What do you think of BMW 1 Series?
Featuring eye-catching looks and a posh interior, the BMW 1 Series is a high-tech family hatchback. For the first time, BMW’s smallest car features standard front-wheel drive, just like the A-Class and A3.
Since it’s basically the same car, it doesn’t have a long, sweeping bonnet as its predecessor, but it still has numerous angular creases, so it looks like one of the sportiest hatchbacks around. That’s at least the case for the sides and back – a pig’s snout is all we see at the front?
In contrast to the old model’s cluttered cabin, the BMW 1 Series’ minimalist dashboard and 9-inch infotainment screen look more modern. BMW’s personal assistant system and Apple CarPlay are among the many impressive features included with the vehicle. Similarly, the A-Class offers a feature called ‘Hey Mercedes’.
The digital gauges on BMW’s optional digital dashboards are darker and less appealing than those on Audi A3s and A-Classes. In summary, Mercedes’ system is visually the most stunning, but BMW’s iDrive is the most intuitive for use. In terms of plastics, trims, and switches, the 1 Series and Audi A3 are now up there with the very best.
The 1 Series’ cabin was redesigned to maximize passenger space thanks to BMW sending power to the front rather than the rear wheels. Thus, all five seats have more space than the old car, which should allow tall adults to ride in the back with reasonable comfort. Drivers can also adjust their seats and wheels. Furthermore, the boot of the new BMW 1 Series is more spacious than the load bay of a Mercedes A-Class.
It might not be as appealing as the Audi A3 and VW Golf, but it certainly stands out from them.
There are two petrol engines available for the BMW 1 Series: the 1.5-litre 118i three-cylinder petrol is perfect for commuting around town, while the 2.0-litre 118d is designed to tackle long motorway drives. A 265hp 128ti with an automatic transmission is a blast, and it is front-wheel drive. We reviewed the M135i model in detail, although we found it to be a bit sporty.
In addition to manual and automatic transmissions, the new 1 Series will also come with optional four-wheel drive for a little more grip in slippery conditions. In addition to these high-tech technologies, you will also have the option of driver assistance systems meant to help you drive safely and reduce the stress that comes with long trips and traveling in heavy traffic has a very good space for bike racks.
You’ll be comfortable driving any BMW 1 Series, regardless of the model you buy. Adaptive suspension is available as an option on M Sport models with stiffer, lower sports suspensions, but it is not always necessary. Furthermore, the 1 Series has light and precise steering, as well as decent visibility on the road ahead when maneuvering in the city. In contrast, it’s not so great at the back, but then all cars are equipped with rear and front parking sensors.
It’s fun to drive on country roads even though it’s now front-wheel drive despite being comfortable on motorways and quiet on the highway. There will be some who never replace the feel of rear-wheel drive with the 1 Series’ grip levels and steering, but you can still cover ground quickly with this 1 Series.
So, you have a high-quality interior, powerful engines, and a great driving experience with the latest 1 Series. If you don’t mind the driven wheels and don’t mind its new look, you’ll love it. We have BMW 1 Series deals pages that might help you save money if it’s a bit more expensive than rivals? You might also be interested in the models we recommend by clicking on the links below and see the racks for bikes.
Watch our video review if you are still undecided about the BMW 1 Series versus its likely competitors – the Audi A3, Mercedes A-Class, and VW Golf.
Questions about the BMW 1 Series
The BMW 1 Series Sport and M Sport have different features. What’s the difference?
A BMW 1 Series Sports sits below an M Sport yet, on the surface, they are not wildly different from each other. With both, the engines are the same and the equipment is the same.
There are more aggressive bumpers, bigger 18-inch wheels and a rear spoiler, which set the M Sport apart. Sportier driving is also possible with the firmer suspension.
The 1 Series, which I have been involved with for the past year and a half, has been an equally successful model as its predecessor. Due to the switch from rear to front-wheel drive, everyone in the office was skeptical when it first arrived, but driving down a country lane is almost as enjoyable as driving previous models. BMW’s engineers deserve the highest praise for their ability to make the car seem as though it’s being pushed or pulled along the road – in fact, if I did not know, I would have trouble telling.
But are people looking for family hatchbacks because they want sharp driving dynamics? The 1 Series was switched to front-wheel drive because of its practicality over aesthetics. Compared to the 1 Series of the past, there is now more room.
For its size, the boot is quite roomy. There is no problem fitting everything into it, whether I am packing for a weekend away with my wife and toddler, or making my weekly trip to the supermarket. As for the rear seats, they are spacious and offer plenty of legroom, and the headroom ensures a feeling of spaciousness.
There’s no doubt that the BMW 1 Series is a good car to drive on a daily basis, regardless of how the styling is perceived. It is a practical hatchback that provides fun driving dynamics.
What do you think of the new design of the BMW 1 Series? I have been asking that question quite a bit lately due to the car’s styling, especially its grille, which divides opinions almost as much as Marmite.
The car looks pretty good to me. While a Mercedes A-Class may be more attractive, I don’t know of any other premium hatchback that I would much rather drive on a daily basis. My driveway is always a point of admiration when I leave the house.
The flared wheel arches, the extra vents, the sporty exhaust, and the boot spoiler definitely make the M Sport trim very appealing. A variety of reasons explain why most people are willing to pay the nearly £3,000 premium over the SE that this model commands.
Leave a Reply