Drive with us: Test Driving the new BMW 1 Series

Join us as we take a closer look at the BMW 1 Series — the hatchback that made premium feel accessible

The BMW 1 Series has been the entry point into proper BMW ownership since 2004. And with the third generation arriving in 2019, it came back bigger, bolder and more ambitious than ever.

It caused quite the stir when it arrived. 

For the first time in the 1 Series' history, BMW switched from the much-loved rear-wheel drive setup to a front-wheel drive platform; a controversial decision that divided loyalists. 

The cabin is nearly identical to the 3 Series and competes with the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf.

We drove the 120d xDrive Sport in Black Sapphire Metallic — the top of the diesel lineup at the time. It came with a 2.0-litre 190PS diesel engine, all-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox. Punchy, refined and impressively efficient for the performance on offer.

Since we drove it, the diesel has been dropped from the lineup entirely. The current 1 Series range now consists of the 118i, 120i and the performance M135i xDrive.

But does the 1 Series still deserve its place at the top of the premium hatchback class? Let's find out.

What we drove:

Model: BMW 120d xDrive Sport Auto

Fuel type: Diesel

Engine: 2.0-litre 120d 190PS DCT Steptronic Auto

Transmission: Automatic (DCT)

Power: 190PS

0-62mph: 7.0 seconds

Colour: Black Sapphire Metallic 

Wheels: 17-inch Light double-spoke alloys

Or watch our video review over on YouTube:

A BMW through and through

When the third generation 1 Series arrived in 2019, it caused quite a commotion. The shorter bonnet — a result of the new front-wheel drive layout — and the enormous kidney grille dominating the front end divided opinion almost immediately.

And when it arrived at Carparison HQ, the rear was the first thing the team commented on. 

More X1 crossover than classic 1 Series, some said. They weren't wrong. 

But spend a little time with it and the design starts to make sense — and then it starts to grow on you.

The huge kidney grille takes clear inspiration from the 7 Series, X7 and 4 Series. The chrome surrounds and bold fins give it a presence that's impossible to ignore. 

Sleek full-LED daytime running lights and full-LED rear lights come as standard across the range, with SE models getting premium LED headlights with scrolling indicators that wouldn't look out of place on a much more expensive BMW.

Our Sport trim added the high-gloss Shadow Line exterior finish and black bumpers, giving it a sharper, more purposeful look. The 17-inch double-spoke alloys and Black Sapphire Metallic paint finished things off perfectly — dark, premium and unmistakably BMW.

It's only available as a five-door from this generation, the three-door is gone for good. And while that disappointed some loyalists, the extra practicality is hard to argue with.

Marmite at first. But give it time.

Straight out of the 3 Series

Step inside and the quality step-up is immediately apparent. 

BMW have quite literally taken the 3 Series interior and placed it in the 1 Series. While less flashy than the MBUX system in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, it’s considerably easier to use. And in a car you drive every day, that matters.

At the heart of it is BMW's iDrive system, one of the best infotainment setups in the class. 

The 8.8-inch touchscreen is bright, crisp and displays everything with impressive clarity. But our preference was still the iDrive rotary dial in the centre console — intuitive, tactile and far easier to operate on the move than any touchscreen. 

You can upgrade to a 10.3-inch screen for those who want more real estate, and the Tech Pack adds a head-up display, enhanced Bluetooth, wireless charging and WiFi hotspot preparation for those who want the full experience.

Apple CarPlay comes as standard, but Android Auto wasn't available at the time of our review. Satellite navigation and cruise control were standard across the range too, keeping the everyday essentials well covered.

We drove the Sport trim which came with Black Dakota perforated leather sports seats. They not only look great, but also offer an excellent level of support.

The steering wheel offers plenty of adjustment in every direction, and the overall driving position is a genuinely lovely place to be.

We also had the Comfort Pack I — electrically folding mirrors, heated front seats and a luggage compartment package — all worthwhile additions that elevate the experience further.

Boot space comes in at 380 litres, which is the same as the Audi A3 and 10 litres more than the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. 

A solid result for a car of this size. 

In the rear, two adults can sit comfortably with adequate head and legroom. A third is  manageable but a squeeze.

Plus, the ISOFIX points on the outer rear seats are genuinely easy to use, with covers that simply hinge and clip back into place.

The piano black centre console looks fantastic when clean, but fingerprints show almost immediately. A small thing — but worth knowing before you get too precious about it.

The drive that silenced the critics

When BMW announced the third generation 1 Series would switch from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive, the internet was not pleased. 

Loyalists declared it the end of an era. Purists mourned the loss of what made the 1 Series special.

And then they drove it.

Our xDrive model gave us all-wheel drive — the best of both worlds — and what a wonderful car it was to drive. 

Even in Comfort mode it’s  quick, refined and effortless. 

The automatic gearbox shifts seamlessly throughout. We’d even say it was smoother than the equivalent in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. And the diesel engine is  anything but the loud, sluggish unit some might expect. 

Quiet, punchy and impressively refined from the moment you pull away.

Over around 80 miles of mixed driving — including a healthy dose of start/stop and a few stints in Sport mode — the car averages around 51mpg. For a 190PS diesel with all-wheel drive, that's a seriously impressive figure.

It holds the road fantastically throughout. 

Through corners at speed there is  no sense of the car squirming or losing composure, just that familiar BMW sense of being completely planted. 

Pleasantly manoeuvrable too, with multi-link rear suspension on all models giving it a dynamic edge over rivals that make do with simpler torsion beams.

Is it as pure as the rear-wheel drive cars of old? No, if we're being honest. 

Enthusiasts will notice the difference. But for the vast majority of drivers — and this is the key point — it's smooth, agile, engaging and genuinely satisfying to drive.

The critics were silenced. And rightly so.

For those who want more, the current M135i xDrive delivers 306PS and 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds. That'll silence a few more critics too.

What's good, and what's not

The BMW 1 Series still had its flaws though:

The good bits:

• Genuinely impressive drive — silenced the front-wheel drive critics almost immediately
• xDrive all-wheel drive on our test car — planted, composed and confident in all conditions
• Automatic gearbox shifts seamlessly — better than the A-Class in our experience
• Cabin straight out of the 3 Series — immediate and noticeable quality step-up
• BMW iDrive rotary controller — still one of the best infotainment setups in class
• 380-litre boot — same as Audi A3, 10 litres more than Mercedes A-Class

The not-so-good bits:

• Controversial front-wheel drive switch — rear-wheel drive purists will notice the difference
• Rear end design divided opinion — more X1 crossover than classic 1 Series to some eyes
• Reversing camera an optional extra — not standard on all models
• Piano black centre console attracts fingerprints almost immediately

What's the verdict?

The BMW 1 Series arrived in its third generation with a point to prove. The front-wheel drive switch had the internet up in arms. But then the car drove beautifully and everyone quietly moved on.

Because that's the thing about the 1 Series. It delivers where it matters. 

The cabin is a genuine step up from anything in this class, the drive is refined and engaging, and the efficiency figures from the diesel we drove were genuinely impressive. 

The xDrive all-wheel drive model was the sweet spot in the range at the time. Not the most exciting car for outright driving enthusiasts — the rear-wheel drive loyalists will always have an argument — but for the vast majority of buyers, it was more than enough.

The fourth generation arrived in 2024, keeping the 1 Series fresh and competitive. The diesel has since been dropped, with the current range consisting of the 118i, 120i and the performance M135i xDrive. The 1 Series remains very much in the conversation.

Top five reasons to lease the BMW 1 Series:

1. Premium cabin straight out of the 3 Series — quality that punches above its price point
2. BMW iDrive — still one of the best infotainment systems in the class
3. Refined, efficient and genuinely enjoyable to drive
4. Five-star Euro NCAP safety rating
5. M135i xDrive for those who want serious performance in a hatchback package

Would we recommend leasing a BMW 1 Series?

Absolutely. The BMW 1 Series is ideal for those who want the premium feel and the BMW badge at a more accessible price point than the 3 Series. 

The 118i or 120i are the sweet spots in the current range for most buyers — the M135i xDrive for those who want maximum performance without stepping up to an M car.