BMW 1 SERIES HATCHBACK M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto

The fourth generation 1 Series looks to establish itself as the premium hatch of choice in a hotly-contested sector. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

BMW has evolved its F40 1 Series small hatch into this fourth generation F70-series model. Changes include smarter looks, a redesigned interior and upgraded media connectivity. Plus, the company reckons, it's still the most rewarding steer in the premium compact hatch sector. Big claims for an important car.

Background

With cars, generations come and go - and some of them aren't really generations at all. Take the model we look at here, an F70-era design which BMW refers to as the 'fourth generation 1 Series'. Actually, it's merely a heavy facelift of the MK3 design that arrived in 2019, an F40 contender significant because it switched the range into line with its two most immediate rivals in the segment for compact premium-badged hatches - Audi's A3 Sportback and the Mercedes A-Class. The current versions of both of those cars have been very lightly updated in recent times; BMW hopes this more far-reaching package of changes will make the 1 Series stand out. There's smarter looks, big cabin updates and a considerable slimming down of a model range that can only now be had in petrol-powered automatic form, with a choice of just three engines. The result is the simplest 1 Series line-up we've had since this car first arrived back in 2004. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

Back in 2019, this 1 Series switched to front-wheel drive, but did so in a very BMW kind of way. Well it only comes in one front-driven guise now - in the form of the base 120 model. This uses a 1.5-litre mild hybrid three cylinder petrol engine developing 170hp and 280Nm of torque and can only be had with 7-speed Steptronic dual clutch auto transmission. It's an eager enough little unit, dispatching 62mph in 7.8s en route to 140mph. The alternative 123 xDrive derivative offers 4WD and uses a four cylinder unit featuring 48V mild hybrid technology resulting in a system output of 218hp, meaning 62mph from rest in 6.3s. There's now no diesel option in the range. With this improved 1 Series, BMW says increased body structure agility, optimised kinematics, highly preloaded anti roll bar mounts and new shock absorber technology have improved drivability. And the caster of the front wheels has been increased by 20%, ensuring particularly stable directional stability and optimised steering feedback. Overall though, don't expect the drive experience to be much different, with its grippy confident sense of purpose that rivals can't quite match and precise, accurate steering. That's helped by an engineering balance that gets within a fraction of achieving perfect 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution. The ultimate 1 Series remains the top M135 xDrive hot hatch flagship model. As with the previous generation M135i xDrive, this top variant has all-wheel drive, but now offers fractionally less power than its predecessor, though the 300hp output isn't much different, so the 4.9s 0-62mph sprint time is only a tenth slower than the old model. Top speed remains electronically limited to 155mph. The car has a more focused character than it had before, courtesy of quite a few subtle engineering tweaks. At the front, the subframe features an extra couple of bracing bars for extra steering accuracy and the electrically assisted rack features a quick ratio of 14:1 (the standard 120 model is set at 15:1). Finally, the brake master cylinder is bigger than that of a more ordinary 1 Series for better response and more consistent pedal pressure.

Design and Build

You'd clearly recognise this as an revolution of the F40 front-driven 1 Series, but the changes are undoubtedly significant. There's a sleeker nose, which sees swept-back headlights frame kidney grilles that now lose the previous colour-coded central strake, merging instead to form a single, large vertical panel. In profile, a previous owner will notice the embossed number '1' on the C-pillar incorporated within the use brand 'Hofmeister kink' over the rear wheel. And at the back, there are revised LED light clusters and a restyled bumper. The dimensions have changed a surprising amount, this 'MK4' car 42mm longer and 25mm taller than its predecessor. Even bigger changes feature inside, where the cabin gains a single piece curved infotainment display made up of a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch centre screen, the latter running the brand's latest OS9 software. This features 'Quick Select' on-screen short-cut functions, which further reduce the dashboard button count. Other changes include redesigned seats, a new Sport steering wheel and a leather-free interior; customers can specify 'Econeer' upholstery made up of recycled PET. As usual in this class, rear seat space is at a bit of a premium, but a couple of adults should fit okay on most journeys and it's far better than the pre-2019 era rear-driven versions of this car. Boot capacity is still rated at 380-litres (or 1,200-litres with the rear seat bench folded down).

Market and Model

Prices open at just under £30,000 for the 120: you'll need around £41,000 for the M135 xDrive. That's a bit of a price jump from before, but automatic transmission's now standard and you do get more equipment. This includes automatic air conditioning, an alarm system, electrically folding exterior mirrors, LED headlights, heated front seats and the 'BMW Live Cockpit Plus' package including the BMW Maps cloud-based navigation system across all models. The 120 'M Sport' and M135 xDrive models also benefit from Sport seats, Adaptive suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels alongside a wide range of other features. As for options, well your dealer is going to want you to add the 'Technology Pack' which gets you Adaptive LED headlights with a High-beam assistant, 'Comfort Access' keyless entry, an anti-dazzle rear view mirror and a wireless charging mat. The 'Technology Plus Pack' gives you all this, along with a Head-up display, the upgraded BMW Live Cockpit Professional cabin screen system and a 'Parking Assistant Plus' set-up that'll automatically park the car for you. Further optional equipment choices also include 2-zone automatic air conditioning, a panoramic glass roof and a Harman Kardon sound system. Standard drive assist features include the 'Driving Assistant' package with front collision warning, Lane Departure Warning, Exit Warning and Traffic Sign Recognition, as well as the brand's 'Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant' package. Extra cost assist features include Steering and Lane Control Assist, Automatic Speed Limit Assist and route guidance when using Active Cruise Control with its Stop & Go function. The 'Parking Assistant Professional' package is also available, allowing parking and manoeuvring to be controlled by smartphone.

Cost of Ownership

BMW isn't developing any more combustion engines but it's doing its best to improve efficiency on the fossil-fuelled units it already has. Even the top M135 xDrive manages up to 37.1mpg on the combined cycle and up to 174g/km of CO2; which is vastly better than what you'd get from a rival Audi S3 or Mercedes A 35. If you can't quite stretch to an M135, the 123 xDrive is worth a look, fast but notably more frugal, managing up to 47.9mpg and up to 135g/km. The big 1 Series business for BMW will be done with the base 120. Its three cylinder 48V mild hybrid petrol engine is from the latest generation of BMW Group modular engines and delivers up to 53.2mpg on the combined cycle and up to 121g/km of CO2 emissions. To give you some class perspective, that exactly matches the returns of a rival Audi A3 Sportback 35TFSI (which has 20hp less) and is about 10% better than you'd get from a rival Mercedes A 200. All these cars use mild hybrid tech for their petrol engines, it's all relatively ineffectual and it all works much the same way; there's a tiny battery that stores energy from regenerative braking, which is then used to aid acceleration and run the engine stop start system.

Summary

This enhanced 1 Series will be more difficult to ignore for those who might otherwise have chosen an Audi or Mercedes in this segment. The cabin's far smarter than it was. And this model is certainly far better prepared than its predecessor in terms of media connectivity and camera-driven safety provision. Now, you'd be able to down-size into it far more easily if it was necessary to do so from a larger BMW model. That would probably mean a switch from rear wheel drive to the front-driven format that seemed so different when the earlier F40 version of this car first arrived back in 2019 - but the market seems well used to that now. Whether the dramatically slimmed-down F70 1 Series model range will go down quite as well is another question. Overall though, 'der Einzer' has become a whole lot more competitive in this guise. About to choose a Mercedes A-Class, an Audi A3 or even a plusher VW Golf? You really ought to try one of these too. You might be surprised just how much you like it.

Body Glass

Automatic windscreen wipers and automatic headlight

Front and rear electric windows with open and close fingertip control, anti trap facility and comfort closing

Green tinted heat protection glazing

Heated rear window

Integrated front windscreen with washer jets

Rain sensor

Rear window wiper

Sun protection glass

Brakes

Anti lock braking system (ABS) with brake assist

Brake drying

Braking readiness

Comfort modes

Cornering brake control

Dynamic stability control + (DSC+)

Dynamic Traction Control - DTC

Electrically operated hand brake including automatic hold function

Front and rear disc brakes

Integrated torsen mechanical limited slip differential on front axle

M Sport brakes with blue calipers M designation in front

Carpets/Rugs

Anthracite front and rear floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Anti roll bar front and rear

Drive Performance Control

M Adaptive suspension

Twin tube gas filled shock absorbers with degressive characteristic curve

Communication

Bluetooth / WiFi interface for wireless connection of mobile terminal devices and audio streaming

Personal e-SIM

Driver Aids

Eco pro mode

Pull away assistant

Driver Convenience

Attentiveness assist

BMW remote services

Cruise control with braking function

Electric power steering

Electro hydraulically controlled multi-plate clutch transfers drive to rear axle and with power take-off device located on the front differential.

Energy efficient operating strategy

Flat airvents in instrument panel with adjustable slats

Front and rear parking sensors

Front axle single joint with specific axle kinematics to minimise drive influences on steering + provide increased rigidity agile driving behaviour

M Sports steering with M135i xDrive specific settings

My modes (Personal / Efficient / Sport)

Speed limiter

Sporty fast gear shifting in sport mode

Driver Information

4G LTE connectivity

BMW ConnectedDrive online services

BMW Live Cockpit Plus with 10.25" instrument cluster and 10.7" display

BMW Teleservices

Check Control warning system for monitoring of lights and door/luggage compartment open warning

Gearshift time display in manual mode

Integrated owners handbook

Oil sensor for level and grade

On board computer

Optimum shift indicator

Personal Profile

Rigidly mounted rear subframe - Multi link construction with separate spring / damper configuration and excellent driving characteristics

Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android auto

Driving Mirrors

Cerium grey exterior mirror caps

Electrically adjustable door mirrors

Power folding and heated door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Contrast stitching on instrument panel

Engine

49 litre fuel tank

Aluminium lightweight construction

Balancer shaft

Double VANOS

Engine cover with M performance designation

High precision injection

Launch control

M135i specific heavily de-throttled engine intake air guide

M135i specific high-performance cooling package

M135i specific larger turbocharger with integrated divert-air valve

Petrol Particulate Filter

VALVETRONIC engine management

xDrive intelligent all wheel drive with M135i specific reinforced components

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

Harman/Kardon surround sound audio system with 12 speakers

Exterior Body Features

Aluminium inserts with M inscription

BMW radiator grille with vertical and diagonal kidney bars

Body colour door handles

Body colour roof trims

Exhaust tailpipe, Cerium Grey with bevelled finish - twin, round 100mm, left and right split

Fading support

Front bumper panel with M specific design in vehicle colour with inserts in black high gloss

Front door sill finishers with M135i designation

High gloss shadowline window frame, Recess cover mirror frames and B/C pillar embelisher trim

Lightweight engineering

M Performance specific setup

M rear roof spoiler in high gloss black

Matt black air guide grilles

Matt black wheel arch trim

Model badge on tailgate right

Rear bumper panel with M-specific design in vehicle colour with inserts in black high gloss

Rear side wing doors

Shark fin antenna

Visible VIN plate

Exterior Lights

Direction indicator side lights in exterior mirrors

Follow me home headlights

High level third brake light

LED daytime running lights

LED eyebrow turn indicators

LED Headlights

Nearside reverse light in rear light cluster

Preparation for high beam assistant

Rear fog lights

Welcome lighting

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Dual zone automatic air conditioning with extended contents

Interior Features

12V power socket in front centre console with blanking plug

3 spoke Walknappa leather steering wheel, decorative stitching, badge, pearl chrome finish, thumbnails, red centre and black/red high gloss paddles

Anthracite headlining

Black boot net with lashing eyes

Cargo function on 2nd seat row

Conditioned based service

Driver and front passenger backrest net on rear

Driver side folding compartment in instrument panel

Folding rear clothes hook

Footrest and pedals in black plastic

Four grab handles integrated in roof lining

Front and rear door pockets with bottle holders

Front and rear side armrest integrated into door trim

Front armrest with storage compartment

Glove compartment

Luggage compartment for bag hooks on left and right, foldable luggage compartment liner and four lashing eyelets

Manual adjust steering wheel

Multi-function controls for steering wheel

Pedal covers in stainless steel look

Storage compartment in centre console

Storage compartment in luggage compartment

Stowage of the parcel shelf in luggage compartment trim

Two front centre console cupholders

Type C two USB ports in rear centre console

Packs

Active Guard pack - 1 Series

Interior lights pack - 1 Series

Parking assistant pack - 1 Series

Safety

2 tone horn

3 point seatbelts on all seats, front pyrotechnic belt tensioners, stopper and belt force limiters, rear coded belt buckles

Airbags - Front driver/passenger, front and rear curtain head protection, front side, manual deactivation of front passenger airbag

BMW emergency call

Child proof locking system in rear door

Crash sensor activating of airbags, Unlocking doors, hazard warning lights, interior light, safety battery terminal

Driver and front passenger seat belt security check

Seatbelt warning

Side impact protection

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Seats

3 rear seat head restraints

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Child seat ISOFIX attachment for two outer rear seats and front passenger seat with anchorage points

Driver and front passenger seat heating

Height adjustable front head restraints

Rear armrest integrated in door trim panel

Rear seat backrest with manual 60:40 split folding with 3 top tether clips integrated on rear of seat panels

Single front passenger seat

Upper retaining strap integrated into backrest rear panels

Security

Central locking switch for all doors, fuel filler cap and luggage compartment

Deadlocking function system to all doors

Drive away locking system on all doors and luggage compartment with de-activated in iDrive settings

Locking wheel bolts

Remote control with integrated key with High-gloss Black inlay and M designation and 1 button for open/ close lock, window, open luggage compartment

Start/stop button illuminated in centre console with keyless engine start and auto start stop deactivation button

Thatcham Cat.1 alarm and immobiliser

Wheel slip limitation close to the actuator (ARB)

Towing

Trailer stabilisation logic

Transmission

Electronic differential lock

Electronic selector lever

Steptronic transmission with double clutch

Variable, stepless and infinitely adjustable distribution of drive torque between the front and rear axles

Vanity Mirrors

Sun visors with vanity mirrors and insert tab

Wheels

Reduced rolling resistance tyres

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit plus - tyre sealant, autonomous power supply via rechargeable battery, wheel attachment via magnets & mounting pin, auto tyre filling

Emissions - ICE

CO: 0.104

CO2 (g/km): 154

HC: 0.009

HC+NOx: N

Noise Level dB(A): 67

NOx: 0.008

Particles: 0.0005

Standard Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 173

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 185

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 173

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 168

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 148

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 246

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 171

Engine and Drive Train

Camshaft: DOHC

Catalytic Convertor: No

CC: 1998

Compression Ratio: 9.5:1

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Cylinders: 4

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 82

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 94.6

Engine Code: B48A20T2

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Fuel Delivery: TWIN TURBO

Gears: 7 SPEED

Number of Valves: 16

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Combined (mpg): 41.5

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

EC Extra Urban (mpg): 47.1

EC Urban (mpg): 34.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 7.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 8.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 7.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 7.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 6.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 10.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 7.5

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 37.2

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 34.4

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 37.2

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 38.2

WLTP - MPG - High: 43.5

WLTP - MPG - Low: 26.2

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 37.7

General

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Badge Power: 300

Based On ID: N

Coin Description: xDrive

Coin Series: M135 xDrive

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Generation Mark: 3

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 29E

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 6

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 78

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 84

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 4

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 85

NCAP Safety Assist %: 80

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Service Interval Mileage: 18000

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Performance

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

0 to 62 mph (secs): 4.9

Engine Power - BHP: 300

Engine Power - KW: 221

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - RPM: 5750

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 295

Engine Torque - MKG: 40.8

Engine Torque - NM: 400

Engine Torque - RPM: 2000

Top Speed: 155

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 225/45 R18

Tyre Size Rear: 225/45 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Style: Y-SPOKE STYLE 975

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Vehicle Dimensions

Height: 1459

Height (including roof rails): N

Length: 4361

Wheelbase: 2670

Width: 1800

Width (including mirrors): 2072

Weight and Capacities

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 49

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2100

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1200

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 380

Max. Loading Weight: 550

Max. Roof Load: 75

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 750

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Minimum Kerbweight: 1550

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.7

Driver Aids

Automatic tailgate operation

Embellishment Trims

Illuminated Aluminium graphite interior trim

Exterior Body Features

Black contrast roof

BMW Individual Frozen paint

BMW Individual special request paint

Electric panoramic glass sunroof

Individual metallic paint

Metallic paint

Model designation deletion

Trim designation deletion on side

Interior Features

Heated steering wheel

Luggage compartment separating nets

Perforated Veganza upholstery

Through-load system

Packs

Driving assistant plus pack - 1Series

Interior and exterior mirror package - 1 Series

M Dynamic pack with M light shadowline - 1 Series

Technology pack with mirror package - 1 Series

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Black sapphire

Metallic - Brooklyn grey

Metallic - Cape York green

Metallic - Fire red

Metallic - Portimao blue

Metallic - Skyscraper grey

Metallic - Thundernight

Paint - Solid

Solid - Alpine white

Paint - Special

BMW Individual frozen paint - Portimao Blue

BMW Individual frozen paint - Pure grey

BMW Individual paint - Special request

Individual metallic paint - Storm Bay

Individual metallic paint - Tanzanite Blue

Seats

Active driver and front passenger seats with electric lumbar support and massage function

Electric front seat adjustment - drivers with memory

Front M sports seats

Towing

Towbar with detachable ball

Trim - Leather

Perforated veganza - Black

Perforated veganza - Mokka

Perforated veganza - Oyster

Perforated veganza - Red/black

Trim - Part Leather

M Alcantara/ Veganza - Black/blue contrast stitching

Wheels - Alloy

19" M forged Y spoke orbit grey matt metallic alloy wheels - style 1085

19" M forged Y spoke orbit grey matt metallic alloy wheels - style 1085 with sport tyres

19" M forged Y spoke orbit grey matt metallic alloy wheels - style 1085 with sport tyres in combination with M Dynamic pack

19" M light multi-spoke Bi-colour diamond-polished alloy wheels in solid jet black - style 977

19" M light Y spoke Bi-colour diamond-polished alloy wheels in solid jet black - style 976