BMW Unveils Fourth-Gen 1 Series With iDrive 9 and No Manual, It's a Stunner!

At launch, the 2025 BMW 1 Series comes in four variants. Many Europeans might smile reading about this, so here it goes: diesel engines have survived the evolution!

The 118d features a simple 2.0-liter four-cylinder powerplant that develops 148 hp at 3,750 rpm and 265 lb-ft (360 Nm) of torque starting at 1,500 rpm. The vehicle can reach 62 mph (100 kph) from a standstill in 8.3 seconds and has a top speed of 138 mph (222 kph).

The 120d uses the same four-pot but adds a 48-volt electric aid via a tiny 20-hp motor integrated into the transmission. That solution ups the power output to a maximum of 161 hp and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. That addition helps the 120d reach 62 mph from naught 0.4 seconds faster than the 118d. The top speed remains unchanged.

The 120 features a hybridized 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that puts out 168 hp and 206 lb-ft (280 Nm) of torque. This new 1 Series has a zero to 62 mph (100 kph) time of 7.8 seconds and can continue running until it reaches the top speed of 140 mph (226 kph).

The M135 is the most capable 2025 BMW 1 Series. Its 2.0-liter four-cylinder puts out a respectable 296 hp at 5,750 rpm and deploys 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque from 2,000 rpm. The hatchback sprints from zero to 62 mph (100 kph) in 4.9 seconds and can keep going until the instrument cluster shows the top speed of 155 mph (250 kph).

New naming strategy, no manual gearbox

All the above models are mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. There's no manual gearbox option. If you want paddles behind the steering wheel, you'll have to cough up some extra cash for the M Sport Pack. If you do, you'll also get the M Sport Boost feature that's activated by holding down the left-hand paddle for at least a second.

The 118d, the 120d, and the 120 are front-wheel drive, while the M135 xDrive sends power to all four wheels. BMW moved away from the engine-at-the-front power-at-rear solution with the previous generation and is continuing on the same path. While some enthusiasts might find it disappointing, it's good to know that a front-wheel-drive architecture translates to better cargo capacity. The brand says the new 1 Series "offers generous space for up to five passengers and their luggage." We'll see if the 10.59 cu-ft (300 l) trunk is enough.

It's worth noting that BMW initially told us that the M135 would have an output of 328 hp (333 ps). There could be a mild-hybrid M140 in the works, and the automaker simply slipped up by providing us with this number. It remains to be seen if the supposed M140 will arrive later this year. The brand promised to introduce two extra gas-powered engines in the fall of this year.

You might have noticed that the "i" is no longer in the moniker of gas-powered models. BMW decided to use that letter exclusively for all-electric rides going forward.

Sizes and markets

The all-new 1 Series measures 171.69 in (4,361 mm) in length, 70.8 in (1,800 mm) in width, 57.4 in (1,459 mm) in height, and has a wheelbase of 105.1 in (2,670 mm).

Weight-wise, we're looking at the following unladen (no gas in the tank and no driver behind the steering wheel) figures:

• 118d – 3,230 lb (1,465 kg);
• 120d – 3,296 lb (1,495 kg);
• 120 – 3,142 lb (1,425 kg);
• M135 xDrive –  3,417 lb (1,550 kg).

Interestingly enough, the M135 xDrive has the best cargo capacity – 13.4 cu-ft (380 l) with the rear seats up and 42.3 cu-ft (1,200 l) with them folded. All the figures are available in the .PDF attached at the end of the article.

It's not yet clear if the fourth-generation 1 Series will arrive in North America. BMW didn't give us a clear-cut answer and tiptoed around the idea that the vehicle could join the ranks of its American division. But don't lose hope. We didn't get a hard "no" as an answer.

Bringing the 1 Series to the US and Canadian markets would be a wise decision. In this segment, the Bavarians would only have to deal with Volkswagen's Golf. Mercedes-Benz and Audi refused to renew the passports of the A-Class and the A3.

Moreover, almost every serious automaker is focusing on crossovers and SUVs because that's what many Americans want: commuting appliances with better ground clearance and a higher driving position (or pickup trucks). On top of being popular, these types of vehicles usually bring bigger profit margins. In a way, it's a no-brainer to invest in raised hatchbacks and sell them as "urban crossovers."

But here's the kicker: the classic five-door hatch could make a comeback as new car buyers realize that they're paying too much to own an unnecessarily large and inefficient vehicle.

One important clue might also be the time of the official press release announcing the all-new 1 Series: 10:01 PM GMT. That's 6:01 PM EDT, 5:01 PM CDT, and 3:01 PM PDT. Americans and Canadians get to learn first about the new model, while Asians, Australians, and Europeans will wake up to a brand-new 1 Series.

A reinterpreted four-eyed face

Following in the footsteps of the new M3 and M4, the headlights feature single-module LED headlights with vertical daytime-running lights that double as pulsating turn signals. The grille looks more like what we used to see on BMWs of the recent past and features a blend of vertical and diagonal lines that create a unified and sporty kidney grille.

That helps make the headlights, which extend into the wheel arches, look a bit better, even though they look like the eyes of a domesticated wild animal. There's a good relationship between the headlamps and the grille. It's not exciting in any way, but at least it's not weird.

BMW made adaptive LED headlights with matrix functionality for the high beam and the "adverse weather lights" an option.

The lateral view is unmistakably 1 Series. The long hood suggests there's a powerful powerplant hidden in there and exudes confidence, given that front-wheel drive is the name of the game now.

The doors seem to maximize interior space, and the generous windowed surfaces suggest that the cabin won't feel claustrophobic. The discreet lines that slightly protrude a bit create a powerful appearance and sprinkle a bit of dynamism as a visual suggestion for the prospective buyer or bystander.

If someone doesn't know what you're driving or doesn't understand BMW nomenclature, just point them to look at the Hofmeister kink. There's a "1" hidden in there.

Darkened-out window trim (aka the Shadowline option) is now standard across the 1 Series range, helping to make the vehicle look sportier and meaner. But you won't be showing anyone your cool tailpipes unless you go for the M135 xDrive model. The new 1 Series may not be electric yet, but it surely tries to hide that it still needs refined dinosaur juice to power your mobility.

The taillamps might remind some of the X2/iX2, and there's nothing wrong with that. They look the part and have a role in making the 1 Series appear more dominant on the street. Those rear arches, am I right?

Looking to make your new 1 Series special as heck? Look no more. BMW has included it on the Individual list. You won't have to pick between the nine colors available at launch. Customers will also be able to select a high-gloss black roof, a first for BMW.

As usual, M Sport options change the vehicle's exterior look by introducing larger air intakes, different side skirts, and a slightly redesigned rear lower bumper. Choosing that option also replaces the 17-inch wheels with 18-inch ones. If you want a spoiler, then you'll have to go for the M Sport Pro pack.

Just keep in mind that paying for the "M" letter also means you'll have a 1 Series with lowered suspension, sport steering, and the "Adaptive M Chassis." Pay attention when configuring, or you'll end up with a much sportier hatchback than you might have wanted.

A new interior

Inside, there's that familiar BMW feel, but with a few changes that show the brand isn't listening to what people have been asking for. Instead of bringing back a couple of useful physical buttons, the iDrive 9 includes useful shortcuts and quick commands that should enable the driver or the front passenger to adjust the most important settings. Even the heated steering wheel activation is done via the infotainment screen or the voice assistant.

BMW has also changed the air vent design. Now, adjusting, opening, and closing them happens via some soft plastic buttons. Weirdly enough, seat depth and headrest height remain manual adjustments even when the customer goes for the optional seats. There's a lumbar support with massage function, though!

Be advised that dual-zone auto A/C is an option. If you want your rear passenger to have their own vents, you'll have to tick the box. Otherwise, they don't get their own A/C vents.

The 2025 BMW 1 Series features a leather-free interior as standard, but customers can upgrade to Veganza perforated seats (made from recycled plant material) that have contrasting stitching and decorative quilting.

One area where BMW got it right is the steering wheel. There are no touch-sensitive buttons that the driver can touch by mistake. Thumbs up for that! However, if you want to replace the pearlescent aluminum trim with something darker, you'll have to pay more.

Power folding mirrors, self-parking abilities, an alarm system, basic ambient lighting, cloud-based navigation with BMW Maps, and automatic single-zone A/C are standard. Upgrading to the BMW Live Cockpit Professional adds a head-up display and augmented view. Cooled wireless phone charging is also another extra cost.

It's starting to feel very Porsche in here, but the frameless and automatically dimming rearview mirror is another option. It's part of the Premium pack, which, besides a fancier mirror, also contains keyless entry, logo projection from the side mirrors, and adaptive LED headlights.

The 1 Series also has a cool trick up its sleeve that makes it a first among equals. Specifically, we're talking about the directly controlled wheel slip limitation system. Traction control is integrated into the engine control unit (ECU), which shortens the signal paths to the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). The computer can make the right adjustments around 10 times faster than conventional systems, and it can also act with increased accuracy.

All that translates into a much-improved dynamic road behavior, which should allow the driver to feel more confident in the car's abilities.

Prices haven't been confirmed yet, but the recently replaced 1 Series had the following starting costs:

• 118i (with manual gearbox) – approximately €32,400 in most of Europe and £28,750 in the UK;
• 118i (with automatic transmission) – €34,400 in most of Europe, £30,235 in the UK, and $60,678 in Australia;
• 120i – approximately €36,600 in most of Europe;
• M135i xDrive – over €53,312 in most of Europe, almost £42,000 in the UK, and nearly $85,000 in Australia.

Keep this article saved somewhere so you can compare the evolution of pricing when the time comes.

My two cents

When I glanced at the impressive press pack for the first time, I was aghast. The photos instantly reminded me of the 2 Series Active Tourer, which is a family MPV with an abnormally large and in-your-face grille. I tend to associate cars' exterior designs with human faces and emotions, and that one really made me think of someone who might be a bit deranged and neglect their teeth. To me, the 2 Series Active Tourer remains an exception because, unlike the M3 or M4, the MPV looks worse in real life than in photos.

But as I kept reading about the new model and discovering it in-depth, two things struck me.

First, it's BMW we're talking about here. This vehicle couldn't have been launched with a boring and expected redesign. It had to bring something new, something fresh, something very distinctive.
Second, even though the visual connection between the rounded headlamps and the reasonably-sized grille seems wacky at first, it starts to make sense the longer you admire its shape.

Just look at how well they integrated the housings for the advanced driver-assistance systems. Instead of being at the bottom of the front fascia, they're now right under the BMW roundel and the front camera.

That cute-ish face is also making me think of some futuristic bots that, while looking approachable, would immediately neutralize any perceived threat. It's sort of a high-tech murderous butterfly.

The hatchback's rear end is where things continue in typical BMW fashion. The taillights with 3D inserts look futuristic, fit well with the car, and have an almost ideal size. They also transmit a feeling of disinterest and work well with the M135's general demeanor.

Lately, the Bavarians have excelled at designing inspiring and cool-looking back ends. Just look at the M4, the iX, the X5, and the X7. They all look great. It's the front end that's giving BMW designers some trouble.

All in all, the fourth-generation BMW 1 Series is off to a good start. Let's hope it will arrive in the US, too.