The brand new fourth-generation BMW 1 Sequence enters a aggressive promote it arguably helped create twenty years in the past.
The 2025 BMW 1 Sequence comes greater than 20 years for the reason that unique mannequin was launched again in 2004, a time when BMW determined it wanted to enchantment to youthful consumers in a category beneath the favored 3 Sequence.
A BMW badge on a extra inexpensive mannequin with energy going to the rear wheels and carrying BMW’s core DNA of driving enjoyment was positively an enormous hit with consumers. The German model has offered over 3 million 1 Sequence models globally oveer three generations, creating many lifetime clients who’ve stepped out of the 1er and into greater BMWs.
The fourth-generation 1 Sequence is somewhat bit completely different to the unique system, nonetheless. Entry fashions stay front-wheel drive (and three-cylinder), whereas the M135 sticks with the four-cylinder however has seen a discount in torque from the earlier technology due to its new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
However, has that impacted the general provide of the new-generation 1 Sequence? We flew to Germany to search out out.
From the surface, the brand new BMW 1 Sequence is recognisable by its new entrance finish design, accentuated with large air intakes and a brand new BMW radiator grille that’s accessible with vertical and diagonal bars as a primary. The brand new technology can be straightforward to identify due to its distinctive arrow-shaped parts, resembling daytime working lights and switch indicators.
Regardless of shedding its rear-wheel drive setup, the 1 Sequence design nonetheless appears as aggressive and sporty as ever. It homes a protracted bonnet with a sweeping roofline and the enduring Hofmeister kink on the C-pillar.
Adore it or hate it, the rear finish of the 1 Sequence is a really daring design from the Germans. It has a racecar-like apron that now extends out with vertical reflectors and black diffuser-style inserts.
In individual and in the suitable color, we positively love the look of the brand new 1 Sequence, however we will additionally see how it may be somewhat excessive (particularly on the rear) for some.
How does the BMW 1 Sequence evaluate?
View an in depth breakdown of the BMW 1 Sequence towards equally sized automobiles.
BMW
1 Sequence
How a lot does the BMW 1 Sequence value?
Australian pricing and specs have been introduced in July forward of an arrival within the latter phases of 2024.
| Mannequin | Worth excluding on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2025 BMW 118 | $56,500 (+$1700) |
| 2025 BMW M135 xDrive | $82,500 (+$5900) |
To see how the BMW 1 Sequence traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability software.
What’s the BMW 1 Sequence like on the within?
The beauty of shopping for an entry mannequin of a luxurious model is that you simply typically get the identical degree of expertise and options of a way more costly automotive.
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M135 xDrive
It doesn’t make sense for a corporation like BMW to create completely different working techniques and applied sciences throughout its completely different fashions.
As such, the 1 Sequence is blessed with a whole lot of hundreds of thousands of {dollars} of analysis and improvement price range, and options first launched to the market on considerably dearer vehicles.
In the identical approach that we might doubtless criticise the BMW 7 Sequence now for having an working system and expertise that’s widespread to the 1 Sequence, we will reward the entry BMW in reverse.
As with Audi and Mercedes-Benz, the halo vehicles are used as technological launch pads, and people options then filter right down to the remainder of the vary. That is apparent whenever you sit inside the brand new BMW 1 Sequence cabin.
There may be a right away wow issue with the tremendous excessive decision screens and excessive cabin construct high quality. The curved shows oriented towards the motive force are very compelling.
Whereas the screens themselves could also be smaller (10.25-inch data show and a ten.7-inch management show) than among the higher-spec BMW fashions, they work simply as quick working BMW’s newest Working System 9.
As you’ll count on from a brand new automotive, the local weather management buttons have all disappeared and now you might be left with utilizing the display with the intention to change the temperature and regulate the fan velocity.
In contrast to the lately launched BMW X3, the 1 Sequence misses out on the interplay bar that offers a lot faster entry to a few of these options, which we might like to see. Nonetheless, the always-on nature of the temperature management on the display makes it straightforward to entry and alter regardless.
The cabin itself feels very sporty, with a chunky steering wheel and supportive seats. You’ll be able to choice your BMW with a leather-free inside and go for brand spanking new ‘econeer‘ upholstery comprised of recycled PolyEthylene Terephthalate (PET).
It is a five-seater, after all, however it’s extra suited to carrying 4 common adults and a fifth if the necessity arises for a brief journey.
BMW has redesigned the seats completely and we felt them to be extra supportive and fulfilling to sit down in for lengthy distances drives. We discovered head- and leg room in each rows plentiful for a automotive this measurement, however issues get tight if the center seat can be in use.
Like different automobiles working BMW OS9, you possibly can management your new 1 Sequence utilizing your cellphone. In truth, you now not even want a key, along with your smartphone appearing as the important thing. Then again, BMW has gone somewhat overboard making an attempt to be a expertise firm, by even introducing its personal app retailer so you possibly can obtain apps like Audible and native podcast functions.
In Europe (and maybe additionally in Australia at some stage), you possibly can even obtain an app to observe dwell TV or streaming leisure, however solely when the automotive is stopped. Now you could be considering that’s a terrific concept for if you find yourself caught in visitors, however it solely works when the car is stationary – not solely that, however we discovered that with a few of these apps it needed to be in Park.
So far as we’re involved, vehicles are meant for use for transportation. For those who’re discovering your self watching TV or enjoying video games in your stationary automotive utilizing the automotive’s infotainment system, we might love to listen to why you wouldn’t simply use your iPhone?
In fact, most house owners will merely mirror their cellphone utilizing Apple CarPlay and by no means use BMW’s native system, however when some apps don’t have CarPlay or Android Auto integration, this can be a approach of permitting them to work on BMW’s native working system.
It’s truthful to level out that whereas the apps and among the options could also be somewhat gimmicky, BMW OS9 is definitely glorious. The velocity at which the menus could be navigated, the readability of the screens and the time it takes for issues to work may be very very similar to utilizing a brand new iPad. It’s a a terrific consumer expertise for any BMW, not to mention an entry mannequin BMW.
We additionally love this new technology of cabin lighting that BMW has fitted to its vehicles, together with the 1 Sequence. You’ll be able to manually set a stable cabin color as you want, however there are a variety of default themes that basically improve the cabin atmosphere and add to the enjoyment of any drive.
These go from a sporty vibe to a relaxed or soothing calmness of lights casually transferring across the cabin. Curiously, you should buy new color schemes from the BMW App Retailer.
From a practicality perspective, you will get the 1 Sequence with a 40:20:40 break up rear seat backrest which could be folded down to extend baggage compartment quantity from 380 litres to as much as 1200 litres.
Total, we’re fairly impressed with the 2025 BMW 1 Sequence’ inside match and end, and really feel that for an entry mannequin right into a luxurious model, you’re not getting shortchanged.
| Dimensions | BMW 1 Sequence |
|---|---|
| Size | 4361mm (+42mm) |
| Width | 1800mm |
| Peak | 1459mm (+25mm) |
| Wheelbase | 2670mm |
| Cargo capability | 380-1200L |
To see how the BMW 1 Sequence traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability software.
What’s underneath the bonnet?
Energy and torque or the entry-level BMW 118 are up 12kW and 10Nm in comparison with the previous-generation mannequin respectively, whereas for the M135 xDrive it’s up 8kW however down 50Nm.
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M135 xDrive
| Specs | BMW 118 | BMW M135 xDrive |
|---|---|---|
| Engine measurement | 1.5-litre 3cyl turbo | 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo |
| Energy | 115kW (+12kW) | 233kW (+8kW) |
| Torque | 230Nm (+10Nm) | 400Nm (-50Nm) |
| Drive sort | Entrance-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch auto | 7-speed dual-clutch auto |
| Acceleration (0-100km/h) | 8.0 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Gas financial system (claimed | (TBC) | 8.1L/100km |
To see how the BMW 1 Sequence traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability software.
How does the BMW 1 Sequence drive?
For our check in Germany, we got the keys to the BMW 120 and M135. For the launch of the car within the Australian market, we’re getting (a minimum of initially) a lower-grade 118 as a substitute of the 120 that we examined.
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120
Though each use the identical 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, the distinction between them is 10kW and 50Nm within the 120’s favour (125kW and 280Nm) predominantly the results of a mild-hybrid electrical motor and battery system within the 120 – which can be 0.2s faster from 0-100km/h (7.8 seconds).
Our first impressions of the 120 have been optimistic as a driver’s automotive. The three-cylinder petrol engine could seem underpowered on paper, however that’s actually not the case behind the motive force’s seat – even when the automotive does weigh round 1500kg unladen. There’s a raspy enthusiastic observe from the little engine that encourages you to push tougher.
Being a front-wheel drive platform, the bottom mannequin automotive actually doesn’t bode effectively by way of giving that conventional BMW rear-drive expertise, and that was actually additional emphasised within the torrential rain we endured throughout our drive in Munich.
Nonetheless, there’s no denying BMW has tuned the car to be a enjoyable drive. There’s a nice dynamic really feel to the way it corners and drives, you simply have to observe the throttle software on exit to keep away from the occasional burst of torque steer. We discovered the experience to be fairly delicate, however it did often really feel a bit on the laborious aspect.
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M135
Shifting as much as the M135 xDrive, the brand new mannequin is a four-cylinder like earlier than, however it has now misplaced the previous-generation’s eight-speed automated.
This implies a a large torque discount of 50Nm, which BMW says is a results of the constraints of the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (additionally used within the 118 and 120).
The earlier mannequin did the 0-100km/h dash in 4.8 seconds, in comparison with the brand new automotive’s 4.9 seconds. That is fairly stunning given the brand new mannequin weighs extra and has much less torque, however this has extra to do with the most recent launch management system within the fourth-generation.
Throughout our drive that discount of torque was comparatively evident throughout in-gear acceleration.
That’s to not say the M135i isn’t fast, as a result of it’s. It’s simply not as energetic as it could have been with the eight-speed transmission and the additional torque.
On the plus aspect, the top-spec 1 Sequence may be very confident-inspiring in the way it manages corners and distributes torque to all 4 wheels.
Though it might’t ship 100 per cent of its would possibly to the rear-wheels alone (additionally why there isn’t any Drift Mode), the 50:50 distribution is greater than ok to present it a correct AWD really feel.
Within the very moist climate through which we skilled the drive, it felt sure-footed and keen to maintain pushing.
Total, the driving dynamics of the 1 Sequence at the moment are completely completely different to what they as soon as have been, with the unique and second-generation fashions being rear-wheel bias and gaining access to 4 and six-cylinder engines.
However instances change and vehicles evolve, and we will’t consider any new purchaser leaping in both the 118 or M135 and being disenchanted by how both drive or carry out as an inexpensive BMW sports activities automotive.
What do you get?
118 highlights:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Tyre restore equipment
- Tyre strain monitoring
- M Sport package deal
- M high-gloss Shadowline highlights with prolonged contents
- Inside and exterior mirror package deal
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Adaptive M suspension
- Energy tailgate
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- 10.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- Onboard 5G connectivity
- Head-up show
- Wi-fi cellphone charger
- Proximity entry and push-button begin
- M headliner Anthracite
- Veganza upholstery
- Heated entrance sport seats
- Energy-adjustable entrance seats
- BMW Drive Recorder
- Semi-autonomous parking help
M135 xDrive provides:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- M rear spoiler
- M Sport brake, darkish blue metallic
- Panoramic glass roof
- Black-painted distinction roof
- Harman Kardon premium sound system
- Heated steering wheel
- Entrance seat lumbar assist
- Entrance seat therapeutic massage operate
Is the BMW 1 Sequence protected?
The 2025 BMW 1 Sequence has but to be assessed by ANCAP or Euro NCAP.
Normal security tools contains:
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Exit warning
- Lane departure warning
- Lane change warning
- Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
- Pace restrict data
- Parking Assistant Plus
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
- Encompass-view digicam
M135 xDrive provides:
- Evasion Assistant
- Crossroads warning
- Entrance cross-traffic alert
- Lane-keep help
- Steering and Lane Management Assistant
How a lot does the 2025 BMW 1 Sequence value to run?
The 2025 BMW 1 Sequence, like the broader BMW vary, is roofed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.
There may be at present no affirmation of service pricing for Australian fashions.
CarExpert’s Tackle the BMW 1 Sequence
The fourth-generation BMW 1 Sequence is one of the best 1 Sequence that has ever been.
It arrives in Australia in a number of months and whereas it has by no means been an enormous vendor for the model regionally, it ought to completely enchantment to these taking a look at an entry-level luxurious German hatchback.
The 2025 mannequin yr brings a few host of recent applied sciences and elevates the 1 Sequence to be a much more premium product than earlier than. It additionally prices extra although, and comes with some compromises which might be a mirrored image of the instances.
consumers would discover that cross-shopping the car with its German rivals will put the 1 Sequence in a really optimistic mild, just because it comes with the most recent expertise, a implausible inside in addition to tremendous sharp and aggressive appears.
For us, if a BMW X1 doesn’t make the lower, the brand new 1 Sequence actually gives a wonderful an extra inexpensive different that provides a sportier drive and look.
All for shopping for a BMW 1 Sequence? Get in contact with considered one of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here
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