Last week the new 2025 BMW 1 Series was presented and we were already able to meet it in person. Because it is one thing to see a car in images and quite another to see it next to it, get in and play. For now in a study (there are details that we will perceive better in daylight), but we have already gotten an idea of the BMW 1 Series (F70) and are beginning to clear up many doubts.
Is it a new model or a redesign?
BMW made it clear. It is the fourth generation of the model. Granted, it is based on the same platform as the previous model, but it is true that all the body panels are new, we cannot speak of a restyling in which only a few things have been touched. You can see it in this video:
To begin with, the measurements change. It is now a car 42 mm longer than the 2020 Series 1, reaching 4,361 mm in height, due to the new shapes of the bumpers. It is also 25 millimeters up to 1,459 millimeters. The width remains at 1,800 millimeters. I have not seen it exaggeratedly larger than the previous one either, despite the dimensions that I am giving you… and there is no lack of the long hood or the wedge shape, typical features of the model throughout its history. The raised 1 on the Hofmeister curve of the C-pillar gives it a special touch.
The grill caught my attention, for the first time with a structure of vertical and diagonal bars in the conventional versions… and much flatter than the previous one. I was convinced by the headlights, with arrow-shaped LED technology that act as daytime running lights and turn signals. The unit we saw had the adaptive LEDs with matrix high beam. And behind, vertical reflectors and a black diffuser that hides the exhaust outlets, unless you choose the most powerful variant, the BMW M135 xDrive.
Can it compete indoors?
Inside, all eyes are focused on the curved screen (BMW Curved Display) with a 10.25-inch instrument panel and a 10.7-inch central screen. We know it from other models and it releases the most updated version of the operating system. The improvement is notable, it is at the level of the Mercedes A Class, the clear benchmark in this aspect.
Where BMW has improved in a couple of decades now is in finishes. And now it goes one step further. Be careful, here we had M Sport Pro package with details such as the M leather steering wheel or the M sports seats with integrated headrests. The brand also had a lot of emphasis on the use of sustainable materials (such as the Econeer upholstery made with recycled PET) and that it was a pre-series unit. We wait to see a production one to see if it reaches the Audi A3 2024, but it stands out for its well-touched padded surfaces. Otherwise, similar space and habitability as before and a 380-liter trunk (expandable to 1,200 liters).
What engines can you choose?
It comes to the market with gasoline engines (BMW 120 with 170 HP three-cylinder and BMW M135 xDrive four-cylinder with 300 HP) and diesel engines (BMW 118d with 150 HP and the 120d with 163 HP). The BMW 120 and BMW 120d have 48-volt mild hybrid technology and achieve the ECO environmental badge from the DGT.
All engines combined with 7-speed Steptronic transmission with dual clutch as standard. And yes, it needs to be driven, which is why this article is not a test. But BMW gave us the long teeth, talking to us about greater structural rigidity, with a standard running gear with optimized kinematics and more precise steering. Want to try it.
