BMW 1 Series (F70) – Model Year 2025
Country of manufacture
Every new-generation 1 Series is assembled in BMW’s Leipzig and Regensburg plants in Germany; additional capacity for CKD kits is planned for Araquari (Brazil).
Snapshot
Entering its fourth generation, the 2025 1 Series gains a sharper, arrow-DRL front end, a flatter, diagonally-barred kidney grille and smoother bumpers that cut drag to Cd 0.26. A contrasting black roof is offered for the first time.
Inside, the premium-compact hatch adopts BMW Operating System 9 on the Curved Display (10.25-in cluster + 10.7-in infotainment) with QuickSelect tiles and an optional AR head-up display. A leather-free cabin, recycled Econeer fabrics and over--the-air upgrades underline the car’s sustainable brief.
The chassis features stiffer mounts, recalibrated dampers and a 20 % increase in front-wheel caster; Adaptive M suspension (-8 mm) and M Sport brakes remain optional.
Engines (Euro 6e)
| Powertrain | Output / Torque | 48 V M-HEV | Driveline | Transmission | 0-100 km/h | WLTP* |
|---|
| 120 1.5 I3 petrol | 170 hp • 280 Nm | yes | FWD | 7-spd DCT | 7.8 s | 5.3–6.0 l/100 km |
| 118d 2.0 I4 diesel | 150 hp • 360 Nm | yes | FWD | 7-spd DCT | 8.3 s | 4.6–5.2 l/100 km |
| 120d 2.0 I4 diesel | 163 hp • 400 Nm | yes | FWD | 7-spd DCT | 7.9 s | 4.3–4.8 l/100 km |
| M135 xDrive 2.0 I4 | 300 hp • 400 Nm | yes | AWD | 7-spd DCT | 4.9 s | 7.6–8.1 l/100 km |
*combined WLTP figures.
Luggage space
380 l (seats up) / 1 200 l (folded). On 120/120d mild hybrids the rear floor remains level; no capacity loss.
PROS
| Strength | Why it matters |
|---|
| Sharp handling | 50 mm wider track, variable-ratio steering and optional Adaptive M keep the 1 Series the driver’s choice in its class. |
| Modern cockpit tech | OS 9 Curved Display, QuickSelect shortcuts, 5 G eSIM and natural-speech “Hey BMW” voice control. |
| 48 V efficiency | Mild-hybrid petrol and diesel units deliver sprightly response yet dip below 5 l/100 km on motorway runs. |
| Level 2 ADAS | Standard Driving Assistant & Parking Assistant with Reversing Assist; optional Steering & Lane Control up to 210 km/h. |
| Practical hatchback | 40/20/40 rear backrest, flat load floor, under-floor storage for charging cables or tyre kit. |
| Resale security | Fleet guides forecast 65-68 % residual for 120d and M135 after 36 months. |
CONS
| Weak point | Details |
|---|
| No manual option | All models now use the 7-speed dual-clutch—some purists will miss the six-speed stick. |
| RWD platform gone | Front-drive layout means torque-steer under full throttle on the 300 hp M135 if roads are bumpy. |
| Firm ride on 19-in wheels | The optional 235/35-19 tyres amplify potholes; stick to 18-inch for comfort. |
| Limited battery tech | Unlike rivals, no PHEV or full-electric version until 2026. |
| High option prices | Harman Kardon audio, panoramic roof and Driving Assistant Professional can add €8–9 k to a base 120. |
| Small rear door opening | Tapered C-pillar narrows access for child-seat installation. |
Estimated running costs
| Service item | Parts (€) | Labour (€) | Interval |
|---|
| 0W-20 oil + filter (4 l) | 165 | 110 | 30 000 km / 24 mo |
| 7-DCT fluid | 260 | 180 | 90 000 km |
| Brake fluid | 90 | 120 | every 2 yrs |
| Cabin filter + sanitise | 80 | 75 | 30 000 km |
| AdBlue (diesel) | 10 l / 12 000 km | – | – |
Indicative prices
| Version | Power (hp) | MSRP incl. VAT* |
|---|
| 120 | 170 | € 34 900 |
| 118d | 150 | € 36 400 |
| 120d | 163 | € 38 900 |
| M135 xDrive | 300 | € 52 600 |
*Registration fees and dealer delivery excluded.
Known issues & remedies (owner feedback)
| Issue | Suggested fix |
|---|
| Mirror wind noise at 120 km/h | MY25 aero-seal kit; verify mirror-housing torque (8 Nm). |
| Touchscreen lag after OTA | Hard reset via volume button, then apply OS 9 patch 25-07-20; head-unit swap if fault recurs. |
| Front-tyre shoulder wear on M135 | Check -1°20′ camber spec; rotate every 8 000 km. |
| Creaking seat bases | Fit felt shims kit 52 25 90 and lubricate sliders with PTFE spray. |
Bottom line
The 2025 BMW 1 Series pushes the premium hatchback envelope with OS 9 tech, standard mild-hybrid power and trademark chassis poise. It sacrifices rear-wheel-drive purity and adds heft, yet remains the segment’s most engaging all-rounder—especially in 300 hp M135 guise—while base models deliver genuine 5 l/100 km economy and everyday practicality.
Verdict — BMW 1-Series (F70 MY 2025)
The fourth-generation 1-Series (code F70) ditches six-cylinder power but gains sharper styling, optional Iconic Glow headlights and a 10.7-inch Curved Display running iDrive 9. Built on an updated FAAR platform, it offers variable steering and 48-V mild-hybrids across the board, topped by the new M135 xDrive with 300 hp. Up against the Audi A3, Mercedes A-Class, VW Golf VIII and Peugeot 308, the 1-Series leans on driving engagement and up-to-date digital tech while keeping everyday hatch practicality.
| Area | Where it leads | Where it matches | Where it trails |
|---|
| Design & image | Muscular surfacing, “shark-nose” kidneys, Adaptive LEDs; M Sport kit looks racier than A-Class AMG-Line. | Decent Veganza & Alcantara finishes in optional Live Cockpit. | Cabin show factor lower than the 2024 A-Class Superscreen. |
| Dynamics | +26 mm tracks, standard M Adaptive suspension (-15 mm): 10 % less roll; M135 0-100 km/h in 4.9 s. | Accurate variable steering, strong pedal feel. | 1 480 kg M135 is heavier than a Golf R — slightly less nimble on tight roads. |
| Real-world efficiency | 118d 48 V: 4.2 L/100 km highway. | 120i MHEV ~5.8 L/100 km, matching A3 35 TFSI. | No PHEV yet — rivals offer A250e / Golf eHybrid today (118e due 2026). |
| Connectivity / HMI | iDrive 9 (<3 s boot), QuickSelect tiles, 5G and full-screen wireless CarPlay. | Optional AR HUD. | A-Class Superscreen & Peugeot’s OpenR look flashier. |
| Comfort & NVH | 68 dB @ 130 km/h (optional acoustic glass); supportive M front seats. | M Adaptive rides bumps well on 18-inch wheels. | 19-inch M Performance run-flats hit potholes hard; Golf DCC is softer. |
| Practicality | 380 L boot (430 L with optional sliding bench), 40/20/40 rear split. | Rear HVAC vents, USB-C ports. | 2 670 mm wheelbase gives less knee-room than Peugeot 308. |
| Running costs | 5 yr / 60 k km Service Inclusive €690. | 17-inch tyres ~€150 each. | 19-inch semi-slicks €300 each, ~25 k km life. |
| Depreciation | 118d / 120i M Sport forecast 70 % after 36 mo. | — | M135 xDrive ~65 % (tax hit on 300 hp). |
| Safety & ADAS | Full Level-2+: Stop & Go 210 km/h, Eye-Steering lane change, remote parking via app. | — | Level 3 not announced (Audi & MB have limited pilots). |
Who it suits
Young professionals who enjoy driving – 120i M Sport mixes punch and thrift.
High-mileage commuters – 118d 48 V can cover ~1 000 km on a tank.
Hot-hatch fans – M135 xDrive’s 300 hp, Torsen front diff and launch control satisfy.
Who should look elsewhere
Plug-in seekers right now – Mercedes A250e, Golf GTE, 308 Hybrid.
Maxi-display lovers – Mercedes A-Class Superscreen or Peugeot 308 i-Cockpit.
Families needing big rear space – Golf or A3 Sportback give more knee-room.
Recommended spec
120i M Sport + Innovation Pack (AR-HUD, Driving Assistant Pro) + 18-inch wheels: 170 hp, ~5.8 L/100 km real, strong tech roster without hurting ride or tyre costs.
BMW 1 series: pros, cons, costs and common fixes 
