► New BMW 1-series hatchback revealed
► Facelift tidies up interior and exterior design
► Available to order now from just under £30k
BMW’s family hatchback, the 1-series, has been given a thorough going over for 2024.
Part of that refresh is, naturally, some exterior design tweaks, with the 1 benefitting from a new, tidier nose and grille design (which reminds us of the Vision Neue Klasse’s headlights on the grey model). Inside, some tech from higher up BMW’s ladder has trickled down to its smallest car.
The engine range has also seen a bit of a rationalisation, as the new 1-series launches with just 120 and M135 versions.
Wait, don’t you mean 120i and M135i?
Nope – not anymore. BMW has dropped the ‘i’ tag at the end of its nomenclature (which used to stand for ‘injection’ and was code for petrol engine cars) for this new facelifted model. Part of the reason is likely due to the fact the new 1-series only offers petrol engine models anyway, and another part will be because ‘i’ has been repurposed for BMW’s EVs. Only took the brand about 10 years to tidy this up, given how old the i3 and i8 are nowadays, but there you go.
Anyway, yes, your choices of engine at launch for the new 1-series comprise a conventional 120 and a potent M135 xDrive. The 120 (pictured in grey) uses a three-cylinder mild hybrid engine that develops 168bhp and 206lb ft and is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. BMW says the 120 is capable of a 7.8 second sprint time, a top speed of 140mph, fuel economy between 47-53.2mpg and emissions between 121-135g/km.
As for the sporty M135 xDrive (seen in white) version, that features a 297bhp/295lb ft four-cylinder engine, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive. BMW says this model is capable of a 4.9sec 0-62mph sprint time, a limited top speed of 155mph, fuel economy between 34.8-37.1mpg and emissions between 174-184g/km.
The M135 xDrive benefits from BMW’s ‘Adaptive M Chassis’ and a sportier steering ratio included, and can be specified with an M Technology Package (available from autumn 2024) that includes more suspension upgrades and lightweighting measures, performance ‘M Compound’ brakes and 19-inch alloys.
You mentioned new tech?
As well as the new exterior design, which aims to de-crease the 1-series’ earlier look, the interior has had a significant overhaul. It’s been simplified, with all leather removed and BMW’s latest OS9 infotainment system thrown in.
Every 1-series has the dinkier version of BMW’s curved display with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included, as well as heated seats, LED headlights and automatic air con. M Spot versions throw in sport seats and adaptive suspension.
Tech options include a wireless phone charger, adaptive LED headlights, two-zone climate control, a panoramic glass roof and a Harman Kardon audio upgrade.
When and how much?
BMW UK says the new 1-series is available to order now. The 120 version is priced at £29,950, while the M135 xDrive starts from £41,000.