BMW updates 1 Series range for MY25

BMW’s entry 1 Series hatch has been updated for 2025 with refreshed styling, newer technology and standard equipment – and a price increase of up to $5900.

Two variants will be offered locally including the front-wheel drive 118 (formerly 118i) and all-wheel drive M135 xDrive (also losing the ‘i’ suffix from its designation to avoid confusion with electric models).

The 128ti has been dropped from the range.

Visually, the model is 42mm longer (to 4361mm) than the predecessor with a lower and deeper front bumper contributing most of the vehicle’s additional length. Height is reduced 25mm (to 1459mm) while width (1800mm) and wheelbase (2670mm) are unchanged.

Smaller kidney grilles and revised LED headlights complete the frontal makeover while at the rear the 1 Series receives a newly profiled bumper and LED tail-lights, and quad exhaust tips on the M135 xDrive variant.

Inside, the revised 1 Series features much of the styling cues offered in the X1 SUV, including a similarly shaped dashboard housing a single-piece curved instrument and infotainment display containing 10.25-inch and 10.7-inch screens. The system is powered by BMW’s latest OS9 software.

Equipment updates now see the 118 (from $56,500 plus on-road costs) fitted with adaptive cruise control, adaptive LED headlights, automated parking, blackened trim highlights, heated front seats, a powered tailgate, and tyre pressure monitoring.

The 118 is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine making 115kW (+12kW) and 230Nm (+10Nm) and paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission driving the front wheels. The 0-100km/h standard is listed at 8.5 seconds.

For the sporty M135 xDrive (from $82,500 + ORC) additions include front cross-traffic alert, front massaging seats, a heated steering wheel, lane centring and lane keep assist, and a premium Harman/Kardon audio system.

Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine developing 233kW (+8kW) and 400Nm (-50Nm) paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (replacing the eight-speed automatic offered previously) and all-wheel drive.

BMW quotes a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 4.9 seconds (-0.1 seconds).

Optional equipment packages include the Enhancement Package ($6500) for the 118 variant comprising metallic paint, 19-inch M alloy wheels, panoramic glass sunroof, heated steering wheel, massaging front seats, Driving Assist Professional, and Harman/Kardon premium audio.

The M Sport Package Pro ($3200 on 118; $2700 on M135 xDrive) adds a black-painted roof, M Sport brakes, M Shadowline lights, M seatbelts, M Sport seats, and M rear spoiler.

Optional exterior finishes above Alpine White (solid) include Black Sapphire, M Portimao Blue, Skyscraper Grey, and Thundernight metallic hues ($1700), and Storm Bay ($3500), Frozen Pure Grey, and Frozen Portimao Blue ($5000) BMW Individual shades.

Further options extend to alloy wheel selections, upholstery types, and interior garnishing.

The 2025 BMW 1 Series range will arrive in local dealerships in the fourth quarter of this year.

2025 BMW 1 Series pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs