We’ll have to wait for the next 2 Series Gran Coupé to arrive to get our hands on this powertrain.
The Europeans have it well. Not only do they get the Audi S3 Sportback and Mercedes-AMG A45, but also the BMW M135i. The M division is taking its hot sedan to the next generation, alongside the classic 1 Series. The fourth iteration of the entry-level model from Munich has undergone significant aesthetic changes while retaining the front-wheel drive architecture.
The exterior styling is evolutionary, remaining instantly recognizable as a Series 1 but with sharper headlights. At the back, the taillights appear to be from the latest X2. The M Performance derivative gets a quad exhaust system, inherited from the X1 M35i and X2 M35i. With the new performance sedan, BMW signals the beginning of the end of the letter “i” (from “injection”) in the names of its gasoline models. Look at the tailgate and you’ll notice it only says M135.
In line with BMW’s latest design trends, the performance version gets the M-specific side mirror caps that were once a staple of current M cars until a few years ago. The same can be said of the M badge on the grille. Hell, there’s even an M logo on the plastic engine cover with its faux carbon fiber. The not-quite-M model gets its fair share of gloss black trim, as well as a meaner grille with horizontal slats.
The normal 1 Series, whether with or without the M Sport package, has a rather odd grille with intertwined vertical and oblique lines. While most recent BMWs have flush door handles, the 1st retains the traditional layout. Elsewhere, it’s the company’s first car to feature a contrasting roof finish with a gloss black look. Wheel sizes start from 17 inches and rise to 19 inches for the M135, which also benefits from optional compound brakes.
Upon entering, the cabin is a radical departure from the old model. The 2025 1 Series gets BMW’s iDrive 9 infotainment system with two screens. The digital instrument cluster measures 10.25 inches while the touchscreen has a diagonal of 10.7 inches. As with other models with side-by-side screens, most of the conventional buttons are gone. In fact, even the traditional iDrive rotary knob has been removed in the name of minimalism (or cost-cutting, depending on your outlook on life).
The large gear lever has given way to a small selector to further declutter the cabin. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission can be ordered as an option with paddle shifters, which are standard on the M135. This version also features form-fitting front seats with an illuminated letter M, just like in the larger M cars. A fully vegan interior is standard on the new generation.
The M Lite 1 series will be available from day one, incorporating the latest iteration of the B48 engine. This 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline mill will produce 296 horsepower in EU countries with stricter emissions regulations. In other regions, BMW will unlock the full 312 hp.
This is already the case with the mechanically linked X1 M35i and X2 M35i crossovers. Torque is rated at 295 lb-ft regardless of market. That’s enough four-pot punch for a sprint to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds and a top speed electronically capped at 155 mph.
The only other gasoline engine available at launch is a small 1.5-liter turbo three-cylinder in the 120. It’s a mild-hybrid powertrain rated at 168 hp and 206 lb-ft. The base 1 set takes 7.8 seconds to complete the sprint to 60 and maxes out at 140 mph.
There’s also a 120d with a 2.0-liter turbo oil burner. This diesel, also equipped with 48V technology, delivers 161 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The most economical 1 Series sprints from 0 to 60 km/h in 7.9 seconds and reaches 220 km/h at full tilt. A cheaper 118d makes do with 148 hp and 265 lb-ft, allowing 0-60 in 8.3 seconds en route to an identical 138 mph.
As before, there are no plug-in hybrid or fully electric derivatives of the 1 Series. The upcoming 2 Series Gran Coupe (F74) will be presented later this year with almost the same technical specifications, plus a US visa. The M235 will likely be available on day one. The Americans will receive the uncapped version of the engine.
Meanwhile, the new 1er will go on sale in Europe in October once production begins in Leipzig, Germany.
Gallery: BMW 1 Series 2025
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