Ahead of likely arrivals in Australia by the end of 2024, the 2025 BMW 1 Series has been revealed. A heavy facelift rather than an all-new model – despite a new model code – the new 1 Series ushers in new styling, new technological features and a new interior layout. In addition to that, the new 1 Series is the first BMW since the 1970s to drop the ‘i’ from petrol engine designations, which is a new naming theme that will spread to the rest of the BMW range moving forward.
According to the company, “the pioneer of driving pleasure in the premium compact segment is entering its fourth model generation.”
“With a dynamic design presence, a completely revised drive portfolio and extensively improved chassis technology, the new BMW 1 Series has sharpened its profile as the sportiest vehicle in the competitive environment.”
Stylistically, the 2025 BMW 1 Series has not changed too much. The body is the same as before, with slightly longer overhangs, but with new front and rear lighting units and bumpers for a fresher look. The new headlights are slimmer and more aggressive than before, the grille has been made larger, while the tailights are more sculpted than before and follow BMW’s latest products like the new X2. The new 1 Series measures 4,361mm long, 1,800mm wide, 1,459mm tall and 2,670, which are changes of 42mm, nothing, 25mm and nothing again respectively.
A new range of alloy wheels will be available in either 17- or 18-inches in size – the older M135i’s 19-inch option appears to have been dropped – and a black roof will be available for the first time for BMW. The performance M135 carries a number of sportier exterior styling cues like black mirror caps and four exhaust tips.
Inside the 2025 BMW 1 Series is a new – but familiar – design that has taken elements from the X1 and X2 SUVs, like the huge 10.25-inch and 10.7-inch screens that now features the latest iDrive 9 software. The air-conditioning controls have been moved into the screen and like the X1 and X2, the former rotary dial has been deleted in favour of a purely-touch controlled system.
Available features in Europe include Matrix adaptive high beam functionality for the headlights, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, an augmented reality head-up display, a large sunroof and ambient lighting. Leather is no longer used inside the cabin, with the brand’s ‘Veganza’ leather-look upholstery used on the seats. BMW has also added a central front airbag, while there is a new lane centring system that can operate up to 210km/h and the auto emergency braking now includes intersection assistance in addition to the pedestrian and cyclist detection that currently features.
Mechanical details of the 2025 BMW 1 Series are yet to be announced for Australia, but European buyers will have a wide variety of choice. The new mild-hybrid 120 is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that’s found in the outgoing 118i, but in the 120, makes 125kW and 280Nm with the electric boost. The high-performance M135 (no longer called M135i) is now mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which replaces the current eight-speed torque converter automatic. The Australian model will make 233kW of power and 400Nm of torque – 8kW more but 50Nm less than the current M135i.
There have been more changes underneath the 1 Series’ body, with BMW claiming that it has increased torsional rigidity, updated the anti-roll bar mounts and retuned the shock absorbers through new tech for a sportier driving experience than before.
The 2025 BMW 1 Series will likely hit Australian showrooms before the end of 2024, with local pricing and specifications to be announced. Stay tuned to DiscoverAuto for the latest automotive news and reviews.
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