportions stay compact. Redesigned bodywork looks more dynamic and balanced.
Optional 19-inch M Y-spoke 976 M bicolour wheels (€516.81) sharpen presence; black roof (€310.08) and tinted rear glass (€344.54) added premium contrast on our car.
Thundernight metallic paint (€689.08)
Thundernight metallic — deep violet with metallic flake — was the visual highlight. Under sun it shifts between dark violet and near-black; the €689.08 option changes how the whole car is read. With Shadow Line trim it suits M Sport lines well.
Behind the wheel of the 120d: performance and behaviour
The 120d balances driving pleasure and economy. It reacts precisely and stays stable — typical BMW traits.
163 hp and 400 Nm combined
The diesel delivers 150 hp and 360 Nm; the 48 V mild-hybrid motor in the gearbox adds up to 20 hp for 163 hp (120 kW) and 400 Nm total. Throttle response is prompt; 0–100 km/h in 7.9 seconds is strong for a compact diesel; 222 km/h top speed leaves safe overtaking reserves.
On national roads the engine is flexible with generous low- and mid-range torque. Hard acceleration shows slight turbo lag, quickly masked by the gearbox.
Seven-speed Steptronic and paddles
The seven-speed automatic shifts almost imperceptibly in Comfort; Sport brings faster, sharper changes. Optional paddles allow manual control on winding roads.
Real consumption vs 4.4 l/100 km official
BMW quotes 4.4 l/100 km WLTP and 115 g/km CO2. We averaged about 5.4 l/100 km mixed, falling to 4.8 l/100 km at steady motorway speeds — close to official figures for the segment.
Second-generation 48 V mild hybrid
The 48 V system recovers energy under braking and assists acceleration, helping urban consumption. Stop/start is smoother in traffic. Generation two is integrated in the gearbox (not belt-driven), more compact, with 20 hp assist (up from 12 hp) and 0.9 kWh lithium-ion capacity (double the first generation).
Interior: technology and comfort
The cabin is a bigger step than the exterior — advanced tech with premium materials, though the missing iDrive knob divides opinion.
Curved display without rotary controller
A curved panel combines 10.7-inch instruments and 10.25-inch central touchscreen, driver-oriented. Without the rotary iDrive controller, operation is touch- or voice-led — less intuitive on the move, though shortcuts on the screen edge and persistent climate controls help.
Standard 100 W audio with six speakers; optional Harman Kardon 12-speaker system (€482.35). DAB, Bluetooth, navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included.
Long-distance comfort
Excellent driving position with wide wheel adjustment. Forward visibility matches Audi A3 and Mercedes A-Class thanks to slim A-pillars; rear pillars are thicker but parking sensors and reversing camera compensate.
Space and 300-litre boot
Front space beats key rivals; rear headroom is tight above 1.80 m. The 120d boot is 300 litres (380 litres on M135) because of the 48 V battery — still practical with a rectangular underfloor recess and low lip.
Equipment for €54,545
M Sport pack (€2,928.57)
M leather wheel, adaptive M suspension, optional M Sport brakes in dark blue metallic (€559.66), anthracite headlining and illuminated graphite aluminium trim. Panoramic glass roof (€1,016.81), Veganza Mocha perforated trim (€215.13) and electric memory front seats (€731.93) featured on our test car.
Driver assistance
Driving Assistant Professional (€1,412.61) adds active lane keeping, adaptive cruise and partial traffic assist. Parking Assistant Professional enables phone-guided parking; Innovation pack (€2,756.30) adds head-up display and wireless phone charging. Adaptive LED headlamps with high-beam assistant improved night driving.
Harman Kardon audio
Twelve speakers create strong staging and bass; worth the €482.35 for enthusiasts.
BMW also offers Repair Inclusive four years/200,000 km (€266.39) and Service Inclusive five years/100,000 km (€760.50).
Conclusion
The 2025 1 Series balances sportiness and refinement. €54,545 is high for a compact hatchback but premium equipment and tech justify much of it. The 163 hp mild-hybrid diesel delivers performance and ~5.4 l/100 km real mixed consumption.
Thundernight paint and M Sport styling give distinct road presence. The redesigned interior is tech-rich; losing the iDrive controller hurts ergonomics for some.
Compromises remain — rear space and 300-litre boot — but driving feel and quality compensate for many buyers seeking a sporty premium hatchback.
