The all-new BMW 1 Series hatch has arrived in New Zealand, bringing new generation styling, powertrains, advanced automated driving functions, digital solutions and a dramatically expanded standard specification list.
2025 BMW 1 Series: Quick Facts
- Fourth generation BMW 1 Series features new design, powertrains and technology
- Two variants in launch line-up: 120 and M135 xDrive
- 120 engine integrates 48-volt mild hybrid technology
- Features BMW Operating System 9 with QuickSelect for intuitive operation
- Cutting-edge automated driving and parking systems
- Enhanced body rigidity and development of chassis for an engaging drive
- Considerable expansion of standard specification offering
- Pricing from $68,900 for BMW 120
BMW New Zealand’s launch portfolio for the fourth generation 1 Series includes the 120 as the entry variant and the M135 xDrive as the flagship model.
The company says the new 1 Series heralds a new era for BMW model nomenclature. Naming of the variants includes removal of the ‘i’, which previously stood for petrol injection. The ‘i’ will in future be reserved exclusively for fully electric BMW models.
The 120 is powered by a TwinPower Turbo three-cylinder engine that develops 125kW and 240Nm. Integration of 48-volt mild hybrid technology enhances its efficiency and spontaneous power delivery, claims BMW. The new engine combines with a seven-speed Steptronic transmission with dual clutch and drives the front wheels.
The M135 xDrive features an M TwinPower Turbo engine that develops 221kW and 400Nm, with the 0-100km/h time achieved in 4.9-seconds. The performance offering drives all four wheels via its xDrive system, and now with a seven-speed Steptronic transmission with dual clutch, replacing the eight-speed Sport Steptronic transmission.
The new BMW 1 Series matches its revised powertrains with across-the-board enhancements.
The dynamic and sporty aura of the 1 Series is emphasised by its long bonnet, a set-back positioned passenger cell, dynamically flowing roofline and a powerful, squat rear end.
Exterior length has increased by 42mm to 4,361mm and height by 25mm to 1,459mm, while the vehicle width is 1,800mm and the wheelbase is 2,670mm.
Two solid paintwork finishes, seven metallic finishes and four BMW Individual paint finishes are available for customers to personalise their BMW 1 Series. In addition, the new M135 xDrive is the first to be fitted with a contrasting roof paint finish in high-gloss black.
The exterior styling package of the M135 xDrive includes exclusive elements, such as M radiator grille with horizontal bars, M exterior mirror caps and quad exhaust tailpipes.
The new interior offers a premium ambience, leather-free materials as standard and generous space for up to five occupants, says BMW. Newly designed seats offer a high level of comfort and support, while multiple upholstery options will be available to add a distinctive touch to the cabin.
Other aspects include a new steering wheel, redesigned gear selector and adoption of the BMW Curved Display, which integrates a high-definition 10.25-inch Information Display and 10.7-inch Control Display.
The quantity of buttons and controls in the cockpit has also been reduced thanks to the use of digital technology. For example, air conditioning is now controlled digitally.
A headline aspect of the interior is the latest version of BMW iDrive – based on Operating System 9 – with QuickSelect for intuitive and convenient operation of vehicle functions. The new home screen shows function icons vertically arranged on the same level, and the configurable QuickSelect widgets enable direct access to functions without the need to switch to a submenu.
The driving experience is enhanced for the fourth generation BMW 1 Series thanks to key changes under the skin. Increased rigidity of the body structure and chassis connection deliver enhanced agility, steering precision and cornering dynamics.
The revised chassis includes optimised kinematics, highly preloaded anti-roll bar mounts and new shock absorber technology. The caster of the front wheels has been increased by 20 per cent, ensuring stable directional stability and optimised steering feedback.
The BMW 120 comes with 18-inch M light-alloy wheels, while the M135 xDrive features 19-inch M light-alloy wheels.
An extensive array of automated driving and parking systems are fitted as standard. Highlights from an entry variant perspective include Driving Assistant and Driving Assistant Plus with Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go, front collision warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, Exit Warning and Speed Limit Information, as well as the Parking Assistant Plus with surround view camera, Reversing Assistant and BMW Drive Recorder.
The M135 xDrive features Driving Assistant Professional. This fully integrated system includes all the technologies listed above, as well as Steering and Lane Control Assistant.
The BMW 120 and M135 xDrive launch variants come as standard with specifications listed below:
2025 BMW 1 Series: 120
- BMW TwinPower Turbo 1.5L 3-cylinder petrol engine
- M Sport Package
- 18” M light alloy wheels
- 7-speed Steptronic transmission with gearshift paddles
- Adaptive LED headlights with High-beam assistant
- Adaptive M suspension
- Automatic operation of tailgate
- BMW Head-Up Display
- BMW Live Cockpit Professional with 10.25” instrument display, 10.7” Control Display with BMW Operating System 9
- Comfort Access system
- DAB+ digital radio
- Driving Assistant and Driving Assistant Plus
- Front collision warning with brake intervention, Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go, Rear cross traffic warning, Exit warning
- Speed limit information
- Electric seat adjustment for driver and front passenger, incl. memory function for driver
- Interior and exterior mirror package
- M Headliner Anthracite
- M high-gloss Shadowline with extended contents
- Parking Assistant Plus
- Active PDCBMW Drive Recorder, Surround view camera system, Park Assist
- Reverse Assistant
- Personal eSIM, onboard 5G connectivity
- Seat heating for driver and front passenger
- Speed Limit Info
- Sport seats for driver and front passenger
- Through-loading system with 40:20:40 split
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
- Tyre repair kit
- Veganza upholstery
- Wireless charging tray
2025 BMW 1 Series: M135 xDrive
In addition to the equipment on the BMW 120:
- 19” M light alloy wheels
- Active seat for driver and front passenger
- Lumbar support
- Massage function
- Driving Assistant Professional
- Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go, Lane keeping Assistant with active side collision prevention, Cross traffic warning front and rear, Front Collision Warning with brake intervention, Evasion Assistant
- Crossroads warning
- HiFi loudspeaker system – Harman Kardon
- M rear spoiler
- M Sport brake, dark blue metallic
- Panorama glass roof
- Roof in Black
- Steering wheel heating
2025 BMW 1 Series: M Sport Package Pro
This package is available for both variants, incorporating red brake callipers for the M Sport brake system, optional roof in black for the BMW 120, and – exclusively for the BMW M135 xDrive – M Sport seats.
The M Sport seats for the driver and front passenger feature distinctive side bolsters, lumbar support and integrated headrests with a cut-out in the upper part of the backrest and illuminated M logo.
2025 BMW 1 Series line-up
| Variant | Powertrain and drive | Max. Power (kW) | Torque (Nm) | 0-100km/h (secs) | Price* |
| 120 | 1.5L TwinPower Turbo inline 3-cylinder petrol engine; 7-speed DCT Steptronic; FWD | 125 | 240 | 7.8 | $68,900* |
| M135 xDrive | 2.0L TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder petrol engine; 7-speed DCT Steptronic; xDrive | 233 | 400 | 4.9 | $97,900* |
