A mid-life refresh so thorough, BMW says this is a new-generation 1 Series.
The styling at each end has been thoroughly overhauled, although the bones of this new car are clearly very similar to the car it replaces. The front benefits from a sleeker look with slimmer headlights and a wider, conjoined grille, while the rear end gets new tail-lights inspired by the latest BMW X2 and a new bumper treatment with gloss black panels that look like a sports car’s diffuser.
Elsewhere, you’ll spot a number 1 on the rear side window for the first time, and the 1 Series now offers a contrasting black roof as an option.
2024 BMW 1 Series interior
Inside, the interior has been similarly overhauled. Two 10-and-a-bit-inch screens join together into the ‘BMW Curved Display’, which features the very latest iteration of the brand’s iDrive system and new ‘Quick Select’ shortcut buttons on the screen. They’re configurable to your preferences and should mean you can access regularly used features without having to hunt around in submenus.
There’s no leather to be found in certain versions, making the 1 Series more sustainable, and there’s a new steering wheel, plus a couple of new options such as individually folding rear seats. Many of the optional extras are bundled up into packs – the Tech Plus pack includes a head-up display, augmented-reality sat nav directions and self-parking tech, for example.
Engines and performance
The changes don’t stop there. Under the bonnet, the three-cylinder petrol engine now produces 170hp, up from the old car’s 136hp. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes a brisk 7.8 seconds and it’ll manage up to 53mpg. Those three figures are all improved over the outgoing model. Replacing the 118i, it’s called the 120 – BMW is dropping the ‘i’ from now on as that letter will only be used for the brand’s electric cars.
Both the current car’s diesel engines have been dropped, and the only other engine available is the range-topping M135 hot hatch. Tweaks to this engine mean it’s now 6hp less potent than before – down to a nice, round 300hp – and the acceleration to 62mph is now a tenth of a second slower. Not that you’ll notice – it still takes under five seconds to hit that benchmark.
Despite this, BMW suggests that the new 1 Series will be better to drive than before. The body and chassis are more rigid, the setup of the wheels has been adjusted to give more stability and there are new shock absorbers – which’ll hopefully stop all that extra rigidity being transferred straight to your spine over bumps.
Prices and specs
Two trim levels will be available for the 120 – Sport and M Sport. Standard equipment now includes heated front seats, LED headlights, climate control, power-folding mirrors and all that screeny goodness. M Sport adds a sharper body kit and lots of sporty interior touches, plus bigger wheels and adaptive suspension.
Prices start at £29,950 for the 120 Sport, although that’s before delivery and registration costs. Jumping up to the M Sport costs £2,000, while the top-of-the-range M135 is £41,000 – again, before any extra fees.
See how much you can save on a BMW 1 Series
We have an exciting range of used BMW 1 Series cars for sale, many of which are just a few months old, starting from under £22,500. Find yours today, or read our BMW 1 Series review.
