Drive with us: BMW 1 Series Review

Join us as we take a closer look at the BMW 1 Series, the hot hatch that grew up

From one of the big three German premium brands, the BMW 1 Series has long been a staple of the hatchback class — competing with the likes of the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf in one of the most fiercely contested segments on the road.

It's always carried a reputation as a performance-focused hot hatch, aimed at drivers who want a bit of excitement with their daily commute.

But things have changed.

The 1 Series has evolved.

What was once a rear-wheel drive, driver-focused machine has matured into something altogether more refined — a premium, family-friendly hatchback that prioritises comfort and style without losing its edge entirely.

So, is it still the driver's car it once was? Or has it grown up a little too much?

We took the 2022 118i M Sport out for a spin to find out.

One thing worth noting – things have moved on since. The 1 Series received a serious facelift in 2024/2025 that's widely considered a brand-new generation in its own right.

What we drove:

Model: BMW 118i M Sport Auto

Body style: Hatchback

Power: Petrol (1,499 cc)

Transmission: Automatic (DCT Steptronic)

Colour: Mineral Grey

OTR from: £29,290

Specifications correct at the time of publication.

Premium looks, hatchback price

The design is a tad Marmite — you'll either love it or hate it. And you're best taking it in two goes, because the front and rear tell completely different stories.

The rear is the more imposing end.

Air vents and curves in the bumper give it a muscular edge, while the spoiler keeps that hot hatch spirit alive. It does give off BMW 3 Series Touring vibes from behind, and we mean that as a compliment.

Around the front, the silver chrome finish on the grille looks slightly out of place compared to the rest of the design. If you're considering the M Sport Pro package, the high-gloss Shadow Line finish is well worth the upgrade.

We know you're not meant to judge a book by its cover, but the exterior gives the impression of a car far bigger than your typical hatchback.

It has real presence on the road. And we're very much here for it.

Small car, big ambitions

Comfort levels are high — you could easily rack up the miles in this thing.

Optional lumbar support is a worthwhile upgrade too, though at this price point it would've been nice to see it included as standard. And those wide door openings make getting in and out easy as pie, especially for the kids.

Speaking of kids, there are two ISOFIX points in the rear outer seats, plus ISOFIX hooks in the front passenger seat.

We did say it makes an ideal family car.

The black felt headlining looks smart and premium, but it makes the cabin feel more enclosed rather than light and airy. BMW really missed a trick there.

But don’t let it fool you, there's still plenty of space for two adults to sit comfortably in the back with good head and legroom.

Boot space comes in at a competitive 380 litres, matching rivals like the Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf, and nudging ahead of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class (370 litres).

Attention to detail is phenomenal — truly BMW.

The infotainment system is versatile and intuitive, with a touchscreen, shortcut buttons, physical dials, voice commands and gesture controls.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard across all models, making connectivity a breeze. No more arguing over the aux cable. Praise be.

USB and USB-C ports in the centre console and the rear mean even the kids can stay charged up.

It may not be the most modern-looking system on the market, but its usability? First class.

The hot hatch that chilled out

The BMW 1 Series has made the shift from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive, meaning it's no longer the most engaging or dynamic drive of old.

But honestly? It never felt like it needed to be. It's comfortable, easy, and perfectly suited to life as a family hatchback.

With a 136hp engine, it won't be troubling the hot hatch class. But if you need more punch, the 128ti and M135i are both worth a look.

Sport mode genuinely enhances the experience, though there's a noticeable delay in power where the gearbox hesitates a tad.

Eco mode is arguably where it's at its best — making the most of every drop of fuel. Because squeezing every last mile out of a tank never gets old.

The steering is incredibly precise and agile, coming into its own on tight and twisty roads.

It may have nearly shed the hot hatch label, but in doing so, it feels more mature, more premium and more befitting of the BMW badge.

Making every drop count

The BMW 1 Series returns a combined fuel economy of 47.9mpg — not groundbreaking, but perfectly respectable for a premium hatchback.

The 1.5-litre petrol engine is the smaller, more efficient option in the 1 Series range, and that modest 136hp output is a big part of why the economy figures stack up as well as they do.

Eco mode is where it really comes into its own, squeezing the maximum distance out of every tank.

Fancy a bit of fun? Sport mode delivers a welcome boost when you need it, just don't expect those mpg figures to hold up quite as well when you do.

What's good, and what's not

No car is without its niggles. Here's the full picture.

The good bits:

• 47.9mpg combined fuel economy
• Excellent ISOFIX provision – two rear points plus front passenger hooks
• Precise and agile steering which is great on twisty roads
• Premium feel throughout, the attention to detail is phenomenal

The not-so-good bits:

• Shift to front-wheel drive makes it less engaging than previous generations
• Noticeable gearbox hesitation when putting your foot down
• Lumbar support only available as an optional extra at this price point
• Black felt headlining makes the cabin feel more enclosed

What's the verdict?

The BMW 1 Series was always considered a hot hatch for younger drivers.

But now? It's matured – and it's all the better for it.

It makes a genuinely great family car, perfectly pitched for the generation graduating from hot hatches to familyhood. The BMW badge has always stood for premium elegance, and the 1 Series now feels truly worthy of it.

Yes, the shift to front-wheel drive is a loss for driving enthusiasts. But for everyday usability? It's ideal.

It smashes expectations — spacious, practical and polished in a way that catches you off guard.

The 2024/2025 facelift has only strengthened the case further.

A sleeker, more aggressive front end, updated rear with new taillights and bumper, and an interior overhauled with the latest curved display tech.

Chassis improvements sharpen the comfort, the steering remains quick and responsive, and mild-hybrid technology brings improved efficiency to the range.

They've brought it bang up to date — and kept everything that made it good in the first place.

Top 5 reasons to consider the BMW 1 Series

1. Excellent family credentials — generous ISOFIX provision front and rear
2. 47.9mpg combined fuel economy
3. Precise and agile steering — genuinely enjoyable on twisty roads
4. 2024/2025 facelift has made an already great car even better
5. Surprisingly spacious

Would we recommend leasing a BMW 1 Series?

Absolutely – especially for families or professionals wanting premium quality without stepping up to a larger car.

It competes well in a fiercely contested class. Sure, it's no longer a hot hatch by any means.

But as a family car? It's ideal.

And since the 2024/2025 facelift, things have only got better. Sleeker, more efficient, and packed with updated tech, it makes a stronger case than ever for your next lease.