- BMW will soon unveil the new F70 1-Series, including a hot hatch version
- The new model will most likely be a heavily updated version of the existing model
- It’s hard to say whether the BMW M teaser shows the successor of the existing M135i xDrive or an even hotter M1 version
The BMW 1-Series is about to receive a substantial makeover, and the first teaser is here to hype things up before its imminent debut. Interestingly, a dark shot of the upcoming hatchback was also shared by the official account of BMW M, suggesting that the new model will debut with a hot hatch version from the get-go.
The 2025 BMW 1-Series will most likely be a heavily updated version of the existing F40 generation rather than a clean-sheet design. The new model will receive the F70 internal code.
More: Here’s Everything We Know About The 2025 BMW 1-Series
BMW published a video clip on Instagram showing all previous generations of the 1-Series with the following caption: “Ready for the new 1? First we celebrate the last 20 years”. Shortly after that, BMW M’s Instagram account shared the profile shots with the description: “There is a new ONE coming soon”.
The 1-Series will retain a familiar five-door hatchback silhouette, featuring redesigned front and rear bumpers and new LED lighting units. Earlier spy shots all but confirmed that the hotter version will feature deeper side skirts, a rather discreet rear spoiler, and quad tailpipes, much like the outgoing M135i xDrive. Interior updates will most likely include the new digital cockpit and the latest tech gimmicks in BMW’s parts bin.
The existing BMW M135i xDrive (above) compared to the upcoming M-branded model (below).
The updated FWD-derived architecture of the next 1-Series will be shared with the BMW X1 and X2, as well as with the Mini Cooper (ICE) and Countryman models.
The current BMW 1-Series is available in the range-topping M135i xDrive, offering 302 hp (225 kW / 306 PS) and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. It remains to be seen if the pictured model will serve as a successor to the latter, or sit even higher in the performance scale.
The BMW M135i xDrive was always intended as a main competitor of the lesser Audi S3 Sportback and Mercedes-AMG A35 4Matic+. A more powerful and capable hot hatch could bring the 1er closer to rivals like the Audi RS3 Sportback and Mercedes-AMG A45 4Matic+ but chances of this happening are rather slim.
Judging the teasers, all of our questions will be answered soon. Previous BMW paperwork suggested that the debut of the F70 1-Series will take place in July 2024.