Blog

We’ll have to wait until the next 2 Series Gran Coupe arrives to get our paws on this powertrain.

Europeans are fine. They get not only the Audi S3 Sportback and the Mercedes-AMG A45, but also the BMW M135i. The M division carries over its hot hatchback to the next generation, alongside the regular 1 Series. The fourth iteration of the base Munich model underwent significant cosmetic changes while retaining the front-wheel-drive architecture.

Exterior styling is evolutionary, remaining instantly recognizable as the 1 Series, but with sharper-looking headlights. At the back, the taillights look like they were from the last X2. The M Performance derivative gets the quad exhaust system inherited from the X1 M35i and X2 M35i. With the new powerful hatchback, BMW signals the beginning of the end of the letter “i” (from “injection”) in the names of its gas models. Look at the back door and you’ll notice it only says M135.

In keeping with BMW’s latest design trends, the performance version gets the M-specific wing mirror caps that were a staple on actual M cars up until a few years ago. The same can be said for the M emblem on the kidney grille. Heck, it even has an M logo on the plastic fake carbon fiber engine cover. The not-quite-M model gets its fair share of gloss black trim, along with a meaner grille with horizontal slats.

The normal 1 Series, whether with or without the M Sport Package, has a rather odd grille design with intertwined vertical and sloping lines. While most of the newer BMWs have flat door handles, the 1er retains the traditional layout. On the other hand, it is the first car from the company to offer a contrasting roof finish with a glossy black look. Wheel sizes start at 17 inches and go up to 19 inches for the M135, which also gets optional compound brakes.

Stepping inside, the cabin is a significant departure from the old model. The 2025 1 Series gets BMW’s dual-screen iDrive 9 infotainment system. The digital instrument panel measures 10.25 inches, while the touchscreen has a 10.7-inch diagonal. As with other side-by-side display models, most of the conventional buttons are gone. In fact, even the traditional iDrive rotary knob has been removed in the name of minimalism (or cost-cutting, depending on your lifestyle).

The thick gear lever made way for a small selector to further decongest the cabin. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission can be ordered with paddle shifters that are standard on the M135. This version also gets fitted front seats with an illuminated M letter, just like the big M cars. A completely vegan interior is standard for the new generation.

The M Lite 1 series will be available from day one, featuring the latest iteration of the B48 engine. This 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline mill will produce 296 horsepower in EU countries with stricter emissions regulations. In other regions, BMW will unlock the full 312 hp.

This is already the case with the mechanically connected X1 M35i and X2 M35i crossovers. Torque is rated at 295 lb-ft regardless of market. It’s good enough for a sprint to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph.

The only other gas engine available at launch is the weak 1.5-liter turbo three-cylinder in the 120. It’s a mild hybrid powertrain with 168 hp. and 206 lb-ft. The base 1 Series takes 7.8 seconds to complete the sprint to 60 and reaches a top speed of 140 mph.

There is also a 120d with a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine. This diesel, also with 48V technology, provides 161 hp. and 295 lb-ft of torque. The most fuel-efficient 1 Series does the 0-60 sprint in 7.9 seconds and reaches 138 mph at full tilt. The cheaper 118d manages 148 hp. and 265 lb-ft, enabling 0-60 acceleration in 8.3 seconds on the way to an identical 138 mph.

As before, there are no plug-in hybrid or fully electric derivatives of the 1 Series. The next 2 Series Gran Coupe (F74) will debut later this year with almost the same technical specifications, plus a US visa. The M235 will likely be available from day one. Americans will get the uncorked version of the engine.

Meanwhile, the new 1er will go on sale in Europe in October after production begins in Leipzig, Germany.

Gallery: 2025 BMW 1 Series

Read more