New BMW 1-Series And M135 Ditch The ‘i’ And Manual Gearbox

Extensively revised, the new 1-Series is slightly bigger than the model it replaces.
Flagship M135 xDrive pumps out 296 hp in European markets and 312 hp overseas.
BMW is phasing out ‘i’ letting in its combustion-powered models.

The new BMW 1-Series has finally arrived. It brings with it a thoroughly refreshed design and will initially launch in 118d, 120d, 120, and M135 xDrive guises. BMW refers to it as the fourth-generation 1-Series, but it’s not entirely new; it’s an extensively updated version of the outgoing model, retaining the same underpinnings. As with the outgoing model, the 2025MY 1-Series will not be offered in North America.

The 1-Series marks a shift for BMW as it’s the first new model to abandon the “i” suffix for gasoline variants. This change reflects the Bavarian automaker’s strategy to use “i” exclusively as a prefix for electric vehicle names.

More: BMW To Ditch ‘i’ On Gas Cars, Keep It Only For EVs

While BMW has courted controversy in recent years by releasing new vehicles with radical, over-the-top designs, the new 1-Series hatch is relatively restrained and, dare we say it, subtle. It’s dominated by soft lines and has a pair of small headlights and kidney grilles, slightly slimmer than the outgoing model. The rear is also quite different and adopts newly styled taillights, not dissimilar in size and shape to those of the current X2 crossover.

The new 1-Series is slightly larger than its predecessor. It measures 4,361 mm (171.6 inches) in length, or 42 mm (1.69 inches) longer than the previous model. The compact hatch is 1,800 mm (70.8 inches) wide and stands at 1,459 mm (57.4 inches) tall, making it 25 mm (0.98 inches) taller than before. Overall, it retains similar proportions with a long hood and a handful of striking lines.

Thoroughly revised cabin

The interior will be familiar to anyone who has driven a current BMW model. It comes equipped with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch infotainment display, both housed within a single curved panel and offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. BMW has also eliminated many buttons from the instrument panel and center console, opting for a cleaner and less cluttered look.

BMW 1-Series

All new 1-Series models will come standard with a leather-free interior and a special anthracite Arktur fabric. A head-up display, a panoramic glass roof, and a Harman Kardon audio system are optional. There’s also a wireless smartphone storage area in the center console, dual-zone automatic climate control, and ambient lighting. The rear seats fold down in a 60:40 or 40:20:40 split, providing 13.4 cubic feet (380 liters) of cargo capacity with the seats up and 42.3 cubic feet (1,200 liters) when folded down.

Powertrains

The full 1-Series range now consists of the 118d, 120d, 120, and M135, although not all markets will receive all four models. The 120d features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine, while the petrol 120i is equipped with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine. Both incorporate 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. The petrol-powered 120i delivers 168 hp and 206 lb-ft (280 Nm) of torque, whereas the 120d offers 161 hp and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. The 120 and 120d models accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.8 seconds and 7.9 seconds, respectively.

Read: BMW 1-Series Could Get A Fully Electric Successor

Sitting at the base of the diesel range is the 118d. It also has a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder, although it’s been capped at 148 hp and 265 lb-ft (360 Nm) of torque, enabling it to accelerate to 62 mph in 8.3 seconds.

BMW M135i xDrive

Topping out the 1-Series range continues to be the M135 xDrive, which, like the 120, has now dropped the ‘i’ from its name. It is driven by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 296 hp in European markets and 312 hp elsewhere. Torque tops out at 295 lb-ft (400 Nm), and the hot hatch can sprint to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds and continue to a 155 mph (250 km/h) top speed.

All 1-Series models now come standard with a seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission. Unfortunately, this means that for the first time in its 20-year production history, a manual transmission is no longer available in the 1-Series.

Buyers of the M135 xDrive can order it with various M parts, including the M Sport Package, M Sport Design, and M Technology Package. Various M Performance Parts will also be offered.

BMW M135i xDrive

BMW has expanded the range of automated driving and parking systems as standard and offered as optional equipment. Key standard features include front collision warning, Lane Departure Warning, Exit Warning and Traffic Sign Recognition, and Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant. Buyers can option Steering and Lane Control Assist, Automatic Speed Limit Assist, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, and Parking Assistant Professional on the 120 and 120d, meaning the cars can be parked remotely using a smartphone.

European sales of the new 1-Series will start in October, although pricing details have not yet been announced. As is often the case with compelling hatchbacks, the new 1-Series will not be sold in the U.S.