BMW 1 Series Hatchback, starting at 28800 £

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The BMW 1 Series Hatchback impresses with 300 HP and an attractive starting price of 28800 £ . Here are all the details at a glance.

from about £28,800
1 Series

BMW 1 Series

  • Engine Type : Diesel, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Petrol
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 122 - 300 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 4.3 - 7.6 L

Design & Presence

The BMW 1 Series wears a compact, confident silhouette that mixes hatchback practicality with a sporty attitude; at 4,361 mm long it looks bigger than some rivals in the segment. The front end is recognisably BMW with a bold grille and taut shoulders, while the M135 version adds more aggressive bumpers and wider track to underline the performance pedigree. The overall stance reads purposeful without being showy, so it fits equally well in city streets and suburban driveways. Current line‑up spans everything from economical diesels and petrol MHEVs to all‑wheel‑drive and a 300 hp M135, so the look can be tuned to anything from discreet to raucous.

Interior & Usability

The cabin steps up from entry‑level compact standards with driver‑focused ergonomics, decent materials and a modern digital display layout that feels familiar from other BMWs. Controls fall naturally to hand, the central screen runs BMW’s latest iDrive and the driving position is adjustable enough to suit a wide range of drivers. Some lower trims still show hard plastics around the doors and lower dash, but surfaces touched most often are well finished. Practical touches such as sensible storage bins and cupholders make it straightforward for daily use.

Space & Everyday Practicality

Designed for five seats, the 1 Series is best thought of as a roomy compact for front occupants while rear legroom is acceptable but not generous, so tall adults will feel a bit cramped on long journeys. The boot starts at about 380 litres with the rear seats up and expands to a maximum of roughly 1,200 litres with seats folded, making it capable for weekly shopping, a stroller or weekend luggage. With an exterior width of 1,800 mm and a height of 1,459 mm it’s easy enough to manoeuvre and park in tight spaces. Payload figures near the 480–510 kg range mean the car copes with passengers and kit without drama.

Driving & Handling

The 1 Series steers with BMW’s familiar emphasis on agility rather than floaty comfort, delivering crisp turn‑in and neutral mid‑corner behaviour, especially in front‑wheel‑drive set‑ups. Performance spans from economical 116‑ and 118‑specs up to the hot M135: examples include a 118d around 8.3 seconds 0–100 km/h, mid‑range 120 petrol MHEVs near 7.8–7.9 seconds, and the M135 at about 4.9 seconds if outright pace is required. Diesels and MHEVs provide strong low‑end torque for effortless overtaking on country roads, while the M‑spec chassis and wider tyres sharpen responses at the cost of a firmer ride. This balance leaves the 1 Series appealing to drivers who want an engaging small car without the compromises of a makeshift hot hatch.

Efficiency, Consumption & Range

Fuel consumption varies widely across the range: efficient diesels can return around 4.3–4.6 L/100 km, petrol MHEVs about 5.3–5.9 L/100 km and the performance M135 closer to 7.6 L/100 km in mixed use. With a typical 49‑litre tank that translates to real‑world ranges from roughly 600–1,000 km depending on engine and driving style, so diesel variants are the best choice for long motorway runs. The mild‑hybrid tech in petrol models trims urban thirst and smooths stop‑start transitions but won’t transform city running like a full hybrid or EV. For everyday drivers the choice comes down to priority: economy and long‑range cruisability, or quick responses and sharper acceleration.

Assistance & Infotainment

BMW’s iDrive interface controls navigation, media and vehicle settings via a crisp central screen and optional digital instrument cluster, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available on many trims for easy smartphone mirroring. Safety and convenience pack options include adaptive cruise control, lane‑keeping assist, automated parking and traffic jam assistants that take the strain on longer commutes. The systems generally work intuitively, easing motorway driving and close‑quarters parking, though fully autonomous features are not standard and some advanced aids remain optional extras. In daily use the suite improves comfort and reduces fatigue rather than replacing attentive driving.

Who is it for?

The BMW 1 Series suits buyers seeking a premium compact that blends everyday practicality with a driver‑centric character: urban commuters, small families and enthusiasts who want a usable hatch rather than a compromised performance specialist. Those who prioritise economy and range will favour diesel or MHEV variants, while customers after thrills look to the M135 for genuine hot‑hatch pace and sharper handling. Budget shoppers should weigh optional equipment carefully, since technology and driver aids can add cost but materially improve daily life. Overall it is a versatile choice for anyone wanting a small car with a distinctly BMW flavour.

Costs and Consumption

Price
28800 - 51100 £
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7.6 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
112 - 173 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
49 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1465 - 1625 kg
Trunk capacity
300 - 380 L
Length
4361 mm
Width
1800 mm
Height
1459 mm
Max trunk capacity
1135 - 1200 L
Payload
475 - 510 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Diesel, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Petrol
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
122 - 300 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.9 - 9.8 s
Max Speed
210 - 250 km/h
Torque
230 - 400 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
90 - 221 kW
Engine capacity
1499 - 1998 cm3

General

Model Year
2024
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F
Brand
BMW
What drive types are available for the BMW 1 Series?

The BMW 1 Series is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices shown are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted for local VAT. Local registration taxes (e.g. NoVA, BPM or CO2 malus) are not included. This information is not legally binding.